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Church is actually nice. I’m not ready to run out and buy myself a Bible, but it’s enjoyable enough. Afterward, Genesis offers to give me a ride to work since she took me to church. I figure I can have Marcus pick me up after work, so I gladly accept.

I study Genesis while she drives. “Can I ask you something?”

“What’s up?”

“Why did you ask to stay on the JV team?” It’s something I’ve been dying to know, and I finally feel comfortable enough with Genesis to ask.

Genesis is silent for a minute as she appears to contemplate this question. “I like basketball because I like being part of a team, but I’m not willing to dedicate my whole life to it like some of you are. I think it’s really cool how much work you put into it, but my main focus is my faith. I didn’t think it would be fair to possibly take a spot from someone who puts in all of that hard work.” She laughs and shakes her head. “Not saying I would. You guys are all much better than me. I don’t know… it just seemed right. Plus, I really do like getting to be a role model to the younger girls. At least, I hope that’s what I am.”

“Makes sense.” And it surprisingly does to a certain extent. I personally can’t imagine not putting my all into basketball, but I think it’s cool that Genesis doesn’t want to take opportunities away from someone else.

The rest of the drive goes quickly and soon Genesis is dropping me off at work. I grab my extra work polo and visor out of my work locker then head to the bathroom to change.

When I come out, Payton is standing by the inside window and the stool from the back is next to her. She pats the stool. “Figured you would probably want this. You know, with basketball season in full swing.”

Even though the ice cream shop is always freezing, a slight warmth spreads throughout my body from her sweet gesture. “Thank you. That was really kind.”

Payton shrugs as if it’s no big deal. “You would do the same for me. You know, if roles were reversed.”

“I definitely would.”

We both stand there staring for a few seconds, and Payton looks like she wants to say something but doesn’t. I feel like I want to say something else but also have no idea what. Instead, I clear my throat and take a seat on the stool.

I take a look around at the empty shop. “Just us again today?”

“Mrs. Fairfield will be here later, but you’re stuck with me for now.”

“Definitely not stuck.” I clear my throat again as I think of what to say. “So, you know the girl from school I’ve been passing notes with?”

“Of course. Everything okay with that?”

“Oh yeah, definitely,” I answer quickly. “This is going to make me sound really pathetic, but I’m just having a hard time because we’re on Christmas break now, so I won’t get to talk to her for the next few weeks. At least through notes. I guess I’ll probably talk to her in person without knowing it, but…” I let out a low groan. “Sorry, it’s all just very confusing.”

“No, I’m sorry. Are you okay with it? The not knowing thing? I know you said before you didn’t want to know, but now you seem really bothered by it.”

“No, I am fine with it. It’s just weird to wrap my head around, you know. I feel like I’m crazy that I don’t want to know though.”

Payton nods slowly then looks toward the ceiling and bites her bottom lip as if she’s deep in thought. “I think it’s easy to get lost in a world where you don’t have to face reality.” She brings her eyes back to mine. “But I don’t think that’s a bad thing.”

“Do you wanna hang out over Christmas break?” I ask before I even know what I’m saying. “I thought it could help keep my mind off things. And then if I need to talk any of this out, you’re there. Not that that’s the only reason I want to hang out with you. I had a lot of fun with you and Eli after my basketball game. I just… I thought we could do that again.” Why am I rambling so much right now?

“Eli and I are going to the mall on Wednesday to do some last-minute Christmas shopping. Do you want to come?”

“That sounds awesome! I have basketball practice Wednesday morning and a game on Thursday, though, so I can’t do it too early or too late.”

Payton smiles sweetly. “Lucky for you we were planning on a late-afternoon trip.”

“Perfect! I’ll meet you there.”

***

At the end of basketball practice on Wednesday morning, I feel like I could do fifteen more sprints around the gym because I’m so excited to go shopping with Eli and Payton. I can’t explain why. I think I’m just ready for a change from the same old things, and spending time with new friends—it’s the perfect change.

“What are you up to today?” Genesis asks as I gather my things.

“Going home to eat lunch then going to the mall later this afternoon for some last-minute Christmas shopping. Want to come?” Genesis had fun the last time she hung out with me, Eli, and Payton, so I feel like she would enjoy this.

“I have youth group, but thanks for the invite.”