This Could Be Us

Chapter Fifteen - Two of a Kind

After the events of that night, I didn't expect Paige to avoid us when school started. To be quite honest, I thought she was going to try and make my life a living hell. It almost worries me that she has been avoiding Carter and I at school.

As more days passed, with continued avoidance, I began to relax and think maybe she understood that her and Carter were over. There was no sense in getting worked up, when she was clearly not showing any warning signals.

Besides, district basketball was just around the corner, and I had more important things to worry about. The girls basketball team had only lost one game all season and with one game left before districts, we were beginning to set our goals high. This was going to be the year we made it to the State Tournament. Carter and the boys' team had the ability to go as well, so we were both very distracted.

"Game against Valley this weekend, huh? Think you can beat them this time?" Anna asked as we made our way to the cafeteria.

"We've been really cracking down on our defense during practices, and our offense is much quicker than earlier on in the season." I responded, confidently.

"Don't forget your team has that really cute 3-point shooter who hardly misses a shot!" Carter added, flashing me a smile.

I felt myself blush and gave him a playful punch in the arm. "Oh whatever."

"Boys team better step it up this week if they want to be a threat come districts!" Anna pointed out to Carter.

Carter chose to ignore Anna's comment, like he usually does. She's been openly advising Carter on what the boys' team needed to improve on - which had become a very plentiful list.

"Where's Kaleb at?" I asked Anna, trying to change the subject.

Anna shrugged, "Who knows. He's everywhere and anywhere, all the time."

"Hmm, match made in heaven." I teased.

Anna opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted when two girls - giggling - pushed through us and through the cafeteria doors.

"What the-" Anna yelled, causing the girls to look back with a glare. This didn't last long as two seconds later, the doors closed behind them and they were gone.

"Was that?" I asked in disbelief.

"Yep." Carter replied.

"Fan-freaking-tastic." I sighed.

----------------------------------

Finally things were starting to make sense. Paige's avoidance could only last so long, and now she was making her presence known. She even found herself a new friend - Kate.

Normally, I wouldn't even have a care in the world about who Kate was friends with, but with it being Paige, I started to worry. Kate hates me because she has this bizarre idea that I stole Zach from her, and Paige hated me because she thinks I stole Carter from her. I've just been minding my own business! I knew Zach had feelings for me, but I never reciprocated those feelings or forced him to break up with Kate. As for Carter, I didn't even know about Paige and he never mentioned her. So they can waste their time hating me, but I don't really deserve any of it. Right?

"What's on your mind?" Carter asked as we left school that day.

"To be honest, I'm just a little concerned about Paige and Kate being friends now." I admitted.

"Why?" He asked.

"Uh, maybe because they both are out to get me?" I stated.

Carter laughed as though he thought I were joking, but when I didn't join in, he stopped.