Once the girls made it to Zairen's place. She opened the door for her shaken best friend, guiding her into the house with her belongings.

In the athlete's room Rae sat on the bed still processing earlier events. What if no one helped her get away from him. What would he have done to her?

Zairen took a seat next to her best friend, gently placing her arm on her shoulders.

"Whenever you are ready, we can talk about it," Rae knodded her head. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath before speaking. The brunette could not help but feel a bit hypocritical, she pushed Zairen to tell her about her summer, yet neglected to speak about her own.

"During my trip, I met a guy named Alex," the memories flooded back as the girl discussed the events that happened the previous month.

"We met while I was touring the city, he was really nice and took me to a few places where people our age would hang out."

Rae's head lowered as she fiddled with her fingers, "A few days before I left, we had sex. Then out of nowhere he started getting really aggressive. To the point of where he would hit me, I lied to my parents and said it was from a skate park."

Zairen placed her hands on her best friend's, seeing tears form in her eyes at the thought of the pain she went through.

"After we left I blocked him on everything, he changed his numbers and kept sending me threats. I just never thought he would show up here."

The athlete's heart sank, not knowing whether it was out of fear or anger.

"He is here..."

The best friend knodded her head, "He was in the library, that is how I got the bruise. One of your football friends confronted him and made him let me go."

It grew silent, the dark- haired girl took time to process everything. After a minute, she took Rae's hands in her own.

"Hey," the short- girl looked into her friend's eyes. 

Zairen tightened her grasp slightly for security, "He will not hurt you as long as I am here. I promise."

Rae's heart warmed, she felt nothing but safe as she stared into the athlete's eyes.

Without either of the girls noticing, they both were leaning in towards one another. Zairen swore Rae could hear her heart beating out of her chest. The last thing she wanted to do was use her best friend in such a vulnerable moment. Using the unknown love she had for her, she pulled away.

It was not until then the short girl realized what nearly happened, but the feeling of sadness and confusion took over her mind. Did she want it to happen? What would the result be if they did?

Zairen felt nothing but pain, she wanted to kiss her more than anything in the world. Yet, she knew she would regret it if it happened in this manner. Instead she picked some clothes out of her closet, placing it in her best friend's lap.

"If you would like to stay here for the night you can, or if you are comfortable."

Rae knodded her head, taking the clothes into the bathroom with her. Hopefully it will wash today's events away. The girl's tears mixed with the water in the shower, holding her self in hopes to find some relief. 

Once she turned off the water, she dressed in the clothes Zairen gave her. Exiting the bathroom she found the athlete lying on her bed, eyes closed in relaxation. Carefully, she got in next to her.

Zairen moved her arm around her best friend's waist. It was a common occurrence when Rae stayed over, but for some reason this time felt different. Maybe it was the comfort and secure feeling she gave her after today.

Rae turned to face the dark haired girl, gently tapping her arm to wake her up.

"Yea, is something wrong," the girl asked, her brown eyes coming into view of her best friend's.

Honestly, she did not know why she woke her up. Part of her wanted to just hear her voice, another wanted to just lay there and look at her eyes for a while. The feelings were new, and somewhat scary.

"Thank you for today, I know it was hypocritical of me to ask about your summer but never talk about my own."

The half asleep girl gave her a soft smile, "You had your reasons, but we will handle it together."

As Zarien looked into her friend's eyes, she continued to fight off the burning urge to kiss her. She was already hurting, the last thing she wanted was to confuse her more. So, they both just sat for a minute staring into each other's eyes.

Rae's throat was burning with a question to ask, yet did not want her friend to take it wrong.

"Why didn't you kiss me earlier?"

The athlete's expression changed to what she assumed to be worry, and as fast as she asked the question, she wanted to take it back.

Yet, before she could apologize, Zairen gave her an answer.

"I didn't want to take advantage of you in a vulnerable moment. I love you, as my best friend but also more than that. I have for a while, but I never wanted to ruin what we have," a weight felt like it was lifted off of her chest, but it was replaced with fear.

Zairen's mind was swarming with the thought of what she had just done, outwardly admitting her hidden feelings in a moment she felt she should not have. So, she laid there waiting for Rae to reject her, as painful as the words would be to hear.

Instead Rae placed her hand on her best friend's cheek and leaned in to kiss her, ignoring the pain of her bruised wrist in the process.

The taller girl used the arm around the brunette's waist to pull her closer, deepening the kiss. It was slow and soft, better than Zairen ever imagined it would have been.

The shorter girl did not want the kiss to end, in the moment everything felt right in the athlete's arms. As her body begged for oxygen, she pulled away meeting her friend's eyes once again.

Slightly breathless she spoke, "Can we stay like this while we sleep?"

Zairen knodded her head in agreement, slightly out of breath herself. Rae nuzzled herself into the girl's neck, her body relaxing.

Both fell asleep with smiles on their faces.

__________

The next morning Rae awoke to an empty bed, and the smell of breakfast. She went into Zairen's closet picking out a sweater that was printed with her jersey number and a pair of jeans.

Heading down the stairs she found the girl eating a plate of waffles and bacon, a similarly made one sitting on the opposite side of her.

"Good morning," the dark hair girl smiled.

Rae returned the same smile, happy what happened last night did not change anything between them,"Good Morning."

She took a seat next to her, eating the food she assumed her best friend had made while she was sleep.

"I have a ice pack in the freezer for your wrist," the athlete said before stuffing another piece of waffle in her mouth.

"Thank you," the girl softly smiled at how caring Zairen was being. After the kiss, she felt more connected to her. Finally being able to see all the love her best friend had for years.

"I'm going to take a quick shower, and then we can head to school," she stuffed one last piece of bacon in her mouth before rushing upstairs to her room.

Rae took the moment to check her phone, she silenced it after telling her parents she was safe with Zairen.

As expected it was filled with nothing but mixed messages from Alex. Some apologizing about what happened, begging for a chance to see her again. Others were threatening, describing various ways he could hurt her or make her life a living hell. Reminding her there was no escaping him, and of course how much he loved her.

Rae was so caught up in thought, she didn't hear her best friend come down the stairs.

Zairen gently placed her hand on the shorter girl's lower back, it hurt her heart to feel her shaking in fear.

"If you're too scared to go, I understand. I can just tell everyone you got sick," she softly kissed Rae's shoulder, providing a slight wave of comfort to come over her.

Maybe not going to school was for the best, he could still be there. Waiting for another moment to get her alone, forcing to do whatever he pleased. It struck more fear than anything. "I think it is best for me to stay home, in case he is still there."

Placing a gentle kiss on the athletes lips, they both said their farewells as Zairen left for school.

______________________

The day felt dreadfully slow to the athlete without Rae. Sania was there to keep her company, but after last night she could not help but crave the smaller girl's presence. Whenever the girls could, they texted each other. Some flirty while others were joking about events that happened around school.

As the end of the day grew closer, Zairen started her walk towards the gym for practice. Of course, with Sarah following close behind. Suited with her headphones the athlete continued to walk ignoring her presence. Once she made it, her coach was there to lock the obsessed girl out.

Frustrated, she stormed off, heading down the stairs bumping into a big figure on the sidewalk. 

"Hey watch where you're going," Sarah angrily said as she turned to look at the clumsy culprit. 

She was met with a pair of soft brown eyes and a bright smile," I am sorry, I was looking for someone."

His personality felt so inviting, the gentle eyes pulled her in even more, " Maybe I can help you, I go here, are you new?"

"No, I am here visiting a friend. I was hoping to find her today as a surprise," his silky deep voice chuckled. 

Sarah examined him, taking in his features from his brown eyes  to his toned body. 

"What's her name," she asked curiously. 

"Rae, have you possibly seen her or is there a way you can call her for me?"

Rolling her eyes the girl scoffed in disgust, the last thing she wanted to hear about was her. "She didn't show up today, she is usually with her best friend."

He let out a soft sigh," Well thank you for your help."

Reaching out his hand, he gently took hers. Placing a soft kiss on the back. The curly haired girl couldn't help but smile at the gesture. "I never got your name," she said, stopping him before he could leave.

"Alex," he responded. Flashing a comforting smile before getting in his car and leaving.