Even If I Can't Love You

Chapter 4

Just so I'm clear, if  I ever say "younger girl" in this book, I'm referring to Ali. I know she's older in real life, but as I said in the beginning, Ali's birthday is after Ashlyn's.

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Ashlyn was really enjoying having a day with nothing to do. She was hanging out with the suite girls in the living room, just talking about how they liked college so far. They were having a really good time.

Ali felt her phone vibrating in her lap, seeing it was her brother calling. She quickly excused herself from the room, answering the call. She was planning on calling him later, but she might as well talk to him now.

"Yo, Alex. Just wanted to talk and see how the college life is. How you likin' UNC?"

"It's great! I have great friends, a great team, what else could I ask for?"

"I'm glad you like it B, but I can tell something's bothering you. What is it?" Kyle asked his sister with concern.

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Ashlyn quietly excused herself to go use the bathroom. She quickly made her way out of the room and into her dorm room, careful not to disturb Ali's conversation. Luckily the younger girl didn't notice her. 

Ashlyn didn't really need to use the bathroom, but she needed a little break. Suddenly, Ashlyn heard Ali say something to her brother.

"Kyle, how'd you know you were gay?" she heard her roommate say.

Ashlyn didn't really think much of the question, but was still curious. 

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At the beginning of practice later that day, their coach, Jill Ellis, said she had an announcement. 

"Alright girls. We have a new player joining the team. She's a transfer student from California."

As soon as Jill said that, a girl walked out of the locker room.

"Sorry I'm late," the girl said.

"No problem. Girls, this is Alex Morgan."

Alex waved to everyone, and we just started our drills. Everyone had to admit, Alex was exactly what the team needed to win more games.

Ali was a little jealous though, and she didn't know why. Alex was being really touchy with Ashlyn. When they were all done changing, Ali finally went over to Ash and Alex (who were still talking). She kissed Ashlyn's cheek.

"Wanna head back to the dorm?" she asked.

"Sure thing, princess. Bye Alex."

They walked back to their room in silence, holding hands.

"Alex seems nice," Ali said once they both showered and were snuggled in bed relaxing.

"She is. I think we could win a lot more with her."

Ashlyn was trying to make her best friend jealous by being a little touchy with the new girl. She hoped that if Ali did get jealous, Ali would admit that she liked her. Ashlyn didn't know it yet, but she was slowly falling for Ali more and more everyday. 

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Later that night, Ashlyn was talking to Whitney Engen. The two had become great friends. Right now, Ashlyn was spilling out all her feelings for Ali to Whitney.

"Whit, I can't just go up to my best friend and say 'hey, wanna go on a date with me?' I can't risk losing a friendship with her."

Ali just stood at the door, trying to process what she just heard. She was still confused what the feelings she had for Ashlyn were. Was she in love with her? Did she like her? Alexandra Krieger had no idea.