005

FIVE

I stood there like a statue while he walked to me. He was smiling brightly at me.

“Hey, Hailey! Thanks for coming!” Paxton called out, he bounced the ball toward the basketball court with his friends. I felt a flutter in my chest, a mix of excitement and nerves. He winked at me, and for a moment, I really want to keep seeing him again and again.

“Awwn! He’s such a lover boy!” Jessy gushed, her eyes sparkling with admiration as she nudged me playfully.

“C’mon, guys, let’s go sit over there,” Mia suggested, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. We found seats on the bleachers, the old wood creaking beneath us, we sat down and watched the game.

“Do you think Paxton will win again?” I heard one of the girls whisper, and I caught myself biting my lip, trying to focus on anything but their voice were so loud.

“Yes! He’s so cute! Only his cuteness and smartness will make him win. He is a God!” another girl exclaimed, and a part of me felt jealous at their ease in gushing over him. I plugged in my AirPods, hoping the music would drown out the chatter about Paxton and allow me to focus on the game. I played one of my favorite Justin Bieber's song “Under the influence”

Just then, the crowd erupted into cheers and uproar, pulling my attention back to the game. I turned just in time to see Dimitri and Paxton during the halftime show.

Paxton moves so fast with supernatural speed, his curly hair bouncing from the breeze as he dashed across the court. He leaped and released the ball, and it soared through the air before swishing through the net.

“Goal!!!” The crowd roared, and for some reasons, I felt a smile tugging at my lips despite my efforts to remain composed.

“We love you, Paxton!” the girls screamed, their voices high with excitement. I couldn’t help but smile sheepishly, Paxton's eyes stopped at mine as he grin at me giving me a wink.

“See? I told you he’d win!” Mia and Jessy bragged, and I nodded along, trying to suppress the mixed feelings swirling within me. “He is a good player,” I fake a smile, my voice almost a whisper.

But then my heart sank as my gaze landed on Dimitri. He was kissing another girl, his attention fully on her. I blinked my eyes and raised the volume of the music. “He's my past now” I consoled myself.

Soon, it was the girl's turn to play volleyball. My plans became sweaty.

“C’mon, Hailey! It’s our turn to play!” Nikki’s voice sliced through my thoughts, yanking me back to the present. I stood, but my heart felt heavy. Nikki smiled wickedly at me, She had a curly smirk on her face.

The whistle blew, and we took to the volleyball court. The deal is to get the last goal right which is the third goal and one of us would be the winner. The ball was passed and Nikki played so aggressively, it was supposed to be a fair play.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about her, especially with that wicked grin she kept throwing my way.

With every serve, my anxiety built. “You can do this, Hailey,” I told myself, but doubt gnawed at me like a hungry beast.

I jumped up and was about to score when she brushed her shoulder on mine, I felt a sharp pain and fell to the ground, blood was oozing out of my skin.

“Owwww!” The students murmured in confusion. I staggered up to my feet and took the ball again. Nikki smiled wickedly at me.

The whistle blew again, and I served the ball, but as I did, Nikki brushed against my shoulder again. Pain shot through my body, and I fell to the ground, gasping. “I can’t do this anymore!” I cried out, clutching my shoulder. Blood seeped through my fingers, a stark reminder of how brutal this game could be.

“What the hell was that on her shoulder?” I winced in pained.

“Hello, lover girl. C’mon, let’s see who wins! Are you so tired already?” Nikki laughed, the sound sharp and cruel. My heart sank further.

I glanced toward my friends, their cheers became my strength giving me courage. Then suddenly, a hand gripped my wrist and pulled me up. It was Paxton, his presence warming and his cute smile melted my heart.

“Hey,” he said softly, his gaze searching for mine. I stared directly into his eyes, he drew his face closer and kissed me passionately.

The world around us faded, and in that moment, it was just us. “You can do this, Hailey.” His voice was a soothing balm, and I felt hope igniting within me. I wiped off my tears and watched him stroll off.

Taking a deep breath, I picked up the ball again. I could feel my heart pounding, Dimitri was watching, and I couldn’t let him see me fail. My gaze landed on my friends who smiled at me giving me more hope.

“I can do this!” I whispered to myself, I tightened my hands on the ball. The last whistle blew, and I charged forward, dodging Nikki’s desperate attempt to quack me again.

With a surge of energy, I dribbled the ball. Immediately my eyes caught the glint of the pin on Nikki’s shirt.

A mischievous smile crept onto my face as I feigned left, then right.

With the last strength I had left, I threw the ball.

“Goal!!!” The crowd erupted in cheers, and for a moment, I felt invincible.

“Hailey! Hailey!” my classmates chanted, their voices lifting me higher. I turned to see Paxton clapping, pride shining in his eyes. It was everything I needed to fuel my spirit. I totally forgot about my wound.

Just then, Nikki stormed up, her face twisted with anger. “No! You may win, but you won’t get this opportunity next time!” she spat, her words slicing through the joy like a knife before she stormed off. Mia and Jessy rushed to me.

“Don’t mind her! We love you! She's just jealous” Mia shouted, pulling me into a jubilant hug.

“C’mon, let’s get you cleaned up. You’re bleeding!” Jessy urged, concern flickering in her eyes.

“What the heck happened?” They chorused in unison.

“It’s okay, I’m fine,” I replied, though the warmth of victory was now mingled with a throbbing pain in my shoulder. As we walked off the court, my mind was racing—not just about the game, but about Paxton, Dimitri, and the fierce competition that lay ahead. I smiled at the thoughts of Paxton's lips against mine.

***

They finished cleaning me up and dressing the wound. I could still feel the sting, but at least it wasn't bleeding anymore.

"Hope you get better soon because there's a party for the students tonight since we won the game!" Mia said, her voice dreamy like she was already picturing the event.

"I'm sorry, I can't..." I tried to say, but Jessy immediately hushed me.

"Oh please, don't even think of saying no again. Yes, it's our fault you got hurt, but did you see the way the students cheered for you? First time someone won against the queen, Nikki!" Jessy said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"And, I saw how Dimitri’s eyes were glued to you the entire time! Don’t forget to wear a sexy dress tonight and show him what he’s missing." Mia added, laughing along with Jessy.

I tried to roll my eyes but ended up smiling instead. They helped me up, slowly supporting me to our dorm.

"Hey!" A voice called from behind us. We all turned, and of course, it was Nikki again.

"What do you want this time?" I asked, feeling exhausted from her constant drama.

"Oh, nothing really. Just inviting you to tonight’s party. Make sure you show up. Guess what?" She leaned closer and whispered with a grin that sent chills down my spine. "I have a surprise for you."

She smiled mischievously and walked off with her friends, leaving us standing there.

"Humph! Who does she think she is!" Jessy grumbled, her fists clenched in anger.

"By the way, Paxton is really something else out there. He kissed you with so much audacity! Oh, girl... I'm happy for you!" Mia teased, nudging me playfully.

I blushed, shaking my head. "Yeah, I’ve never seen that side of Paxton before. He’s so…cute," Jessy added.

Back at the dorm, Jessy wasted no time, rushing to the wardrobe and selecting a stunning short gown for me to wear. It was absolutely beautiful, simple but elegant.

"Here, you’re going to look amazing in this," she said, handing it to me. Mia left to get food while Jessy went off to shower.

I laid on the bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in my thoughts. My mind wandered back to the kiss... and the way Paxton looked in his sportswear. I couldn’t help but smile to myself, butterflies swarming in my stomach. I sprang up from the bed. The party was in half an hour, and I needed to shower and change.

For some reason, I found myself caring about looking good—no, not for Dimitri. I was over that. I wanted to look good for Paxton.