CHAPTER 10

"Honestly, people had given up on basketball because our university never won, but we'll definitely come," I assured her. "Have you and Mia ever played in a game?"

"No, but we're playing for the first time at the university," she said.

The Next Day

The field was buzzing with activity as we stretched for the game. Noah, seeing Mia in the stands, said, "We have to win this one."

"That's because your girlfriend is here," I teased him.

"Fall in love, Xave; you'll understand," he shot back.

I glanced over at Ava, who was chatting with Xan. A thought occurred to me: is this what love feels like? I realized I genuinely enjoyed her presence, especially when she irked me. I hated seeing her with other guys, but my feelings for her predated her saving my sister. Her fearless nature and unyielding sense of justice fascinated me.

The night before, I had practiced diligently on the field, determined not to make any mistakes, knowing she would be watching. Whether it was love or not, I knew I wanted to be with her.

The match began, and we dominated, with Noah, Xan, and me scoring most of the goals. Our team emerged victorious. The cheerleaders celebrated, and everyone congratulated us. Ava, Lia, and Mia came over to offer their congratulations. Ava hugged Noah and Xan, and congratulated the others.

"Good game, jerk," she said to me, her tone playful.

"Thanks," I replied, leaning in closer. "I remember what happened the night I was drunk," I whispered into her ear.

I felt her muscles tense at my words. "And you do smell good, Jones," I added softly.

As the cheers around us grew louder, I pulled back to see Mia and Noah sharing a passionate kiss. Ava, though clearly surprised, watched with wide eyes.

Ava Jones, I thought, my gaze fixed on her, I want you to be mine.

Mia's POV

Today's basketball match held extra significance for Ava and me. It had been over two years since we last played a competitive game together, and both of us were eager to showcase our skills once more. We were set to play the second half of the game, and the anticipation was palpable.

As we prepared for the match, I noticed an unusual number of spectators in the stands. Trixie, a fellow player, explained, "Don't you know? Xavier and Noah warned every class to come and support us."

Ava and I exchanged surprised glances. I hadn't expected such a turnout, and Ava seemed equally taken aback.

Our attention was soon diverted when the opposing team entered the court. Among them was Britney, a name that already stirred a mix of emotions. But what surprised us even more was the presence of Victoria, walking alongside Britney.

Victoria was the very embodiment of our high school rivalries. She was notorious as the queen of bullies and a playgirl who had been involved with numerous boys at our high school. Ava loathed Victoria with a passion, and I shared her sentiments. Seeing her again, especially on this day, only heightened my concern.

I glanced at Ava and noted the icy, dangerous look in her eyes. Her grip on her water bottle was so tight it looked as though she might crush it. The last encounter between Ava and Victoria had been explosive, ending in a major confrontation that had left both of them fuming.

Britney sauntered over to us with a provocative sway, clearly enjoying the attention. "Today, you're going to lose, and with it, your pride," she declared, her eyes filled with disdain.

Victoria, ever the instigator, smirked as she addressed Ava. "I just wanted to personally say hi to my old friends."

Britney departed for the other side of the court, leaving Victoria to bask in her role as the provocateur.

If Britney was the irritating nuisance, Victoria was the queen of hostility. "It seems like the troublemakers have nothing better to do than interfere with others," I remarked, glaring at Victoria.

Victoria's retort came swiftly. "Did your so-called Romeo lose her tongue, Parker?"

"No, she simply doesn't waste time on trash that serves no purpose," I shot back.

"Oh really? I think the real trash is you, Parker," Victoria countered, her voice dripping with contempt.

At that point, Ava stood up, positioning herself directly in front of Victoria. Both women were nearly the same height—around five foot seven inches—and their confrontation was intense.

"I don't waste words; I show my disdain through action. Unlike you, who just runs your mouth and annoys everyone," Ava said, her smirk sharp.

"Still the same old Ava. Let's see how well you play alone today," Victoria taunted.

Ava struggled to keep her composure, clearly on the verge of losing her temper. "My middle finger will give you the answer you're looking for. Now get lost before I do something to your insipid face," Ava retorted.

Fortunately, the coach intervened, calling us back to focus on the game. "The match will start in a few minutes. Get ready, everyone."

Victoria's departure was almost a relief, though it did little to ease the tension that had built up.

As the match commenced, Ava and I took our positions on the bench. Victoria was set to play in the second half, while Britney was currently on the court against our team. The first half ended with our team trailing 21 baskets to 4.

During the break, Ava and I warmed up, determined to turn the game around. As the second half began, it became evident that the opposing team's supporters were louder and more boisterous, expecting our college to falter.

Noah and Xavier, observing from the sidelines, wore expressions of stoic determination. Ava and I exchanged a determined glance. I took possession of the ball, dribbling towards their hoop. With the usual defensive pressure from the other team, I passed the ball to Ava, who made an impressive three-pointer.

The game intensified as Amy managed to steal the ball and passed it back to me. I scored another three-pointer, feeling a rush of satisfaction. However, as I turned to celebrate, a sudden force knocked me to the ground with a painful thud. I felt sharp pain in both knees, and one of them began to bleed.

Ava rushed to my side, her concern evident. Before I could respond, Noah had lifted me off the ground. "Mia, let's get you to the infirmary," he urged, his worry palpable.

He gently placed me on a bench, and I protested, "No, Noah, I want to stay and watch the match."

Xavier, too, approached, checking on my condition. Lia arrived with a first aid kit and began tending to my injuries.

With the match back in play, Trixie took my place as a substitute. I watched with bated breath, cheering on my team.

The crowd's cheers grew louder as Ava continued to excel on the court. Trixie passed the ball to Ava, who leaped to catch it and made an impressive three-pointer as time was running out. I couldn't help but cheer loudly, despite the pain.

In a bold move, Ava showed Victoria her middle finger and declared, "Told you, my middle finger has the answer."

Ava's smile was triumphant as she approached us, but just as she neared, Victoria hurled the basketball at Ava with malicious intent. The ball came dangerously close to hitting her head.

In a swift, unexpected move, Xavier pulled Ava towards him, their bodies colliding as they fell to the ground. The ball missed its target, but the close proximity between Ava and Xavier caused jaws to drop. They were practically in each other's embrace, their faces inches apart.

I couldn't help but pout in disappointment. "Oh no! Xavier should have pulled her a bit harder; Ava could have lost her first kiss," I mumbled, feeling a mix of amusement and envy.

Noah and Lia chuckled beside me. I glared at Victoria with a fierce intensity. "You are so dead," I thought, imagining various ways to make her pay.

Victoria's smirk only widened as she caught my gaze. Her history of breaking relationships and flaunting her conquests loomed large. This time, however, things would be different. The game was on, and I was determined to see it through.