Breaking The Game [Book #1]

Chapter 12

Allie

Friday morning; I'm not sure what to think or feel. I made it to the center before Alix could and signed in. I greeted Coach and did my normal walk around in the locker room, but now I refuse to leave it. I guess you can say I'm avoiding Alix. She said nothing would change between us, but something told me that she didn't really have control over that.

Tiffany probably texted Alix before she left my house Tuesday night and told her everything. It was the only thing that made sense. It was the only thing I kept repeating in my head.

I'm sitting on the floor and leaning my head against the wooden bench. My faded blue jeans had small rips in them. My hair is down, covering my white plugs. My black sweatshirt does a good job of making me look thicker than I already am.

Am I really going to admit my feelings for her? The ones I can't describe or understand myself? How is that supposed to play out? It's like trying to recite a memory I don't remember. Why did I let Kendra talk me into this? I can just get up and walk back to the court now. Alix would be too busy warming up and practicing to acknowledge me anyways. She probably already moved on - if she was even stuck on me in the first place.

Kendra was right about Alix being sweet and gentle. She's like a calm wave that comes after a storm. Her skin feels light and laced with honesty. Honesty came easy for me because I know what it feels like to have the truth tied up with white lies. Maybe I do need someone honest and blunt with a touch of gentle, but do I really deserve such ... kindness?

I could hear small footsteps coming closer and closer in the hall. Since the locker room door was open, I heard everything including the buzzing silence. Was it Alix walking this way? I felt a pit forming in my stomach, sucking up all my nerves and throwing them back up. I jumped to the sound of small knocks on the locker room door.

I held my breath, trying not to make a sound. I really didn't want to be bothered or dragged out into the court.

"Allie?" asked Alix.

My mouth dropped open a little. I was trying to find the words to say. I heard her walking closer until she peeked around the corner of the middle set lockers. I looked at her. She looked back at me. She looked confused.

"What're you ... doing in here? By yourself?" she asked softly.

Her dirty blonde hair was in a messy ponytail. She had on a navy blue sports bra with something else underneath it. It caught me off guard. I've never seen her bare stomach before or gotten a clear view of her chest. Her tanned skin was a little bleak, probably from the lack of sun. Her black sweatpants were a little tight on her, but they allowed movement. She had her black duffel bag hanging from her shoulder.

"I just needed some time to myself," I said quietly.

"Oh ... well I have to put some stuff in my locker if you don't mind." She said.

"How'd you know I was in here?" I asked.

"Coach said he sent you in here, but you never came back out." She walked over and sat down on the bench.

I looked away from her. "Didn't think he noticed."

I felt her hand on my shoulder. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," I said dryly.

"You don't seem okay." She said quietly. She took her hand off my shoulder.

I blinked a couple of times. Is now the time to tell her how I feel? I don't want to embarrass myself. I've never done this before.

"Did I hurt you?" I asked. I turned my head and looked up at her. She quickly looked down and pinched at her sweats.

"What're you talking about?" she said quietly.