I rushed off the court because I didn't want anyone asking me about why I threw the match. I considered forfeiting the game, but that would've been too obvious. My dad was going to give me a lecture when I got home since I just left him. I desperately needed to get out of here.

I walked into the locker room and sat on a bench. I put my head in my hands and let out a deep sigh. My mind is racing with all these thoughts and emotions. I groaned at the footsteps approaching me. I looked up to see Yasmine and Astrid.

"How-"

"You always come in here after practice." Astrid stated and sat next to me. Yasmine simply stared at me with her arms crossed.

"You better start talking." Yasmine demanded.

"And why would I do that?"

"Because you've been a bigger bitch than Tamsin ever was! You've put her bitchyness to shame!" Astrid complained. "How dare you treat us this-"

"Tridi." Yasmine calmed her down. "Perhaps, a gentler approach."

"She doesn't deserve that." Astrid turned with a huff.

"You let her win." Yasmine stated. "Why?" She pressed.

"I don't know-"

"That's bullshit!" Astrid stated. "Be honest." She demanded.

"My head and heart are at war." I breathed out. "My heart wants her, but my head is telling me that she's done nothing but hurt me. I don't know what to do." I sighed. I felt a weight lift off my shoulders by being honest with someone

"Oh, Ali!" Astrid cooed and wrapped her arms around me. "You don't have to go through all of this alone." She reassured me.

"Please, be vulnerable with us." Yasmine squatted in front of me and held my hands. "Please, we will not hurt you." She pleaded with her eyes. "Trust us, Ali." She whispered.

"I love her." I cried into Astrid's arms. "But I'm so hurt."

"That's why she has to prove herself to you. Allow her to do the work this time." Yaz's grip tightened on my hands. "Everyone is in your corner." Tridi nodded along to Yaz's words.

We stayed like that for a long time. When I finally got the energy to move, my friends drove me home. They decided to spend the night with me because I really needed them. I needed someone to hold me. I longed for Nicola's embrace, but that wasn't a realistic option anymore.

I fell asleep on Yaz's chest while Tridi spooned me. I felt secure by being in someone's arms. It helped to dispel the demons from me. I was finally able to get somewhat of a peaceful sleep.