Duke Basketball

Chapter 7

Over the next few weeks we became very close. Everyday we would talk and hang out. Luke and I still remained as close as we always had been though. Psychology was going well and I was on good terms with Carter, Kenzie and Nia. I felt like I was finally getting the college experience I always imagined myself having.

Carter and I had started to get really close. It all started on a Wednesday morning, in psych.

"Morning, Lucy." Grayson said, handing me a bagel.

"Thanks, Gray." I said, gratefully. I started eating the bagel when I realized he was staring at me. I slowly turned my head towards him.

"Um, is something wrong?" I asked.

"You're like, one of my best friends right now." He replied.

"Thanks, same for you." his smile brightened even more. I smiled to myself. The rest of my day was going great when I got a text from my Grandpa saying he wanted to meet me for lunch. I was going to stop by his office after my next class. When it was finally time for lunch, I made my way to his office. The door was already slightly ajar. I took a seat outside. That's when realized he was talking to Grayson.

"Grayson, I want to help you. I'm here for you. The whole team is here for you. You have to tell me what's wrong so I can help fix it. You just need to talk to me." I don't know what it was exactly, but him saying that made me so upset. I got my things and got up. I could feel the tears forming in my eyes. I didn't know if I was sad or mad. I only knew that I had to get out of there. Grayson saw me run by and quickly grabbed his backpack, excusing himself from the conversation. I went from fast walking to running.

"Lucy!" I could hear Grayson calling my name from behind me, I kept running. By now tears were streaming down my face. I didn't know what to do.

"Lucy!" I heard Grayson again and started running even faster. I should've known better. He caught up to within seconds, stepping in front of me to slow me down. He grabbed my arm.

"Hey. " he said in a comforting tone, "Everything going to be alright." he said reassuringly. I tucked my hair behind my ear aggressively, mostly just to have an excuse to take my arm back.

"Do you want to tell me what happened?" he asked, frowning a little at me.

"You're what's wrong! Leave me alone!" I shouted and turned around walking away. He wasn't going to leave my side. I knew I was being over dramatic. It was very clear to me that I was. But at that moment I didn't care.

"Me? What did I do?" he asked, clearly confused.

"Forget about it." I said, giving him the cold shoulder.

"No, seriously, tell me. I want to know." He remarked. I stopped and turned around to see Grayson who was trailing behind me. I stared him dead in the eyes, glaring at him. I tried to remain like that so he wouldn't see the side of me I tried to keep away from everyone. But, I burst into tears once again. Any attempts I had to keep my emotions in failed. Everything came out.

"He talks to you like you're family. He talks to all of you like you're family! He never cared about me. He never was there for me. How could I ever compete with his real family when I'm just me? What was I thinking coming here?" I broke down into tears. I felt alone for a few moments. Then I felt two arms wrap around me, holding me in a tight embrace that I felt safe in. I looked up to find Grayson staring down at me, concern filling his large eyes. After a few deep breaths, I finally let go of him and sat down.

"It's going to be okay, but who's "he"?" Grayson asked, confused. I realized he was completely clueless to the situation. I took a deep breath.

"No one, don't worry about it." Then, I picked up my things and walked off. I walked all the way back to my dorm not looking back, even though I could feel Grayson's eyes on me as I left. I just had to get away. As soon as I saw Grayson had left, I made a beeline for the courtyard. I called it "the abandoned" courtyard because nobody was ever there. It was strange because it out looked downtown durham and was surrounded by tons of trees. It was almost like a ledge behind the dining hall. I set my backpack down and plugged my earbuds into my phone, kicking of my shoes. I tucked my phone in the waistband of my shorts.