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"PROVE 'EM RIGHT."
january, 2024
LE'ANA RODES WAS PROVING THEM RIGHT. She sat on the floor clutching her head as it hit the solid court. Le'ana's cries could be heard from the seats furthest from the court, so Paige definitely heard them hence why she ran over to the girl instantly. It had been a week since she fainted mid-game and she was only recently getting Geno's trust back. Except now it was all ruined by one swift fall.
Another certain action happened last week. Her kiss with Paige plagued her mind for the past seven days and it did the same for Paige. The girls never discussed it after that night. Paige brewed it down to a drunken mistake, something that shouldn't have happened despite how much they both wanted it to - evidently. Le'ana always wanted to talk to Paige about it. Maybe another drunken confession would occur. Maybe the girls could finally be happy. It wasn't awkward for the girls, but it wasn't where either intended to be in their relationship.
Despite their win against Creighton by almost fifty points, Le'ana spent over half the game on the bench. Her headache was more prevalent than ever, so halfway into the fourth quarter she announced to Geno she was heading home but not before checking in with the medics.
Paige had just shot her fifth three-pointer of the game, it being a buzzer-beater. As usual, her gaze found Le'ana's where she would normally be greeted with a proud smile. This time her seat was empty and Paige glanced around a confused look covering her face. The rest of the team celebrated all throughout the locker room, the coach journey back and even entering the dorms. It was one of their most impressive wins so far and they couldn't help but be overjoyed. Paige, on the other hand, found herself at the door of Le'ana's dorm.
Paige hesitated for a moment before knocking softly on Le'ana's door, her heart heavy with worry. She was originally glad the injury wasn't so terrible that Le'ana had to leave the stadium completely but not seeing her face at all near the end terrified her. She just wished Le'ana could have one moment and peace. She wanted the girl to have one moment of happiness, maybe Paige was contributing to her struggling with her mixed emotions and actions. Soon enough, she heard shuffling inside, followed by the click of the lock, and the door swung open to reveal Le'ana, her eyes red-rimmed and her expression pained. A smile was present despite it all simply at the sight of Paige.
"Hey Le," Paige murmured, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. She closed the door behind her, shutting out the noise of the dorm corridor. "I saw you left the game early. Are you good?"
Le'ana managed a weak smile, but it faltered as another wave of pain washed over her. "Just a headache," she muttered, pressing a hand to her temple. "It's been killing me all day. Even before the game. That fall fucked me up differently." She managed to laugh.
Paige's worry deepened at the sight of Le'ana's discomfort, despite her laughter. Without a word, she crossed the room whilst dragging Le'ana with her and sat down beside her on the bed, gently taking Le'ana's hand in hers, it had been a while since she'd felt the touch of Le'ana's palm.
"Let me help," Paige said softly, her voice tinged with concern. "Do you have any painkillers?"
Le'ana nodded, indicating towards the bedside table where a bottle of pills lay. Paige retrieved it and poured out a couple of tablets, passing them to Le'ana along with a glass of water. Le'ana swallowed them gratefully, leaning back against the pillows with a sigh.
"Thank you," she murmured, her eyes closing as she waited for the pain to subside. Regardless of her eyes being closed, the tracing of Paige's finger on her hand heightened all of her other senses.
"Uh- This one is a poorly- um- poorly traced iris." Paige tried her best to speak, but under the gaze of the girl beside her, it was impossible. "It symbolises hope. This isn't over Le'ana."
Le'ana wasn't necessarily sure what Paige was referring to. The situation could apply to so many different aspects of her life. When it came to basketball, Le'ana knew it wasn't over. Geno and the physios made Le'ana aware that she'd have to miss a few games, to her it was looking like three months. Whilst not willingly wanting to miss that many days, Le'ana knew her shot at March Madness would be a lot easier if she rested. Whatever she decided to do from March onwards, whether it be another year of eligibility or the WNBA draft, she had hope.
As for Paige, Le'ana knew they'd end up together soon. These few months gave her some time to think and truly understand how the two felt. It was as if every time they wanted to be together something was in the way but finally, she'd have some time to herself. Well not right now, seeing as Paige was clinging to her side.
Paige stayed by her side, watching over her as the minutes ticked by. She brushed a strand of hair away from Le'ana's face, her touch gentle and comforting.
"You don't have to stay," Le'ana whispered, her voice barely audible.
"I want to," Paige replied without hesitation. "I'm not leaving you alone Le. What if you need something and your big, strong, incredible security guard isn't here for you?" She joked hoping to get a laugh out of the girl. Paige was successful upon hearing the beauty that is Le'ana's laugh.
Le'ana's eyes fluttered open, meeting Paige's gaze with a mixture of gratitude and something else that Paige couldn't quite decipher. Without a word, Le'ana shifted closer, resting her head against Paige's shoulder as she finally allowed herself to relax.
The room was quiet except for the soft sound of their breathing, and Paige felt a sense of peace settle over her as she held Le'ana close. As the night wore on, Paige stayed by Le'ana's side, offering comfort and reassurance until sleep finally claimed them both. And as they drifted off into dreams, tangled together in each other's arms, Paige couldn't help but hope that maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to navigate the complexities of their relationship together.
ELLE'S NOTES!!! guys... the end is near.
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