Betty’s POV
The car ride to campus was stifling. Dad tried to make small talk, asking about classes and upcoming projects, but Stacey and I barely responded. She stared out the window, earbuds in, while I sat beside her, my hands fidgeting in my lap as Dad kept glancing at us in the rearview mirror.
“I’m glad you two are doing something together, you know? It’s good to see.”
Stacey rolled her eyes. “Dad, we’re just here at the same time, okay? Don’t make it into some bonding thing.” Stacey and I exchanged a brief, uneasy glance.
. The familiar sounds of basketballs bouncing on the hardwood and sneakers squeaking against the court filled the air. We made our way toward the bleachers. I scanned the court until I saw Brent warming up, his movements precise and confident. My heart twisted a little, remembering the easy connection we’d once had, and how it felt so different now.
As I sat down, Stacey slid into the seat beside me, crossing her arms as she watched the players. Her expression was casual, but I caught her sneaking glances at Brent, a small, satisfied smile tugging at her lips.
Just as I was about to say something, Brent jogged over, his face lighting up when he spotted Stacey. I felt a pang, realizing he hadn’t even looked my way.
“Hey, you made it,” he said to Stacey, his tone warm.
She shrugged, giving him a playful smile. “Of course. Told you I’d be here to cheer you on.”
Feeling awkward, I cleared my throat, trying to catch his attention. “Brent, it’s good to see you. I… I came to support you too.”
He glanced at me briefly, nodding. “Thanks, Betty. That means a lot.” He seemed to hesitate, then added, “Maybe we can catch up after the tryout?”
“Sure,” I replied, trying not to let the hurt show. It felt like a dismissal, like he was keeping me at arm’s length.
Stacey leaned forward, watching him with an approving look. “You’re going to crush it out there,” she said, her voice full of confidence.
Brent flashed her a grateful smile before jogging back to join the others. I watched him go, feeling a strange mix of pride and loss. Things between us weren’t the same, and I couldn’t help but feel like Stacey was taking over a place in his life that used to be mine.
Just then, Marcus walked into the gym, his gaze scanning the room. Our eyes met for a brief, electric moment, and I felt a surge of longing. I wanted to go to him, to feel the reassurance of his arms around me, but he only gave me a brief, unreadable look before heading over to Coach Daniels.
The walls between all of us seemed higher than ever, and I wasn’t sure if any of them would come down.