"Defense... Defense... Defense... Defense...Defense!"  The cheerleaders and fans loudly chant over the instrumental No Limit. I lean in on my elbows on my knees, watching intently from the bench.

Marcus snatches the ball out of Virginia Tech's Macarty James's weak hands. He flops down like a bitch, but the refs don't call it, thank God. Marcus goes full speed down the court and makes his effortless dunk.

The fans go nuts as the last minute dwindles down. Hollis has the ball now and passes it to Rashad, who makes a clean layup. Blow horns and cheers erupt through Xfinity center as we once pull off another miracle against Virginia Tech.

Rushing with a limp onto the court, I wrap my arm around Marcus and Hollis.

"Yeah, New York's finest," I congratulate Hollis, rubbing his shoulders. He laughs as he pulls in the hug. Our season has been very nail biting, but we are pulling it off.

"Time to see my woman," Hollis gushes, pointing at Alexis, who's covering her face while Maxine rolls her eyes. Marcus and I chuckle, shaking our heads at the puppy love he is not afraid to show. He blows her a kiss and she sheepishly shrinks in her seat.

Sap

"Rashad, what was the strategy this week and how was it different than last week," A report urges, almost popping him in the mouth with their microphone.

"Blind spots, some guys just don't see it," he boldly confesses, shooting his eyes right on me, trying to make a cocky statement. I roll my eyes in his sight, turning my back away from him and answering the question of a report about my ankle.

Reporters rush up to speak to Rashad's winning shot. He's been getting winning shots lately and I don't mean only on the court. He's taking a shot I'm scared to take, and I won't take.

Shooting your shot with women is risky, pricey, and vulnerable. It means to let go of your pride and pursue someone you are interested in. My ego is too big to just be locked down. So, Rashad took it upon himself to take his shot with Lizzie. I mean, she is worth it. She's worth more than precious rubies, diamonds, or gold, rather.

I glance up into the stands to see Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve give me a thumbs up. I chuckle at their enthusiasm, considering my ankle got fucked up getting away from that bitch ass Macarty James. I guess I made the wrong move again, figuratively speaking. The Med team told me it would be best to sit out and get a check-up on Monday at the campus clinic. Looks like I'll be doing the good old R.I.C.E. method all weekend long.

I mean, it's probably for the best considering my mind is elsewhere. I know I fucked up. There is no excuse in the world for what I've done to justify my actions.

This whole photo shit has been out of hand, and there is only so much I can do to fix it. Yeah, I know Lizzie doesn't deserve any of it, none of it. The brutal name-calling and painting an 'A' on her for shit people don't even know the real truth about is beyond unfair.

Lizzie is more precious than rubies, and the fact people are so quick to listen to negative things about good people until they're cut down shows how this world is nothing but filled with cowards.

The picture's momentum got so much, and it just got overwhelming. What could I have even done to fix it? I keep clearing our names, but it has just only gotten worse. They found her on Instagram. By the time I wanted to fix it, I had remembered Maxine's death threat and followed through with leaving her alone.

If I'm honest here, it was best to keep it that way. Besides, she's happiest in her own little world. She doesn't need my shadows in her world of light and warmth. She doesn't need me or anyone else to complete her. She's whole by herself. And that's both beautiful and fucking scary.

She's almost like the doppelganger of Gabrielle, and I didn't want to go through that shit again. Call me selfish, but I'm just looking out for myself from being hurt again.

"How is your ankle?" Marcus consoles, assisting me to the bench.

"Fucked, but I'll be alright," I admit, resting my leg on the bench.

"You can always have a certain nursing student baddie to help you out," Jordy throws shade, flashing a smile I want to punch out.

The guys laugh as Jordy wiggles his eyebrows at me.

"Fuck off," I bark, rolling my eyes.

"Too soon, Jordy... Too Soon," Hollis adds, chuckling and brushing his messy, wet hair. Damn, he really beat us all in the shower to see his woman. The boy is sprung and fallen hard for Alexis Clark. Knowing him, he probably already bought a ring he's hiding in his Jordan shoebox in his closet.

"Nah, it wasn't even like that," I downplay, catching my shower gel Marcus tosses.

"Right," Hollis roasts, slipping his red Nike shirt over his head. The guys laugh along with Hollis's contagious laugh, which makes it hard not to crack a smile.

"Why y'all worried anyway," I grumble, slowly getting up.

"Because you literally been on Rashad's ass all week," Hollis chuckles, helping me up from the bench.

"Right, just on him," Jordy carries on.

"Not a good look," Marcus jabs with a smug grin.

I suck my teeth, ignoring their comment as Hollis helps me to the showers. The thing about Rashad is that he is good for Lizzie, and admitting that pisses me off.

The way Rashad touches what's mine, feeling what's mine, smirking at me the whole time boils my blood. Arrogantly staring at me as he boldly danced with her, flirted with her, and put on a charming facade. He fucking knows what he is doing and better tread lightly because Maxine and Alexis will put him in the grave after my slip-up.

"Because he is bluffing. He isn't serious," I growl, yanking the shower gel out of his hands.

"And you weren't?" Hollis chuckles.

"Hollis," I stress, letting the warm water soothe my radiating ankle. Damn, that feels good.

"What? I'm just saying," Hollis defends, observing my swollen ankle.

"Well, don't," I clip, washing up the soap off my body.

"So, the whole texting and Sky Zone thing wasn't anything," Hollis trails off, circling his hands.

"I mean, believe what you want," I conclude, cutting off the water.

"But what do you want me to believe?" Hollis quizzes, handing me my towel.

"That is was nothing," I ended, wrapping the towel around my waist.

"Because actions speak louder than words andddd I saw something," Hollis reveals, grinning wide.

"Okay, Dr. Phill," I snort, resting some support on Hollis.

"Just trying to work out your feelings," he notes, getting me back to the other side of the locker room.

I grumble as Hollis continues to lecture me on his thoughts behind Sky Zone. I zone out when I observed Rashad was smiling a little too hard at his phone. Probably a corny joke, Lizzie said.

Damn, I miss those. I won't lie; the little moments with her mattered more than anyone will know. She brightened my day with a single message.

"Look at chu," Marcus chuckles, throwing my clothes at me.

"You are only torturing yourself," Hollis adds, tucking his phone in his pocket.

I slant my eyes, slipping on my school Under Armor merch. Rashad glances at me, and I nod at him.

"How's your ankle," Rashad begins, gazing his eyes down.

"It's good," I clip, slipping on my school Under Armor sweatshirt.

"Well, let me know if I can help," Rashad offers, throwing his towel over his shoulder.

I nod, watching him walk away to the showers. Marcus, Jordy, and Hollis grin like idiots.

"Brotherhood Jaylan, Brotherhood," Jordy jokes, pats my back.

"Should have shoot your shot," Marcus roast, tying his blue Nike airs.

"I'm sayin, now Rash-"

"Alright, I get it, damn," I scoffed, slipping on my matching joggers.

The guys laugh, and Marcus slaps his hand on my shoulder. I grumble, struggling to get dressed. Between my ankle hurting like a bitch and their constant roasting, I'm moving slowly. My anger is marinating to explode on somebody.

"If you get it, fix it because I'm tired of hearing Maxine how she wants to kill you and get away with it. She has a plan, you know," Marcus warns, which sends chills up my spine. I know she does, especially how she gave me a look this morning eating my damn cereal and making me wonder if she put rat poison in it.

"As sweet as my baby is, Lexi does too," Hollis trembles, shaking his head.

I rub my hand over my face in frustration, and all the guys laugh.

"Got to give your fuck boy ways up someday," Marcus preached.

"You got room," I mock, tying my shoe.

"I've learned," Marcus admits, surrenders his hands in the air.

"That's cause Maxine has you by the dick," Jordy chuckles, helping me up from the bench.

"In the best way," Marcus deadpans.

We all laugh, walking out of the locker room as the guys assist me out. As my laugh quiets, my eyes meet toffee brown eyes sparkling in the dim light. My mouth curls up into a smile as I walk over to my guilty pleasure of the week.

Breanna Gregory.

She is the most beautiful melanin distraction on campus. Lately, she has been a great distraction from my dark, lustful thoughts since I ended things with Ava. It's been really quiet without hearing or seeing her around campus, which scares me.

"What a surprise," I grin smugly at her. The guys softly grumble goodbye. I wave goodbye, and Marcus mouths 'Lizzie,' making me roll my eyes.

"I just wanted to congratulate you," Bree smirks, looking up at me.

"We can do that." I confirm, licking my bottom lip. "You ready to go?"

"Mhm," she hums, biting her lip as she wraps her arms around my neck. I lean in and kiss her plump lips flavored with strawberry, which deepens our kiss. She slowly pulls back and presses her hand on my right pec. Clasping our hands, I step backward, allowing sharp pain to shoot up my leg. Worry instantly clouds Bree's face.

"Fuck," I grimace, reaching to soothe my ankle.

"Aww, I'll take care of you," Bree soothes, cupping my face.

"Come on, let's go," I grit my teeth, and she nods.

Every time I step, the pain tightens and it throbs. Fuck, I sprained it badly. But this is the best time because we have a bye week, and I can rest it. I hope I get better, though, because after this bye week, on the road, we go to State College, PA. I hate Penn State. They play so fucking dirty.

"I'll catch up," Bree beams, letting go of my elbow.

She quickly goes over to her group of friends on the side of the building, who look like they are anxiously waiting. They squeal in happiness as she whispers something to them. I shake my head, heading to my car when my eyes spot a familiar gold spec shining brightly on my windshield wiper that freezes me faster than this cold air. I quickly wobble over, cursing as the sharp pain radiates up my leg.

"Fuck," My breath hitches as I extend one hand, picking up the bullet and sticking it in my pocket.

"Thought you considered shaving the points for a second," P.J. chuckles, causing my heart to jump out of my chest.

"Why are you here?" I growl, slowly turning around.

"Got to watch how you step backward," PJ continues, twisting the toothpick in his teeth.

"Leave," I order, pointing, and he chuckles.

He tosses a thick wad of cash, wrapped in a rubber band, onto the hood of my car.

"There's more where that comes from," he insists, pointing his toothpick at me.

"I don't want it," I toss it back, opening my car door.

PJ scornfully laughs, shaking the wad of cash. "Missing out, boy,"

"Leave," I command, making his eyes flicker up and down.

My eyes shift away from him as I notice Ava walking with Rashad to her car. Rashad touches her back softly as he opens her car door. As if she knew I was watching, she wraps her arms around his neck, kissing him on the cheek. He shakes his head no and waves goodnight.

"Man, you lost snow bunny too? What a night," PJ laughs, darting my attention back to him.

"Fuck, would you leave," I fume as anger stirs like a tornado in my chest.

PJ tosses another gold bullet, thumbing at my left chest. The bullet pings the concrete, choking the air in my lungs.

"Think about it," he warns, walking to his car. I clench my fist as he slams his car door shut.

"Who was that?" Bree interjects, watching PJ drive off.

"Trouble," I grumble, opening her door.

"Oh..." She ends that conversation, thankfully, and sits down. I slam the door.

And this is another reason why I don't want to be with Lizzie. My life is a fucking mess, and I don't want her in it. I'm not a whole person like Lizzie.

Gabrielle hated PJ. She always told me to cut him out of my life, but she didn't understand that he was all I had connected to my mom. I know I had Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve, but I kept a dash of hope he would change.

I let out a deep sigh as I turn down the street, where Bree clasps my free hand.

"You want to talk about it," she invites, tracing her fingers over my tattoos.

"Nah," I dismiss, turning on the radio.

Bree caresses my hands, setting the mood. My cock starts to stiff up, but not because of her touch. It was because of that familiar raven-haired beauty walking home. For someone who doesn't want to see me, she definitely needs to fix her schedule.

It's hard to pay attention as I keep glancing at her body snatched up in her tight aqua scrubs. Her joggers compliment her round plump ass, jiggling with each step and formulating water in my mouth. The way her ponytail sways does me in, thinking about wrapping it up in my first as I pound her mercilessly.

Fuck me.

Bree's humming knocks me out of my sadistic Lizzie-related thoughts as she continues to trace her fingers on my arms.

"That girl is crazy to walk in this cold weather," Bree tsks, observing Lizzie turn the corner.

"Right," Agreeing, I laser my focus on her as Lizzie texts on her phone. She smiles brightly and nibbles her lip, probably overthinking over a small word Rashad said.

"And it's late too. The girl should at least walk with a buddy. These guys are weird out here." Bree continues, looking at her nails.

I nod again as Lizzie swipes some stands off her face, mumbling and shoving her phone in her pocket. She slowly pulls out a long-beaded necklace of some kind, clutching it to her chest.

Bree continues to ramble about campus security not caring about women's well-being. I do agree with that, considering the last rape case that happened here. We slowly drive past her and end up stopping at a stop sign.

"I feel bad, Jaylan; we should pick her up. I'm sure she doesn't live far," Bree's guilt hits her.

"What," I said, with widened eyes.

Lizzie walks past us, slightly glancing at the familiar car, and her feet begin to quicken as her eyes snap forward.

"I don't think she wants to be bothered," I brush, pressing the gas slightly.

"Jaylan, I feel bad," Bree whines, looking at Lizzie halfway down the street.

With a slow sigh, I park my car against the curb. Cold hits my face as I get out of the car, and the door slam startles Lizzie. She turns around and eyes me with those doe eyes wide and round with curiosity. I rub the back of my neck, trying to find the words to say to get her in the car.

Our eyes make conversation for the first time in, well, almost two weeks. Within a blink, she turns away and keeps walking.

"Lizzie, wait," I exhale, and her feet stop.

"Look, I know there is a lot unsaid but, can you let me take you home? I don't want you out here by yourself."

She sniffles quietly and keeps walking. Every step I take hurts, but I softly touch her arm.

"Just let me take you home," I ease.

Lizzie's gingerbread eyes flicker back and forth at me; the gold specs twinkle and twinge my heart. "I'll walk," she declines softly.

She begins to walk away, but I catch her wrist. Her skin is chilly from the night air but as smooth as ever. "Please," I plead.

"There is a girl in your car," she whimpers, which tugs my heart all the way down to my excruciating ankle.

"I know, just get in the car," I sigh disconsolately, watching her nibble her lip. "Come on."  I thumb her wrist discreetly, causing her to shutter.

She moves her hand away and walks ahead of me, giving in. The way her eyes shift slightly, I know she's having an internal battle in her head.

I open the back door for her, and she gets it. Our eyes find each other again, and I shut the door. I don't know what the universe is trying to play here, but I'm not playing.

When I open a door, I want to have the power to close it. My fear is validated, but every time I see Lizzie, I just get this feeling in me I can't shove down no matter how hard I try. We barely said surface things, yet she does stuff to me I can't shake.

I want her, but I can't have her. I shouldn't have her.

Bree is already rambling as I enter my side. Lizzie politely 'mhms' and sits back in her seat. My eyes flicker to the rearview mirror, watching her gold heart necklace fumble between her delicate fingers.

"Girl, you can't just be walking out like that," Bree says tenderly.

She softly laughs, filling my ears with delight. Bree started talking about Lizzie being a nurse and how much they are needed. Every time Bree opens her mouth, Lizzie and my eyes would catch sight of each other.

"Where do you live?" I interject Bree's word vomit.

"Leigh Road," she mumbles.

"GIRL, you were about to work forty-five minutes!" Bree badgers her and Lizzie let out that giggle.

I couldn't help but chuckle and head to her apartment. Silence fills the car, only leaving room for Lizzie's warm vanilla perfume putting me in a trance. Bree traces her fingers over mine, making Lizzie turn her head to the window.

I slowly pull up to her apartment, noticing Marcus's car parked comfortably next to Maxine's. Lizzie lets out a weary sigh, making me chuckle, knowing she will not get any sleep.

"Well, have a good night," Bree politely dismisses her.

"Gracias." She quivers, getting out of the car.

She carefully closes the door behind her, and I nod my head goodnight. As she makes her way to her complex door, I keep a close eye on her. Bree leans her head against my shoulder, but Lizzie and I continue to remain in eye contact with each other. Lizzie holds a discreet nibble on her lower lip as she observes us one last time.

"Jaylan, that was so nice of you," Bree cooes and pats my face.

"Come on, let's go home," I pull off.

I didn't even drive ten feet away from the condo when my phone dings... When I stop at the stop sign, I quickly check to see her name across my screen.

Giggles 🧸: Thank you. Goodnight

A heavy sensation weighs down my chest with one selfish realization.

I don't want to be strangers anymore.

Edited by: still_just_me