Remember When...?

31.

A/N: The Sixers and the Suns actually played in Phoenix November 4th, 2019 (earlier in the season) and were supposed to play them in Philly sometime in March. Due to the season being postponed, that isn't going to happen. So I decided to actually push the November date to February for the sake of the storyline. Please don't hate me 🥴. Enjoy!

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February 26th, 2020

Ben

The team is in Phoenix to play the Suns tonight. I'm currently not playing because I'm having lower back issues. I only played like 2 games after All-Star weekend, before I started having these back pains. And let me tell you, they hurt like a mother.

(He actually was hurt during this time. -A/N)

After I told Joel about Ally and I, he flipped. He cursed me out in 4 different languages, then told me how dumb I was for that. And if I didn't hear it from him, I certainly heard it from Kyle O'Quinn and Tobias. Even Matisse had a shot at me, and he's a rookie. Speaking of Matisse, that's who I'm in a room with.

"What you need to do is apologize to her." Tobias exclaimed, glaring at me. "She didn't deserve that shit Ben."

"I know bro, I just...I don't know." I mumble.

"No you do. You know. You just needed some entertainment. And you figured because she was so vulnerable, she was an easy target." He went on. "I can't believe you did that to her. She was such a sweetheart."

I frown. I'm sure if they could punch me, they would do so.

"I don't know her, but I'm sure she's really nice." Matisse said.

"Oh she's amazing. The sweetest there is." Tobias said.

"Dammit Ben!" Matisse exclaimed, pushing me upside my head.

Before I could swing at him he was running away. I growl in aggravation.

Hours later, we were making our way to Talking Stick Resort Arena in preparation for tonight's game.

* * *

Ally

Today my mom and dad were coming with me to the Suns game. For two reasons; they wanted to see the new and improved Suns team for themselves, and they also wanted to make sure I didn't hurt myself while carrying their grandchild. Mom may have mumbled a little something about wanting to see Ben in person. I tried to tell her he was hurt, but she wanted to see just how hurt he was if he was able to make the trip to Phoenix for this game.

"If it were my decision, his ass would've been staying in Philadelphia. The hell he need to come all the way out here for?" My mom questioned.

I chuckled because she always speaks with confidence. Never have I ever heard her speak and be unsure of what she was saying. She definitely had a way with words.

"It's called support mama. The injured players come to the games to support." I explain.

"Do they go to all the travel games?" She asked.

"Not all of them. Maybe like 3 or 4 maybe." I say. "It depends."

She nods in understanding.

"That's nice and all, but I still wouldn't let them travel. Stay your ass home and recover." She said.

My father just shook his head when I looked at him.

"I ain't got nothing to do with that. You know whatever mama says, goes." He said.

I giggle at that. My father has always been a man of few words, but would definitely speak up when something wasn't right or he just didn't like the way things were turning out. He loves his wife though.

Both of my parents are headstrong individuals and I admire that most about them. The one thing I regret is not speaking up as much when the situation with Ben was happening. The sex was off the hook, don't get me wrong on that part. I just wish things could have gone differently.

"You know honey, when we explained the concept of love to you, we probably weren't as specific about it." My mom exclaimed.

"How so?" I ask.

"I don't think I mentioned the part about how you could be the one that falls in love, but doesn't receive love back. And that it would take a while for it to just vanish." She said.

"Well now that I've gone through it, I think I understand the concept very well." I frown.

She looked back at me from the passenger seat.

"This is going to be the first time you've seen him in eight months, if he's here. It's destined to be very emotional, especially with the fact that you're carrying his baby." She explained.

I nod, looking down at my stomach. I look like I'm about ready to burst.

"I think I'll be okay." I say, rubbing my belly soothingly. I really hope this baby doesn't decide it's going to kick me at this game.

I look up at my mom again, who gives a small reassuring smile. She then turns back around and we continue to enjoy the ride.

When we get to Talking Stick Resort Arena, the first thing we do is find our seats. Once seated, dad asks us what we want from the concession stand. I chose a pretzel and water. I wasn't that hungry at the moment. I was more anxious if anything.

"Relax Ally." My mom soothes me, placing her hand over mine. "Just relax."

I take a deep breath and nod. Our seats were directly across from both team benches, 7 rows from the court. From where we sat, we had a perfect view. And if any of the players looked close enough, they'd spot me. Not only that, but if I stood up, they'd know it was me.

About midway through the first quarter, I lock eyes with Tobias Harris. His eyes widen at the sight of me and he waves vigorously. I wave back on the low. I didn't want him hinting at Ben that I was here. He must've understood why I was being so lowkey and just nodded in response. He's the best, really.

When halftime came, both teams were making their way to the locker rooms. I was headed to the bathroom because I had to pee. I should've known not to drink an entire bottle of water in that span of time knowing I have a baby sitting directly on my bladder.

Sometimes...I just don't think.