The girls were buzzing with a kind of restless energy. Van cracking jokes a few rows ahead, Lottie talking softly to Laura Lee, Coach was shouting something from the front. It was loud in a way that felt normal.

Natalie had her head leaned back against the seat, arms crossed, chewing a piece of gum like it might be the only thing holding her together.

Next to her, you, her girlfriend, sat by the window. Natalie leaned over and rested her head on your shoulder for a moment, closing her eyes even though she wasn’t tired. She just didn’t want to think. Not about the game. Not about the pressure. Not about how her mom didn’t even bother saying goodbye this morning.

Natalie: “I’d give anything for a cigarette right now.” she whines out dramatically, glancing up at her with a smirk.