twenty
After Athena came to her realization, she made a very mature decision. Ignoring it completely for the rest of the month and going back inside to her girlfriend.
She didn't know what else to do. Athena is in a happ- she's in a relationship with someone else, it's not ok to be thinking about someone else like that. Granted it wasn't even that bad, just admitting that 'yes Paige is hot and would definitely be a good girlfriend' but that's just because she knows Paige is a good person. She's not thinking about that for herself, no, she would never think like that about Paige again.
It might seem like she's being petty or stubborn and needs to get over this grudge because it was years ago, but she can't. That's a lie, she can and she has and she can't hold this over Paige's head forever, but all that happened because she fell in love with Paige. She knows in her mind that Paige would never do that again, she's grown up and learned from her mistake. But Athena was soheartbroken over it, she went into lockdown and isolated herself for years, not once trusting another person like she had trusted Paige.
It is stupid though. Even after Paige has spent months building back up that trust and proving that she was there for her life, and when Athena would push her away, she was still there. Giving her flowers and chocolates on Valentine's day, texting her daily just to ask about her day and plans, and being the best support system Athena ever had.
Paige thought the distance Athena was setting between the two would weaken her feelings, maybe give her a chance to actually be Athena's friend. But she was wrong. If anything they may have grown stronger, every thing she saw reminded her of Athena. It was painful at first, not being able to physically talk to the girl and instead being separated by a screen but she could take what she got. Paige's feelings started to fade, or at least she started to forget about them because she never saw Athena anymore, didn't mean they still weren't there just not a, priority.
Athena though, was missing Paige throughly. She wanted to talk to her again, face to face. After Valentine's day she craved seeing her, like she was a drug addict. Athena kind of ran the idea by Alex, saying she was going over to meet Nika at the dorms but really just wanted to see if Paige was there. Alex being Alex told her to stay away from Paige, or if she couldn't do that always be a distance away from her and around a group. Athena rolled her eyes but agreed, wanting to keep her girlfriend happy.
Athena and Alex are still together, but it definitely wasn't the happy relationship Athena was expecting. Alex was great on paper, she's funny, nice, hot, and persistant to get what she wants. That was the problem, she is so persistant to get what she wants that she would do anything for it. That's how the two of them started dating, because Alex would constantly ask Athena out and do things that pushed them together.
At first it was just Alex wanting to hook up with Athena because, well, she was hot, and theAthena Booker. If they hooked up she would be able to brag to all her friends that she fucked Athena Booker, but the soccer player threw a wrench in her plan by deciding to not go back to her place at the bar and instead giving her number. Alex was frustrated at first but went with it anyway, she was going to get what she wanted, no matter what.
Alex planned a simple, fast date, purely so she could get Athena back to her place faster but again, Athena declined going back with her and said she would see her later. Alex was angry by that, but also getting the thrill of the chase. She planned more dates, each time getting more bold with Athena, touching her more in risky place, kissing her more frequently, and each time asking to join her inside.
Finally on their 5th date, Athena agreed to being Alex's girlfriend. By this point Alex had actually grown to like Athena and wanted to be her girlfriend. Now, it was easier for Alex to get past Athena's belt her reasoning being, 'she's my girlfriend and girlfriends have sex all the time.' Alex bragged to her friends that she was able to bag Athena Booker as her girlfriend and another check on the hook up column.
It wasn't all a big scheme, she did like her, but Alex never did long term relationships. She never saw the point in them, the idea of being in love didn't interest her. Why be tied down to one person when you can be free and with anybody you want? She was just getting her money's worth with Athena. Alex also didn't believe in the concept of cheating, she believed that other people believed in it, but not her. She didn't think that she had a responsibility to be restrained to just one person because that's not fun at all.
Alex did feel slightly bad though, Athena is a beautiful girl who is full of love, she hated that she couldn't be the girl to give her that love back but it was probably for someone else. Maybe someone like a six foot, blonde, basketball player that was waytoo comfortable bringing her girlfriend flowers.
Maybe Paige was deserving of Athena's love but the brunette made her choice. She choose Alex. Even though Paige hadn't made her feelings known or anything, but Athena had to have known. Paige was being obvious after all. She was so obvious that Alex picked up on it 2 weeks after knowing her.
Once they made if official, Alex wanted Athena to have nothing to do with Paige, not wanting to take the risk. Ironic considering Alex was at a different bar every night picking up girls. Speaking of, it was another night that Athena was over at the basketball girl's dorms. Paige wasn't there for once, she wasn't in the right head space to deal with her feelings for Athena, especially after they just had a big loss and she felt she played horrible and then proceeded to get trashed online.
Paige was out a bar, the first time this month she had been out. Azzi was proud of her progress, she had gone from going out every night to going out once every 3 weeks, maybe twice. Except this week, this was the 3rd night she was at the bar. She didn't bring home a girl the other 2 but more so just wanting a drink to drown out her thoughts. That's where she was now, instead of sitting in her room and reading another article about her, she was sitting at the bar, on her 2nd drink of the night.
Paige managed to decline the few girls who approached her, asking her to buy them a drink and talk. She just wanted to be alone for a minute. It seemed depressing, sitting in a bar alone on a Friday night, but she didn't care. She was at peace.
So at peace, until the one time she looked around the room, she spotted Athena's girlfriend, Alex, dancing with another girl. In no way was it platonic, she had her hands on her ass, gripping it in her palms. Paige furrowed her eyebrows, maybe she saw it wrong and that's not Alex and just another brunette that looks like her, Alex is an ass but she wouldn't do that to Athena. But when the girl looked up from her position in the other girls neck, Paige was certain that it was Alex.
Paige clenched her jaw and made a fist so hard, her fingernails were pressing into her palms hard enough to draw blood. The blonde kept her eyes glued to Alex, hoping and praying she would notice her staring and immediately come over to her and beg her not to tell Athena, but she wouldn't listen and tell her anyways.
Alex looked up with a feeling that she was being watched and sure enough, she made eye contact with the blonde across the room. Her eyes widened and her body froze, she let go of the girl in front of her, then making her way to Paige.
Paige watched her the whole way, debating if as soon as she stopped to punch her in the face. Alex took the open seat next to Paige, feeling the blonde burn holes into her side, "hey Paige, wasn't expecting to see you here tonight?" Alex tried making small talk, as if Paige didn't see her fully 'cheating' on her girlfriend.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Paige wasn't in the mood to play her games, getting straight to the point.
"I'm saying hi to my girlfriend's friend? What are you doing here...alone?"
"Cut the shit Alex, who was that you were dancing with. Does Athena know where you are?"
"No, she's over at y'alls dorms hanging with the rest of the team. And that was just my friend."
"No way. I go out with my friends but i'm not groping them or trying to eat her face off."
"Relax Paige, it's not a big deal. Athena's not here so why should i act like it?"
"She's your fucking girlfriend! Treat her with enough respect to be loyal! And if you're not going to do that at least break up with her so you can 'be free' again!"
"Why? I let her go off and do her own thing, why can't i do mine!"
"Because her thing is hanging out with her friends and yours is hooking up with other girls while you're in a relationship! Oh i can't wait to tell her all about this."
"Go ahead, but i doubt she'll believe you."
"You think she would believe you, who has been in her life for months over someone who has been there for her since she was 12? Yeah ok. Bye Alex, next time i see you, you'll be single."
"Yeah right. And you think that once we're broken up you think you're gonna be able and swoop in and replace me?"
"Wouldn't be hard to do."
"Whatever Bueckers, i know you're in love with her or whatever so if you tell her about this, i'll tell her about your feelings." Paige froze, she couldn't risk that, not after everything. She stayed silent, which Alex took as a victory. Giving her a smirk, Alex walked back to her 'friend' and continued what she was doing.
The blonde went home after that, she had to tell Azzi what just happened. Except slight problem, Athena was still at their dorms, completely unaware her piece of shit girlfriend is out hooking up with another girl. Paige walked into the door, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. She ignored the greetings from everyone, even Athena's and walked straight to the chair Azzi was sitting in.
Paige grabbed Azzi by the arm and dragged her to her room. She ignored the protests from the girl and locking them in Paige's room.
"Ok what is your problem. What did someone reject you at the bar again?"
"What? No...but something did happen at the bar, something bad and i don't know what to do."
"Ok...what?"
"So uhm, basically i was just alone at the bar and stuff right? Well the one time i looked around the room i saw Alex...with another girl."
"Woah...are you sure?"
"Positive. Once she saw me staring at them, she came over to talk to me. At first she was acting dumb, like i hadn't just seen her making out with another girl that wasn't Athena. Then she gave up on that but shifted focus to me, telling me that if i told Athena about her, she would tell Athena that i have feelings for her. After that i left, and now i don't know what to do. Because i need to tell her, but also don't want her to know about me. I'm torn."
"Well you have to tell her. That's that, like no question."
"I know but-"
"But you don't want her to find out, i know. Maybe it might be worth it, she'll know about her cheating girlfriend and break up with her. And do you really think she would believe Alex if she told her, especially after finding out she was cheating for who knows how long?"
Paige sighed, realizing Azzi is right, "You're right. Ok, i'm going to tell her." Paige unlocked her door, letting Azzi walk back out into the common room, staying back a minute to think of how she wanted to do this.
She was about to walk out after gathering enough courage, but was stopped by another person knocking on her door. Paige opened the door to see Athena standing there, "hey P"
"hey Thea."
"can i come in?"
"sure" Paige stepped to the side to allow Athena in, closing the door behind her. "What's up?"
"I should be asking you that. What was that about when you walked in?"
"Oh that...uhm nothing."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah....no...Athena, i have to tell you something."
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"Tell me why Paige seems to think that she saw you out at a bar, kissing another girl?" Athena kept a calm voice, for now. After Paige had explained everything, she went home and immediately called Alex.
"What?" Alex responded in a confused tone on the other line.
"I know you heard me, don't make me repeat myself."
"Look Paige is a drunk now, you shouldn't trust anything she claims to see."
"Don't talk about her like that, she's not a drunk."
"She is. I've seen her at the bar every night that i'm there, drinking alone. Even tonight."
"So you admit to being there tonight?"
"...no..fine whatever yes i was there, but she didn't see what she think she saw."
"And i'm supposed to believe that after you just lied to me about being there tonight? Tell me. The truth."
"look babe, i'll admit i was there and i lied, i'm sorry but whatever Paige told you is a lie. She's just trying to cause problems and break us up."
"Why would she ever do that?"
"Seriously?...Because she's fucking in love with you and wants you all for herself. She wants to break us up so she can have her chance."
"She wouldn't do that. I don't believe you."
"Well you should. You can ask any of your friends and they will tell you the exact same thing. Go ahead. Ask."
"Fine i will, but we are still not done talking about this. You were with another girl in a bar. I don't care what you think, Paige would never lie to me about that."
"Well you might want to reconsider what you think after you listen to your friends. I'm done with this. Bye."
"Wai-" Athena couldn't get her sentence out before Alex hung up on her. Frustrated, she huffed and opened the group chat.
If i were to ask you guys if you think Paige is in love with me
what would you say?
duh
yes.
Yes
hell yeah
obviously
yep
of course
mhm
did you not know that?
the fact all you answered this is TWO MINUTES is crazy
bc its true and we all know it
WAIT
did she finally get the courage to say smthing?
uhm no...
wait
finally??
stfu nika
no no
keep going
what do you mean finally?
ja ne govorim engleski
bro
whatever we can get to that later
i need to rant about Alex
what did she do now ??
oh boy
do i need to whip out my crutches to use as a weapon?
i WILL jump her idgaf
good to know!
anyways so this is gonna be long lemme type it out
oooo TEA
this gonna be good
so yall know how i was at your dorms earlier? yeah well apparently while i was there Alex went out to a bar and lied to me about it. Then i had to hear from Paige that she saw her at the bar and with another girl making out. So i called her when i got home and tried to talk to her about it but every time i tried to mention it she denied and changed the subject to Paige and claimed she want to 'break us up because she was in love with me and wanted her chance' and i believe Paige but i also want to believe that Alex wouldn't do that. So that's why i asked and if it is true then my girlfriend just told me my best friend is in love with me but if it isnt then my girlfriend has been cheating on me for who knows how long.
Help?
oh damn
yeah im jumping her ass
oh Athena...
i will be joining KK on that
we jumping her ass
I am done putting up with this bitch
who coming to the gun store w me?
oh hell no
I KNOW she aint talking to my wife like this
yeah so can you guys please just tell me if its true or not
please
Nobody answered for minutes. All wanting to confirm Paige's feelings and assure her that her girlfriend would never cheat but they couldn't. They all had a feeling about Alex. Something about her just screamed 'cheater' it may have been the way she acted like being with Athena was something of a chore. Finally Azzi spoke up for the first time since agreeing with Athena's first question.
its true
Athena i hate to say it but what Paige saw was true
that's why she dragged me into her room right after coming home so she could tell me about it
i'm sorry
ok
thanks Azzi
Athena turned off her phone. Not the usual clicking the side button, no, she fully turned it off. She didn't want to speak to anybody, except for a certain blonde, but first she had to confront her girlfriend.
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Athena left her apartment in a rage. She was so angry that once again, a girl she liked and trusted betrayed her. It wasn't as bad as before, them not even close to being as close as Paige and Athena were but it still hurt. Athena gave months of her life to this girl, all for her to not appreciate her and go behind her back for who knows how long. She was getting answers and nobody could stop her.
Arriving at her girlfriends dorm, she banged on the door relentlessly until someone opened it. And because the world is cruel, a blonde, short, half naked girl Athena had never seen before opened the door, Alex right behind her. Well Athena got her answers.
She took one look at them, scoffed with a smile then spoke,"we're done! Don't ever talk to me again." she then turned around to walk back to her car. In the moment she didn't receive any protest from her, knowing later she would probably get a string of texts about it.
Athena got into her car and like she was on autopilot, she went to see her favorite person. She knocked on the door and this time was greeted by a smiling basketball player. "Hey, not that i'm complaining but what are you doing here?" Paige asked, stepping aside to let Athena in. Once inside, that's when she broke. Immediately bursting into tears and running into Paige's arms.
Paige was confused and shocked, not expecting a simple hey to make the girl cry. She reciprocated the hug, letting her stay in silence for a while, finally speaking when the girl pulled back, "What should i have said instead? I can do it again."
"No, not you. Uh.." Athena softly spoke, wiping the tears on her face and hiding her face. Paige took steps closer to her to remove the hand hiding her, replacing it with her own on Athena's cheek.
"What's wrong? Talk to me Thea."
"You were right."
"You're gonna have to be more specific, i'm right a lot." Paige's comment managed to dig a smile out of Athena.
"About Alex."
"Oh."
"Yeah, after we talked i called her and she tried to deny and deflect it, then i went over to her house and saw her with another girl." Athena sniffled, looking down at her feet.
Paige tried to follow her eyes, moving her head down with Athena's to try to look at her. When she failed to make eye contact, she used the hand on Athena's cheek to tilt her head up to look at her. When they made contact, Athena's eyes were glossy, on the edge of pouring again. Paige wordlessly pulled her into her chest, moving her hand to the back of Athena's head and the other around her shoulder. Athena had one hand placed on Paige's chest and the other arm wrapped around her waist.
They didn't talk for an hour straight. They didn't have to, they understood each other that well. Paige held Athena until the brunette pulled away, 20 minutes later, and maneuvered them to the couch. Paige sat down first, her back resting on the arm rest and letting Athena sit in between her legs. The blonde turned on the tv for the both of them but she was paying more attention to the feeling on Athena's fingers softly running up and down on her forearms that she had wrapped around her and keeping her heart rate at a normal pace.
It was nice in their bubble of silence but Athena needed a distraction and was more then thankful when people started filing into the room. Athena didn't make any move to get off Paige, she was comfortable in her embrace. Paige though, wanted to get up, not because she didn't love this but because she knew how to help Athena cope. She thought that once enough people were in the room to keep her company she could sneak out for a few minutes to get essential items.
Athena was mid conversation with KK, Jana, Ice, Aubrey, and Nika the group of them planning the murder of Alex, Paige was listening and slightly contributing but mainly focused on her escape plan. Paige took a break in the conversation as an opportunity, leaning her head down enough so she was speaking into Athena's ear, "I gotta get up for a little bit, i'll be back though, promise."
"no, that's not allowed." Athena protested.
"I can't get up?"
"no, you're too comfortable."
"baby i'll be right back, there's enough people to keep you company." Paige could easily get up, she was more then strong enough but wanted to enjoy every last second with their contact. She mentally cursed at herself for calling Athena 'baby' but it was instinctive, she had been thinking about calling her that for so long and it just slipped out.
"fine."
Paige smiled and unwrapped her arms from Athena to let her get up, following straight after. Once standing, she leaned down to place a kiss on Athena's cheek then walking away. Athena briefly paused, then sat back down on the couch, covering her blushing face with the hood of Paige's sweatshirt she gave her.
Paige managed to sneak out of the place, driving to the closest target and grabbing some ice cream, and a teddy bear because she knows how much Athena loves them. She also stopped by a flower shop on her way home, grabbing the traditional white roses.
Paige walked back into the dorms, unnoticed somehow, maybe because everybody was now gathered around a white board that had the EXACT plan of how to get away with murder. She brought every thing into the kitchen, setting it up nice then walked back into the common room, presenting herself by wrapping up Athena in a hug from behind. Paige was only gone about 20 minutes but Athena acted like she went to war and back, turning around and practically squeezing the life out of Paige.
Paige pulled away after a few seconds, grabbing both Athena's hands and walking backwards towards the kitchen. Athena was looking at her with a curious face, wondering what she was up to. When the reached the kitchen, Paige let go of her hands and made jazz hands to present the items she bought. Athena stood with her mouth slightly gaped, staring at the gifts on the counter.
Athena looked back at Paige but not her eyes, no, her eyes went straight to Paige's lips. It was only for a second but it was still there, her eyes then flickered up to Paige's eyes, she was smiling that million dollar smile at her. Athena grabbed the collar of Paige's shirt and pulled her down, pressing her lips to Paige's. Paige immediately reciprocating, gripping Athena's hips and groaning as Athena slipped in her tongue.
Ha, you thought!
That's not what happened, only what Paige wished would happen. What really happened was Athena tugging her closer andplacing a lingering kiss on her cheek then stuffing her head into Paige's neck. But Paige's verison is much better.
Athena let go and grabbed a spoon from the drawer then grabbing the ice cream and dragging Paige back to the group. The two assumed the position they had before Paige left, the blonde sitting on the couch and the brunette laying between her legs. Athena was digging into her ice cream, forgetting all about the most eventful day she's ever experienced. She forgot about her cheating ex, the accusations about the very blonde she was laying on, and the fact everyone seems to agree that Paige is in love with her. That was the effect Paige had on her, she could turn the worst day ever into the best. Paige is Athena's favorite person in the world, right after her mom and dad.
Athena kind of zoned out, mainly focused on the ice cream but also daydreaming about Paige. Her realization reemerged but differently this time, Paige Bueckers is so hot and would definitely treat me right.
Athena wasn't disappointed by the new addition to her realization but she wasn't fond of it either. She was taken from her thoughts when Paige whispered in her ear if she could have a bite. Athena agreed and Paige released one arm to grab the spoon but Athena had other plans. She slapped her hand back down and scooped a spoonful of ice cream and held it out in front of Paige. The blonde was taken surprise by her actions, but didn't decline, she leaned forward and put the spoon in her mouth while keeping eye contact with Athena.
She leaned back, releasing the spoon and taking the ice cream with her then licked her lips to get the bit of ice cream that was left on her lips. Okay...stop being hot Paige.
--------------------------------------------------------
Paige thought it would be best to let Athena stay over, for both herself and her. They settled into Paige's bed, Athena cuddling with both her and the teddy bear she got. Usually Athena wasn't bothered when Paige slept without a shirt on and just in her sports bra, but tonight was different. Maybe it was the thoughts she shut down for so long because she was one, in a relationship, and two, swore off all romantic feelings for Paige, all flooding back to her like a tidal wave.
She had direct contact with her skin. There was no barrier between her hand and Paige's abs. Again she's never had a problem before, why is it different? why is she nervous? She rested her hand on the bare skin feeling it slightly tense and making her pull her hand up, "no, no i don't mind," Paige said, grabbing Athena's hand and placing it back on her stomach, "your hand is just cold and i wasn't expecting it."
Athena gave in, relaxing into her and washing away her thoughts, Paige had a way of calming Athena with just her touch. "night baby" The blonde mumbled, already half asleep.
"night." Athena responded.
They fell asleep together, Paige's feelings anything but faded, and Athena's slightly resurfacing.