"That was funny as hell!" Spencer said, still laughing as she and the other girl continued the journey to Room 320.

"Haha, he's such a asshole, so sometimes I have to put him in his place. That was actually nicer than some of the run-ins we've had. I try to avoid him but he always finds a way to get to me," Ashley replied, stopping infront of Spencer's classroom.

"This is it? I definitely never would've found it on my own. Thanks," the blonde said with a genuine smile, showing off her pearly whites.

"Your welcome," the brunette replied, matching the smile. "Anyway I better get to class before Dick finds me and Coach finds out I was late…again."

"Okay, haha. I'll see you at practice," Spencer said, walking into class to start her first day inside the classroom at King High.

The team captain turned and walked to her classroom, going at a faster pace because she sure as hell didn't want Coach on her case today.

***

3:20pm. A whistle blew.

"Ok ladies, let's meet at center court," Coach Morton said.

The basketball team ended their stretches and walked to the middle of the court.

"So just like any other practice I want to start here and here. I know you're new Spencer, so jus fyi that's the way we do things. I address any concerns and also discuss things that I need to tell you guys. With that said, any questions?" Coach asked.

Keri raised her hand. "We play Kensington on Friday night. What's the starting line up looking like?"

"I'm glad you asked. While this isn't the first game of the season, there also isn't any set starting positions. Anybody can be switched at anytime. With that being said, we'll see how these next to days of practice go, it will be a game day decision," Coach Morton replied.

"Any more questions?"

No one raised a hand so Miss Morton continued. "Now on to the next order of business, I have a comment to make. I'm happy to report that our very own Ashley Davies arrived to school on time today."

The whole team clapped, as Ashley took a bow and mouthed the words "thank you" as if she was at a pageant accepting her crown and flowers.

"Haha, also she's done an outstanding job thus far of making sure Spencer feels at home, so as a reward to the team, we'll end practice 30 minutes early and cut back on the running for today."

The girls rejoiced and various celebratory terms could be heard.

"Quiet down, quiet down," Coach said, trying to restore the peace. "That's all I've got for you guys so you know the drill. Baseline!"

The team jogged to the baseline and on Coach Morton's whistle they began to run their sprints.

The girls were probably about 15 minutes into practice when Coach yelled, "Come on Alex! Push it! You're letting Ashley and Spencer both beat you down the court, along with half the team. Guards lead from the front and not the back!"

Alex picked up the base, but didn't look very happy about the comparison.

As practice continued it became more and more apparent that the black-haired girl was off.

When the girls got a break for water, Ashley walked up to her friend.

"What's up?" she asked, wiping sweat from her brow.

"What do you mean?" Alex asked, panting trying to catch her breath.

"Everything ok?" the brunette asked, knowing full well that it wasn't.

"Yeah, I'm fine," the other captain responded, taking a sip of her Gatorade and attempting to create a façade.

Ashley made another attempt. "You don't seem fine…" she commented, observing her friend's demeanor.

Alex shook her head and rolled her eyes. "I said I'm fine," she said quickly.

The brunette could've took this a sign to let the other girl be, but she apparently didn't know when to well enough alone because she hesitated then replied, "It's just, you're missing wide open 3's, you're not in the top three to finish running drills, you're missing free throws and blowing wide open lay-ups…You're getting killed on defense and crossed up by Kelsey at center…and that's just not like you."

And that was the straw that broke the camel's back, because right then, Alex snapped.

"Who are you say what's like me and what's not? Why the fuck are you on my case?! I'm said I'm fucking fine! Just because everybody can't be perfect and have the perfect life like you Ashley doesn't mean I'm not fucking fine!" she blurted out to a gym full of teammates plus the Coach.

Ashley's mouth dropped open, along with some of the other players.

"Whoa," the brunette said, eyes wide and obviously taken aback. "Outside. Now."

Coach M nodded at Ashley, allowing her and Alex to step outside of the gym as practice continued on.

"What the hell was that?!" the brunette asked incredulously, stepping up into the other girl's face.

Alex put her head down and shook her head. "I don't know," she replied quietly, trying to avoid eye contact and tears.

Ashley sighed and hugged her friend.

"It's okay…Let it out Al," she whispered softly in Alex's ear.

The green-eyed girl, eyes filled with tears hugged the other girl back and rested her chin in the nape of Ashley's neck.

She sobbed for about five minutes, the brunette holding onto her the entire time.

When the tears subsided, Ashley let go slowly, looked Alex in the eye and asked simply, "What happened?"