Breaking The Game [Book #1]

Chapter 17: Part 1

Narrator

Sunday morning. Allie's sitting in the front row of the bleachers. Coach Clover walks around the court, examining the newly waxed floors in his black tracksuit. All six girls on the team are in the locker room getting ready.

Alix and Allie haven't seen each other yet. They haven't since that Wednesday morning. Allie is unaware of what happened to Alix when she went home. They haven't talked either. Allie wondered if she did something wrong. She didn't receive any texts back or calls. It's like Alix forgot about her.

Allie's hair is in a pony tail. Her metal tunnels are in her ears and her legs are crossed. Her light blue denim jeans are a little baggy and hippy looking, but she's comfortable. Her black jersey also makes a great addition to her hippy look.

Alix isn't the only girl on Allie's mind. North clouded most of her thoughts. That memory continued to play over and over in her head. With no evidence to actually verify it, she's left stuck questioning her own faith.

Allie snapped her attention to the sound of the double doors opening. Footsteps and small chatter between the girls traveled. Allie felt her heart picking up as she spotted Alix walking around the corner. Alix's navy blue yoga shorts are tight and so is her white tank top. Her hair is also up in a ponytail. Her white knee pads are covering her kneecaps. Allie watched, waiting for Alix to approach her.

Alix finally turned in Allie's direction. Allie quickly stands up, waiting to be greeted by the team captain, until she notices something different in the way she looks. Alix's eyes aren't as bright as usual. Her skin is a little pale and she looks tired. Allie became worried. Something is completely wrong.

"Hey." Allie said quietly. "You okay?"

Alix nodded. She doesn't know what to say - where to begin, so she lies. "I'm okay. Just a rough week."

"I haven't heard from you all week, since Wednesday." Allie said sadly.

"I know - I'm sorry." Alix said.

"Well it's good to see you." Allie said. She's determined to figure out what's wrong with Alix.

"It's great to see you too." Alix cracked a small smile. Her voice is low and shaky.

Allie doesn't bother to ask the same question again. Whatever Alix is going through, Allie knows that it would be best if she saved the questions for later.

Allie pulled Alix in for a tight hug. Alix is relieved, finally resting in comforting strong arms. She closes her droopy light brown eyes and pushes her face into Allie's left shoulder. Allie is also comforted by Alix's light grip. Both girls found themselves going through small withdrawals.

Allie slowly dropped her arms from Alix and kissed the top of her head. Allie noticed the other girls exchanging looks and words in their direction. She ignored it and reverted her attention back to Alix, who refused to let go of her.

"I'm guessing I let go too soon?" Allie joked.

Alix nodded. "Mhm."

"Alright sorry then." Allie said wrapping her arms back around Alix.

Alix wants to escape for a few more seconds. She needed someone to protect her from everything. Even if it's just for a minute.

"Wanna ... go get a snack? Allie asked softly.

Alix looks up at Allie with wide eyes and shakes her head no. Allie doesn't know what's gotten into Alix.

"Are you sure? I mean, you're always encouraging me to eat." Allie said.