Stay Strong for Me (Austin Mahone Love Story / Fan Fiction)

Chapter 22: This is Robert, my best friend.

Chapter 22: This is Robert, my best friend~

I dribbled the basketball on the pavement of my driveway. I took in the familiar texture of the ball that I have grown to miss. I haven't played basketball in what seems like forever. I forgot how much it used to help me clear my head or just think things through for a while. I almost forgot how much I love basketball.

I fucking miss it.

I gripped the ball in both of my hands and looked up. I aimed for the hoop and let out a deep breath as I threw the ball. As the ball left my fingertips, it was as if all the stress went along with it. It was as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I watched as it flew perfectly into the hoop, the familiar 'swoosh' noise filling my ears. A small wave of pride hit me as I smiled lightly.

This is exactly what I needed. I needed to just relax and let the stress out in a healthy way. And let me tell you, the last three days have been extremely stressful.

Of course I miss Austin, but honestly that's not what's been bothering me. I talk to Austin every day. Whether it's talking on the phone or FaceTiming, there's always some form of communication between us. Of course it's not the same as actually being with him, but it's something. What's been bothering me is the constant guilt and wondering if in fact I did have sex with Robert. Not knowing is killing me.

For the past three days, I've completely ignored Robert in any way I could. I know that's not what I should be doing. I should've asked him the second I woke up in his bed. But I just can't bring myself to ask him. Truth is, I'm scared of what the answer is.

What if I really did sleep with him? That would mean I cheated on Austin. I clenched my eyes shut at the thought of it. How could I do that to him? After all he's done for me? Helping me through everything? I don't think I could ever forgive myself.

I shook my head, trying to make the negative thoughts leave my brain. I threw the ball once more, but it hit the rim and bounced off. I waited to hear the thump as the ball hit the ground behind me, but it never came.

I turned around to look for the ball and froze when I saw my basketball in the hands of the last person I want to see right now.

"Hey Court," Robert smiled while dribbling the ball.

It was just a simple greeting. It was the normal 'Hey Court' everyone usually gives me. So why was I at a loss for words? Why are my palms sweating? This is Robert, my best friend since I was a little kid. Why am I acting like this?

"H-Hi," I stuttered.

As a nervous habit, I pushed my side bangs hanging in my face behind my ears and tightened my high pony tail. Nervous? Wait, why the hell am I nervous?

This is Robert. Just Robert. Nothing has changed.

Yeah, except for the fact you might've had sex with him.

"What's up? I haven't seen you since the party," he asked, breaking up the pathetic mental argument I was having with myself.

"Oh yeah, sorry. I've been busy..." Busy avoiding you.

"Are you okay?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Y-Yes." No.

"Are you sure?"

"Yup." Nope.

"Okay," he said, dragging out the word, obviously knowing something's up.

I'm honestly shocked he hasn't brought up anything that happened between us at the party - well, that's if anything did happen. He couldn't have forgotten like me, because he wasn't drinking last night. Maybe he's not saying anything because nothing happened. Maybe I just got drunk and passed out in his bed and I just happened to have no shirt on. Yeah, keep telling yourself that.