Alex woke up, and groaned. She sat up, shook her head, and brought her knees to her chest. The tears fell silently, as she felt her insides start to blacken again. Alice heard the movement next to her, and quickly woke up. She sat up, and pulled the crying girl into her.

Alice: Same one?

Alex nodded. She could never escape her. Even when she slept, Jess was in her dreams to remind her of everything she had done. Alice gently kissed her temple. Alex sobbed into her shoulder, as Alice once again looked over Alex’s now very-familiar room.

Alice: Let it out babe, let it out. Then you can go back to sleep.

Alex was grateful that Alice had come to spend the night. Over the last week, she’d been a wreck. Right now though, Alex needed some fresh air.

Alex: I need to get out of here. I’m umm going for a run.

Alice: Babe, it’s 3 AM

Alex: I need some air. I need to try and clear my mind.

Alice: Want me to come with you?

Alex shook her head, and sniffled as she whipped her eyes.

Alex: You stay here, get some sleep.

Alex gently laid her back down, pulled the blankets up to her chin, then kissed her forehead.

Alice moaned, loving the idea of sleep.

Alice: You sure?

Alex nodded.

Alex: I’ll be back before you wake up.

Alice nodded, and snuggled into the pillow. Alex stood up, pulled on her sweats, grabbed her MP3 player, and her basketball, before leaving out her bedroom door. Alice was asleep within minutes.

Alex got lost in the song, as she rhythmically dribbled the ball, keeping her feet shifting at a quick pace behind it. She soon found herself where she always did when things went wrong: the outdoor court. A faint smile crept up on her face, as she ran towards it. When she got to the basket, she put the ball up. She shot around for a while, then went and took a seat on the bench near the sidelines. She sat there, looking up at the hoop. This place brought back memories. This place made her think. As the cold air entered her lungs, her mind started to race. She stood up, and walked to the middle court. She gently laid down and looked at the sky. She really wanted to get back home to her warm bed and just cuddle up with Alice. But part of her, part of her wanted to run for Jess’ place. She was torn. She knew she’d end up with Alice. That was a given, but what if, what if her and Jess had worked things out? What if she gave her another chance, just as friends? Maybe she’d changed, maybe she was a much better person now? Alex sat up, she took a deep breath. No, Jess couldn’t change, it was who she was: a liar. That’s who she’d always be. Alex stood up, and ran back home. She walked back into her room, and quietly striped down to boxers and bra. She slipped under the covers, and wrapped her arms around Alice. Alice cuddled her back into Alex’s front.