I Think This is Love

21: Biggest Dream

GABBY

Every heartbeat feels louder than the next as the final seconds of the game tick down. Kevin, cool and collected, has been dribbling the ball, casually exchanging words with the other player guarding him. Then, he flashes a swift glimpse our way, and the next thing I know, he stands before the three-point line, launching the ball into the air.

My heart leaps. The gym goes quiet.

And it goes in!

The final buzzer blares, signaling the end of the semifinals. We've done it—St. Therese wins, and we're advancing to the next round! The crowd grows wild, erupting in cheers as the brass band bursts into a triumphant tune.

"Yes! Oh my God!" I shout, clapping with uncontainable joy. My chest swells with pride for the team. I may not be on the court, but there's a part of me that beams with satisfaction, knowing I've been in their corner. My efforts count, right? Even in the smallest ways.

The players and Coach huddle at the center of the court, celebrating their victory, while I linger at the sidelines, content to watch. I'm pleasantly surprised when my friends and Francis come over to join me, and I happily welcome their company.

Then, out of nowhere, something unexpected happens.

Francis casually drapes an arm over my shoulder, pulling me into a side hug and patting my arm softly. His body presses lightly against mine, and the mild, dewy scent of his cologne subtly envelops me.

I blink a couple of times as he recoils, clapping in celebration.

But instead of butterflies, there's only a strange numbness. Am I too overwhelmed? Why do I feel like his touch means... nothing?

I meet Francis' gaze, who smiles as if he hasn't done something that has snapped something within me.

Something snapped.

The truth hits me hard—my long-time crush, the one I once thought might be my first love—no longer makes my heart race the way he used to.

I suck my teeth, shuffling my feet. Not now, Gabby. Don't get lost in your thoughts.

"Kevin's amazing!" Kaye gushes, and I nod in agreement because it's true. He was unstoppable, scoring half our points. Francis and I exchange a knowing look, pride for Kevin reflected in both our eyes.

Soon, the celebration winds down and the crowd thins. The team heads back to the locker room with Coach. Francis waves goodbye first, and I hang back, tidying up our seats to make sure we don't leave anything behind. A part of me considers going over to congratulate the team—especially Kevin. But... are we still friends? He represented the school brilliantly. I should congratulate him...

"Did you guys hug?" Kaye asks, wiggling her eyebrows teasingly.

"Does that count?" I mumble, collecting the water bottles.

Janine swoops in, suspicious. "What's with the low energy? It's unlike you."

"Oh, uh, I mean, I don't want to overthink it."

"You? Not give it meaning?" Kaye shoots back. "You alright?"

I absentmindedly trace my fingers over the spot on my shoulder where Francis had touched me. Wasn't there a time that just being in the same room as him was my biggest dream?

"Of course," I respond in my most cheerful tone. "The team won! The team I manage. Can you believe that?"

Thankfully, Kaye and Janine buy my acting, sparing me from the thoughts I'm not ready to confront.