𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 • Paige Bueckers

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞

AS NAILEA PACKED her bags in her small Iowa apartment, she couldn't shake the mix of excitement and nerves that swirled within her. Leaving behind her close friendship in Iowa, but she only had a few years left before the end of college, and something she wouldn't say aloud but Iowa didn't feel like home anymore.

The brunette glanced at her phone, her heart beating a little faster as she saw Caitlin Clark's name displayed on the FaceTime call. She took a deep breath before answering the call, knowing that this conversation could be one of their last for a while.

"Hey, Caitlin," Nailea said, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Hey, Nai, you ok?" Caitlin spoke on the other end of the line.

"I'm good, just finishing up packing," Nailea replied, her hands moving mechanically to fold a shirt.

"Nai, look at me" Caitlin said, a hint of sadness in her tone.

Nailea took a deep breath looking into Caitlin's eyes as she tried to compose herself

"You're gonna be ok." The Caitlin said to her smiling

"How do you know, what if this is a mistake, it's a whole new school, new state. I'll be even further away from Maddy what if she needs me" Nailea replied the stress becoming evident on her face

"Nai you are one of the most talented players I've ever seen or played with, you deserve to go somewhere else and level up your game and don't worry about your sister I'll be there. If it calms you down I'll visit her every once in a while to make sure she's ok."

Nailea looked at Caitlin in shock, she truly was her best friend.

"I love you you know" Nailea said unable to stop her smile. Caitlin was like that older sister she never had

"I love you too."

"Also Nai, I know I'm not gonna be there all the time anymore but promise me if you ever feel like, you know, call me. Remember it's not your only option." Caitlin told her not sure if she was reasurrung the girl on the screen or herself

She had know Nailea forever they've done everything and gone everywhere together for years and now they're not.

Nailea smiled at Caitlin and nodded her head wiping the tears that tried to fall from my eyes

"Make sure you pack a jumper. I hear Connecticut is cold, probably where they got their personality from"

"Caitlin-" Nailea laughed about to scold the girl

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on Nailea's door. She quickly glanced at the clock and realized it was time to head to the airport. "I've got to go, Caitlin. I'll talk to you soon, okay?"

"Okay, Nailea. Call me when you land," Caitlin responded

The brunette felt a pang of sadness at leaving behind her life in Iowa but also a surge of excitement for the journey ahead. "I won't forget, Caitlin.I love you."

"Love you too Nai"

After hanging up the phone, Nailea took one last look around her apartment, memories of late-night practices and hard-fought games flooding her mind. With a determined smile, she grabbed her bags and headed out the door, ready to embark on the next chapter of her basketball career at UConn.

As Nailea settled into her seat on the plane, she  couldn't shake the feeling of nervousness that gnawed at her stomach. While she was filled with excitement for the new chapter at UConn, there was one thought that lingered in her mind like a shadow - her unresolved past with Paige.

Paige, once her closest friend and confidante, had become a distant figure in Nailea's life after a falling-out just before they parted ways for college. The memory of their last conversation haunted Nailea, the words exchanged still sharp and painful in her mind.

She couldn't help but wonder how awkward it would be to reunite with Paige on the team. Maybe Paige has forgotten about it, it was 3 and a half years ago.

Nailea closed her eyes, trying to push away the doubts and fears that threatened to overwhelm her. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that she was here for one reason - to play the game she loved at the highest level, regardless of any personal obstacles in her way.