𝚆𝚑𝚒𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚆𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜

𝚃𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚎

The locker room had an eerily, tense silence roaming through it. 
Violet was seated beside Van, trying to calm her best friend down. She tried to focus on rubbing Van's back opposed to dwelling on what she had just witnessed. 
Unfortunately, Violet couldn't stop replaying it in her mind. It seemed like every time she blinked, she heard Allie's shrill cries of pain. She saw Allie's bone peaking amongst the red sea that pooled from the blonde's knee. 
Violet swallowed thicky, turning to look at Van, who looked more pale than usual. 
All the girls avoided eye contact, no one said a word. 
That was until Jackie entered the room. 

"I know we're all really worried about Allie, but... it might not be as bad as it looks,"
"You could see her fucking bones Jackie," Natalie glares, "I'm pretty sure it's exactly how it looks,"
Violet nods, "Yeah, Taylor. I don't think they are suppose to just pop out for fun," 
Van gags beside Violet, "Oh god. I'm going to throw up," 
"Do it over there please," Violet responds, scrunching her nose. 
 "Okay, well..." Jackie began, "We're a team, and we still have each other,"
"And the Lord works in mysterious ways-"
Laura Lee was interrupted as Natalie slammed her fist against the locker, grabbing her bag and storming out. "Nice work Taissa," 

Violet felt a small ping in her stomach as she saw Taissa bury her face in her hands, guilt being evident in her body language. 
But Violet also had a ping of anger that bubbled steadily in her stomach. 
If Taissa would have just listened, this wouldn't have happened. 
Allie wouldn't have a fucked up knee. They wouldn't have to bring someone from the JV team to fill in for Allie, and, there wouldn't be an awful tension amongst the team. 
The girls slowly begin to file out after that, Violet slumped her bag over her shoulder, she and Van get ready to walk out together, only stopping as Jackie lightly grabs her arm. 
Van looks between the two, "Should I-" 
"I'll meet you outside," 
Van nods, making her way out of the locker room, leaving the captain and her star player. 
"Hey," 
Violet looks up, not being able to resist looking into Jackie's large, doe eyes. 
"Hey, what's up?" 
Jackie glances around, Shauna lingers slightly but gives the two space. 
"Are you okay? You seem kinda dazed out," 
"I mean," Violet begins, "We did just witness Allie's bone pop out of her knee," 
Jackie tilts her head, Violet rubs her arm uncomfortably, "I'm alright. Thanks. Are you?" 
"Yeah, yeah I'm alright," Jackie nods, "We'll be fine. The teams going to be fine," 
"Yeah, I think we have a good shot as long as you know..." 
"Everyone keeps their shit together?" 
Violet nods, "Exactly," 

Jackie shifts on her feet for a minute, "You're still coming to the party later tonight, right?" 
Violet nods, not missing the small smile that appears on Jackie's lips. 
"Well then, I'll see you there," Jackie looks back at Shauna, "Do you need a ride-" 
"Van's outside waiting for me-" 
"Right. Yeah sorry. I'll see you later," 
Violet nods, "See you later, Taylor. Bye Shauna," 
Shauna gives a small wave, her and Jackie walk out side by side. 
Violet lets out the breath she didn't know she was holding before meeting Van in the parking lot. 

~~~

"What was Taylor talking to you about?" 
Violet rolls over onto her stomach, staring up at Van, who was flickering through one of Violet's many magazines. 
"Hm?" 
"Jackie. When she pulled you aside. What was it about?" 
Violet props herself on her elbows, looking down at her purple comforter. 
"She was just making sure I was okay," 
Van raises a brow, Violet rolls her eyes, "Any thoughts you'd like to share with the class Palmer?" 
"No. It's just...odd," 
"She's captain. She would've done it for anyone," 
"But she didn't. She did it for you," 

Violet clears her throat, "Is Nat coming over?" 
Van plops the magazine down, flopping on her back beside Violet on the brunette's bed. 
"Fuck if I know. She's really falling into a bad crowd," 
"You mean Kevyn and What's his face?" 
Van nods, also propping herself on her elbows "Yeah, them," 
"Nat's got a good head on her shoulders. She'll be alright," 
Van lets out a loud sigh, "I suppose you're right," 
Violet playfully rolls her eyes, "Well duh," 
Van playfully nudges her, "Come on, we have a party to attend,"