Skinny Love (completed)

"Wait!" I burst.

"Wait!" I burst. Dave immediately got off me realizing the situation. Tristan stomped over to me and pushed Dave away. "Tristan stop. He wasn't doing what you think."

"You sure about that?" Tristan had his back turned to me but I knew he was staring daggers at Dave.

"Yes. I'm sure, Tristan. I asked him for help and he fell." Tristan shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I don't want to deal with this." He shook his head again and left. I wanted to grab at his long arm but knew I couldn't reach it. I called his name and told him to wait multiple times but it availed to nothing. I heard the front door shut and I just wanted to be in his arms. Or him be in mine.

Dave apologized and I felt bad that he was caught in such a misunderstood situation. I wanted to chase after Tristan but my leg kept me from driving and even running.

Running. This stupid broken femur. I might never run again.

Dave ended up leaving. Promising to visit when everything was sorted out with Violet.

I called Lizzy and told her everything. She said someone could make a movie off of my family. I asked her what I should do and she gave me the option of just calling Tristan tomorrow or today and talk through it with him, or have her drive me to wherever he could be and sort it out in person. I chose the latter.

Lizzy picked me up and we drove to Tristan's house. Dave, his brother in the wheelchair, said he wasn't home, but to check the gym at the school.

I remembered Tristan telling me that basketball was his safe haven before he met me.

Lizzy drove me to the school and I told her to drop me off. She didn't think it was a good idea but I convinced her that Tristan would have no choice but to drive me home.

"You're a genius, Jazz! Go get your man!" I smiled as she yelled at me through the window of her car. Then she drove off as I walked to the gym doors.

Even though school was out, the gym doors were mostly unlocked due to cheer practice and the dance team.

I snuck in and made my way to the gym I always saw Tristan in after track practice.

The sound of a ball hitting the ground over and over again made my heart pound. I took in a deep breath before taking hold of the metal door handle and opening it.

Tristan was covered in sweat and wearing jeans. His shirt was off and his shaggy hair was dripping at the tips. His muscular chest moved up and down with every heavy breath he took. He didn't miss a basket as he performed layup after layup. I stood in the shadows of the bleachers by the door as I watched him make his way to the middle of the basket ball court and aim.

Swoosh.

The ball fell through the basket and Tristan collected it and did it again and again until I decided seeing his angry face was no longer bearable.

"Tristan," I squeaked, lower than it should have been. He stopped with his back turned to me. He dropped the ball and placed his hands on his hips. I studied his strong back and noticed muscles I had never seen before. Probably because the last time and the only time I saw Tristan without a shirt on was seven weeks ago at the pool party. I said his name again and he shook his head. I made my way to him as he bent down and picked up the orange ball. He got into position then missed the basket.

He turned around, a few feet between us, and my heart pumped faster than before. I took in a deep breath and crutched closer to him.

"Baby?" I faintly said, fighting the urge to cry. I wanted to say so much at once but didn't want to rush anything. Tristan breathed heavily through his nostrils as he allowed his thin lips to stretch into a stern line.