truth or dare - game on series #1

chapter 16

As they walked away, Bree turned to me with a triumphant look. "You're going."

"I didn't agree to that," I said.

"Too bad. He likes you, and you like him. Plus, you'll have me there to keep you sane," she said with a grin. "Now, let's get that hot chocolate."

...

The gymnasium was alive with noise and energy as Bree and I walked through the entrance, the hum of excited chatter blending with the rhythmic beat of a warm-up song blaring from the speakers. I clutched my jacket tightly around me, the weight of the crowd pressing down on my shoulders as we wove through groups of students heading toward the bleachers.

"I'm not sure this is a good idea," I muttered, glancing at Bree.

She rolled her eyes, looping her arm through mine. "Stell, it's just a basketball game. You'll be fine. Besides, Cameron invited you. Specifically you. You can't just bail on him."

"He invited both of us," I countered.

"Details," Bree said with a grin. "It's obvious he wanted you to come."

I frowned, looking down at my feet. "Even if he does like me – which I don't think he does – that's because he doesn't know about my epilepsy. People always act differently once they find out."

Bree stopped walking and turned to face me, her expression softening. "Stella, listen to me. You're amazing, with or without epilepsy. Anyone with half a brain can see that. Cameron included. If he doesn't, then he's the idiot, not you. But I don't think he's an idiot."

I hesitated, biting my lip as her words sank in. The truth was, I wanted to believe her, but a part of me couldn't shake the fear of what would happen if Cameron ever saw me have a seizure.

"Come on," Bree said, giving my arm a reassuring squeeze. "Let's find our seats. The game's about to start."

We climbed up the bleachers and found a spot near the middle, just as the players were lining up on the court. The sound of the buzzer signaling the start of the game made me jump, and I quickly scanned the crowd, feeling the familiar twinge of anxiety creeping in. Big crowds had never been my thing, and knowing how unpredictable my seizures could be only made it worse.

"You good?" Bree asked, leaning closer to me.

I nodded quickly, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine."

She gave me a knowing look but didn't press further, instead turning her attention to the court. The game began in a flurry of movement, the players darting back and forth with a speed and precision that made my head spin. It didn't take long to spot Cameron, his tall frame moving effortlessly across the floor as he called out plays and passed the ball to his teammates.

As I watched, I couldn't help but admire the way he moved. Every step was purposeful, every motion fluid and practiced. He looked like a pro out there, so completely in his element that it was almost mesmerizing.

"You're staring," Bree whispered, leaning toward me with a sly grin.

"Am not," I muttered, tearing my gaze away and pretending to focus on something else. But the truth was, I had been staring. Cameron was... captivating.

The game progressed, the crowd's energy ebbing and flowing with each point scored. Cameron took a shot from just outside the three-point line, and the ball soared through the air, swishing cleanly through the net. The gym erupted in cheers, and I felt a surge of pride for him, a small smile creeping onto my face despite myself.

"Yes! Go, Cameron!" Bree shouted beside me, her voice blending with the roar of the gym. She was fully invested, yelling at the players and referees like she was part of the coaching staff. I couldn't help but laugh at her intensity, though the noise around me still made my skin crawl.

I found myself smiling, a small swell of pride bubbling up as I watched Cameron high-five his teammates. He looked up toward the stands, scanning the crowd, and for a brief moment, his eyes locked with mine. A smile spread across his face, and he lifted a hand in a quick wave.

My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a strange fluttering sensation in my stomach. Before I could think better of it, I raised my hand in a shy wave back.

"Oh my God, did you see that?" Bree said, nudging me with her elbow. "He's totally into you, Stell."

I shook my head, trying to ignore the heat rising to my cheeks. "It doesn't mean anything," I said quickly, though my voice lacked conviction.

"Sure it doesn't," Bree said with a smirk, turning back to the game.

I tried to focus on the action on the court, but my mind kept drifting back to that moment. The way Cameron had looked at me—like I wasn't just another face in the crowd. For the first time in a long while, I felt a flicker of something I couldn't quite name. Hope, maybe?