I REFUSE •Stephen Curry•

•17•

Day 2

I felt bad, really bad.

After last night Klay became distant. He avoided eye contact, kept conversation short and stayed out as long as possible. It felt like a repeat of what happened with him I was slowly loosing him and it was my fault. He didn't even let me know when he left and it igged me with annoyance. I heard the slam of the front door; signaling that he was gone. I needed to fix this now because by the time he comes back I'll probably be asleep and that's what he wanted. I pick up my phone and look at the date. Tuesday, he has practice today and the only way to catch him is to meet him there. I get up putting on my slides grabbing the keys. This was the first time I've left the house in weeks. I take a deep breath and drive my fingertips lightly tap to the music onto the steering wheel. The Oracle Arena comes into to view. I realise what happened the last time I was here. Should I really go in there? I don't think I'm ready. I get ready to change my gears into reverse but then something stops me. For once I can't be selfish. I have to do this for Klay's and I's friendship. I slowly park again before getting out of the car. The guard greets me with a warm smile as I return it. He opens the door and waves me in. I mumble a thank you before walking into the arena. I try my way to the main entrance as I try to text Klay. I bump into something until my body stiffens. Him and Ayesha were kissing and I felt the pang of jealously rush through my heart.

"Uh sorry." I mutter quickly as they both flushed with red. I make sure to brush past them and keep walking. "Klay!" I call out once I see him practicing his jump shots.

"Aaliyah what are you doing here?" He asks.

"I miss you." I say frowning his eyebrows furrow in confusion.

"What? I'm right here." He says.

"No Klay I miss our late night deep conversations our intensive eye connection and now you can't even look me in my eyes!" I yell frustration taking over.

"Aaliyah I'm sor-"Klay you know how much I hate the word sorry." I whisper. He frowns and nods.

"I just thought it was awkward and I didn't think you wanted to talk to me after last night." He explains scratching his neck.

"Of course I would your my rock." I tell him taking his hand from his neck and placing it in mines but not in a romantic way but a more friendly one.
He kisses my forehead as my eyes flutter shut. He just held me for a minute.

"Let's not fight I hate when we do." I murmur. He nods his head in agreement. Someone clears their throat as I turn to see the new couple together for the second time today.

"Uh excuse me I need to practice." He mutters his words full of annoyance.

"No-"Klay it's fine babe you need to practice anyway we can wait until you get home." I tell him and kisses his cheek. His face breaks out in a big grin.

"Did you call me babe?" He questions his face still holding a smug grin. I shake my head playfully at him.

"Oh shut up Thompson." I tease hitting him playfully. He holds his arm as if I injured him.

"Youch." He says I can't help but giggle.

"Oh man up." I say while poking his cheek.

"I need medical attention and I demand it from you." He states. I laugh.

"See you later Thompson!" I yell before throwing up my deuces and exiting the building. I took confrontation with him a lot better than I expected. Maybe, just maybe I was healing without realising it and that made me even more motivated to continue living my life happily.