Beyond The Court

13. Missin Out

I just got off

I'm waiting on a friend to scoop me up

Oh, it's hella cold out

But I had to get away to call you up

I just got back from L.A.

Yes, I plan to move

And I know that's what they all say

But I'ma be someone to know soon

***

The soft sound of sneakers squeaking on polished hardwood echoed faintly in Paige's mind as she sat alone in the dorm, her knee still elevated on the couch. The low murmur of a basketball game replaying on TV provided a weak distraction, but it wasn't enough to pull her fully away from the persistent ache inside her chest.

She knew exactly where Azzi and the rest of her teammates were right now—at practice, pushing themselves, sharpening their skills, getting ready for the season that was moving forward without her. A part of her wanted to be there so badly it hurt, but another part of her understood. Her body wasn't ready, and no amount of longing could change that. Still, it felt like the world was continuing on without her, and the reality of being sidelined weighed heavier each day.

The gentle hum of her phone vibrating against the armrest pulled her out of her thoughts. She reached for it, a small spark of hope fluttering in her chest. Maybe it was Azzi checking in. She opened her messages to see one waiting from Azzi.

people's princess

Peanut Butter🩷
How's the knee feeling today?
PT still kicking your butt?

Paige smiled at the simple text, the warmth it brought cutting through the frustration that had been gnawing at her all morning.

Jelly💜
It's rough, but getting there
Miss you though

She stared at the screen after hitting send, waiting for a reply. It came quickly.

Peanut Butter🩷
Miss you too
I'll swing by after practice
We'll get through this together

Paige let out a slow breath, her heart settling with a small sense of calm. Azzi had always known just what to say, even when Paige was spiraling into the dark corners of her mind, where doubt and insecurity lurked. She needed that reassurance more than ever now.

She leaned her head back against the couch, closing her eyes. The sound of the TV faded into the background as her mind drifted. The past few days had been a blur of physical therapy, slow progress, and moments where it felt like she was watching her life from the sidelines. She wanted to believe she was making progress, but every day felt like the same small battle, inching toward a finish line that seemed impossibly far away.

The door to the dorm creaked open, and Paige's eyes snapped open in surprise. She hadn't expected Azzi back this soon. But it wasn't Azzi—it was Jana, stepping inside, her face lighting up when she saw Paige sitting on the couch.

"Hey, I wasn't sure if you were napping," Jana said, crossing the room. She dropped her gym bag by the door, her hair still slightly damp from practice. "How's it going?"

Paige offered a small smile. "It's going. Slowly."

Jana sat down on the chair across from her, leaning back with a casual ease. "Azzi mentioned you've been working hard at PT."