Chapter Text
Chapter 1: The Accidental Injury
It was an all too familiar smell to Waverly Earp as she entered the gymnasium for the start of Winter sports. She liked the atmosphere of the girl’s games and the smell was a thousand times better than when the guy’s played. It was her junior year at Purgatory Community College and she was single for the first time since she was in the 7th grade. She had previously dated Champ Hardy, who was the star quarterback in high school and college and every girl in school wanted to date him. Now they could. Waverly decided she needed a fresh start and was willing to be single for forever if it meant that she didn’t have to put up with the bullshit she did while she was with Champ. She never understood why Champ would get so upset when she didn’t want his hands all over her, all the time. It was just one of the causes of their many tumultuous arguments. Champ viewed her as his property and frequently expressed his possessiveness over her. It annoyed Waverly’s sister, Wynonna, and would cause friction between the sisters. In high school, Wynonna actually punched Champ, breaking his nose, for making an inappropriate comment to Waverly. She was always protecting her younger sister, Waverly, even though they were only half-sisters. After Wynonna graduated, she went off the grid for a while, 3 years to be exact but finally made her way back to Purgatory with her boyfriend John Henry. Waverly thought he was a peculiar guy. He had a raspy voice, loved his whiskey, had a well-endowed mustache and always smelt of a half smoked cigarillo but Waverly was also very intrigued by him. He seemed to have an old soul and she would get captivated by his storytelling. Waverly could not be more happy that her sister was finally in a relationship with someone who treated her with respect. She too felt that it was her turn to be in a healthy relationship but she was not actively looking. One night, sitting around the fire at the homestead, John Henry told her that true love isn’t something you seek out; it finds you when you least expect it and in the most beautiful way.
As Waverly entered the gym, she was waved over by her best friends, Rosita and Chrissy, who were stretching before they had to take the court and pep up the crowd. Waverly changed directions and shifted her cheerleading duffle-bag from one shoulder to the other. Smiling in their direction, Waverly walked across the painted letters on the baseline, spelling out “REVENANTS”, when out of nowhere she was hit, hard, by an out of control basketball.
“Son of a bitch!” She screamed, as she clutched her right upper arm.
“Oh shit! I’m so sorry!” She heard from a fast approaching voice. “Are you okay?”
Waverly turned to see a tall redhead running toward her with a concerned, but hiding laughter, expression.
“Yes.. I think I might survive this one.” Waverly groaned, still rubbing the spot where the ball had slammed into her. The red head grabbed Waverly’s hand and moved it to the side so she could inspect the damage.
“You sure?” She questioned, “This one looks fatal.”
The two exchanged smirks and the redhead realized that she was still holding Waverly’s hand and quickly released her grip.
“I’ll be okay,” Waverly giggled, “I’m tougher than I look.”
“I had no doubt you were.” The redhead shot back with a wink before running back onto the court to join her team.
Waverly, still caught up in the moment, watched as the redhead trotted back, dribbling the ball between her legs and dodging invisible defenders. She wasn’t exactly sure what had just happened but it definitely made her feel some type of way. Her daydream was quickly interrupted by Chrissy yelling at her again to hurry up. Waverly approached the leaders of cheers and quickly sat down and began stretching. Rosita scooted over closer to Waverly and began asking her how she was handling her break up with Champ.
“I’m actually fine.” Waverly replied “I feel at peace now. Like, a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I feel a huge sense of freedom.”
“That’s awesome, Waves. I’m so proud of you!” Rosita said, while fixing a strand of hair that had fallen out of her ponytail. “I’m glad you’re handling this as well as you are. You and Champ were together for a really long time. Well, almost as long as we have been friends. I just want you to be happy and I am so excited to see you spread your wings, without that knot on a log dragging you down all the time. I’m glad I have my best friend back!”
“Second best friend!” Chrissy interrupted “We all know I’m the BEST best friend”
The squad continued to stretch and chat until the 5 minute warning buzzer let them know it was time to take their positions on the base line and begin pumping up the crowd for when the team took the court. After their first cheer, they ran to make a tunnel as the players made their way onto the court. Waverly watched familiar faces pass by her with the look of determination painted all over them. Except for one, only recently familiar face who flashed a grin as she ran by. Waverly couldn’t help the corners of her lips curling and plastering a smile across her face.
“Who’s that?” Rosita asked. “I don’t think she’s been in any of my classes.”
“I don’t know.” Waverly shrugged
“That smile is telling me something different, Waves.”
“I really don’t know her. I smiled because she smiled. You know I’m the nicest person in Purgatory.”
“That wasn’t a ‘Give me a sash because I’m so nice’ kinda smile.” Rosita stated with air quotes.
“Let’s not make something into what it’s not, okay?” Waverly's tone shifted, as she skipped back to her spot along the baseline.
“Whatever you say, Waves.” Rosita replied in a questioning manner.
After several minutes, the lights dimmed and the Chicago Bulls theme song “Sirius” began blaring out of the speakers. Spotlights danced around the gym and and the fans began to howl. This was Waverly’s favorite part of the game. She would always get chills from all the electric energy in the air.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the starting line up for your very own Purgatory Revenantssssssss!!!” The announcer boomed through the speakers, “Starting at a guard, number 10, Mattie Perley! Starting at 2 guard, number 12, Gretta Perley! Starting at Center, number 55, Bunny Loblaw! Starting at forward, number 21, Constance Clootie! And starting at forward, number 15, Nicole Haught!”
“Nicole Haught” Waverly whispered to herself as she shook her pompoms around. “That’s a name that’s not easily forgotten.”
The players met at half court and prepared for tip off. Nicole took her place inside the circle, her left foot was planted a shoulder width infront of her right, which was planted on her toes ready to push off. Her left arm extended above her head and her right arm out to her side ready to tip the ball behind her to her waiting teammate. The ref blew the whistle and entered the circle, dribbling the ball twice before tossing it up between the players and then backing away, quickly. It was an easy tip for Nicole, as she was several inches taller than her opponent. Nicole ran to the post and began running the play that Mattie had called out. She got the ball on the wing and with a quick shot fake, dribbled around her opponent straight to the basket and making the easy lay up. The crowd cheered as she ran the length of the court to play defense. After a few passes, Greta tipped the ball, which bounced off the back of Bunny’s head and landed directly between Nicole and her opponent. They both dove in the direction of the bouncing ball and Nicole was able to tip the ball back to Greta who immediately began a fast break down the court. Nicole, gathering herself, looked up to see that her teammate had scored, so she helped the opposing player to her feet, checking to make sure she was okay. The next possession was knocked out of bounds and then stolen by Nicole on the inbounds play. Nicole trotted over the half court line and passed the ball to Mattie before running to the wing, a well placed screen from Constance opened up a shot for Nicole on the 3 point line and she swished the shot, leaving her shooting hand extended as she skipped down the floor. After a 15 nothing run, the opposing team called a timeout and Nicole joined her team in a huddle around the coach.
The cheerleaders took this opportunity to scramble onto the court for a quick cheer to pump up the already electric crowd. Waverly noticed that this was one of this biggest crowds she had ever seen at a girl’s game since she had been cheering. She noticed a lot more press also, as a camera man scooted along the sideline capturing the cheerleaders mid cheer. When the buzzer went off the cheerleaders scrambled to get off the court and back to their positions on the baseline. Rosita had noticed the amplified atmosphere also and made it a point to say something to Waverly about it.
“Do you ever remember it being THIS lit in here for a girl’s game?” She asked.
“No! I was just thinking the same thing. Wonder if they ran out of drinks at Shorty’s?” Waverly giggled.
“Come to think of it, we’ve never really been any good, Waves. We only won, what, like 5 games last year and one of them was because the other team got food poisoning before the game.”
“True. Maybe it’s because of the new girl. What’s her name?” Waverly said, knowing damn well she knew that name better than her own in that moment.
“Probably.” Rosita said, “She’s really good!”
“She definitely is.” Waverly expressed without even meaning to.
The game continued and at the end of the first quarter, the Revenants were leading 35-12. The second quarter only added to the ever growing lead Nicole Haught and her teammates produced. Nicole was quick to read the opponents plays and made a habit of encroaching on the passing lanes making it easy to steal the ball or at least tip it out of bounds. She was over anxious the next time down the floor and got beat on a ball fake and her girl cutting to the basket. They made that play look easy and Nicole was not only mad at herself but also embarrassed. She caught the ball as it exited the net, slamming it down on the court only for it to bounce right back up into her hands.
“Motherfucker!” she said, as she stepped out of bounds and then prepared to throw the ball in to her teammates.
“You’re doing great Nicole!” Waverly exclaimed, before realizing that her brain and her mouth were not operating on the same frequency anymore.
Nicole didn’t turn around or acknowledge the outburst, so Waverly felt some relief thinking that the words didn’t in fact exit her lips. She shyly looked around and noticed Rosita and Chrissy grinning at each other. “Fuck.” she thought, “I’ve really got to get my shit together.”
The buzzer sounded and half time was upon them. Waverly made a beeline to their locker room and directly into one of the bathroom stalls. She slammed the lid on the toilet down and sat down quickly with her head in her hands. “What is wrong with you?” She thought. “Why are you acting like this? Over her! A girl!” Her thoughts bounced around her head like a pingpong ball.
“Maybe it’s just because I’ve been feeling a bit lonely lately and she’s the only person who has given me attention that didn’t involve some sort of a cat call or sexual advance.”
“Waves?” Chrissy called as she knocked on the stall door, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” She replied “Just had to pee REALLY bad.”
“Are you sure you’re okay? Are you upset that Champ is here with his new girlfriend? She’s not even pretty, Waves!”
“Champ’s here?” Waverly questioned.
“Yes. He’s been staring a hole through you since the game started. He’s trying to make you jealous but don’t let it bother you, Waves, you deserve so much better than him.”
“Thanks Chrissy. I’m really okay though.”
“Well, if you want to talk about it, you know that Rosie and I are always here for you.”
“I know, Chrissy! I’ll be out in just a minute.”
Waverly collected herself and flushed the toilet out of habit before exiting the stall and returning to the court. Her team was already beginning to line up, so Waverly took her position. Two older men walked behind her, cramming their mouths full of popcorn and talking about the game.
“She’s a great addition to the team. I think we are really going to go far this year.” The dark haired man said
“I heard she was the all time leading scorer at her high school and was recruited by several D1 schools but had to stay close to home for a while.” the other man announced.
The conversation drifted out of the range of Waverly who was listening intently, knowing that they were talking about Nicole. The buzzer sounded again, indicating half time was over. The players walked onto the court to start the second half and Waverly realized she was the only one not cheering. “Mind is drifting again. Fight it Waves.” She thought and began to join her squad in the cheer. The game progressed and Nicole had stepped up her game. She was scoring nearly every trip down the floor. At the start of the 4th quarter, a defender tipped the ball and it began bouncing in the direction of the cheerleaders, who began to scatter. Nicole and her opponent followed closely behind it and Nicole slid, attempting to tip the ball back in before crashing into a perfectly structured pair of legs. Waverly came toppling down on top of her, letting out a whimper. The two laid there, looking at each other dazed at what had happened, taking a few seconds to register if they had sustained any injuries. They were quickly surrounded by teammates and Nicole broke the silence with a low whisper.
“We’ve got to stop meeting like this.”
“Like what?” Waverly whispered back
Nicole laughed, making sure Waverly was okay as she helped her get back on her feet. “No more injuries for at least 24hrs, okay?” She said as she ran back onto the court.
“Are you okay, Waves?” Her concerned teammates asked
“Yeah, I’m okay guys. She broke my fall.”
“I’m sure she did!” Rosita laughed as she elbowed Chrissy
“Stop.” Waverley glared
“What? You said it first” she smiled.
Waverly, rolling her eyes, resumed her position and the squad began another cheer. At the last buzzer, the crowd was on their feet, clapping and congratulating their team on a well earned victory to begin the season. The crowd slowly cleared and the janitors began the clean up that would clearly take them the rest of the evening. Waverly cleaned up the water bottles and candy wrappers left behind by some of the cheer squad and then began to collect her belongings. Chrissy and Rosita came up behind her and asked if she was ready to go.
“Go where?” Waverly asked
“To the party, duh!” The girls said in unison
“It’s the first game of the season and it was one hell of a game! We actually won.” Rosita joked
“I think I’m going to sit this one out, guys. I’m really tired, I have work tomorrow and I have to study for a test on Monday.”
“It’s Friday night, Waves, you’re young and single and you can study the rest of the weekend.” Chrissy explained
“I really need to just have a night in, alone. I am just not really in the mood to party but you all have fun and call me if you need a ride home.”
Rosita stuck her tongue out, “Party pooper!”
“I’m sorry!” Waverly laughed, “You two be careful!”
Chrissy and Rosita left and Waverly resumed collecting her possessions. She turned around and made her way toward the exit. She was met with the sound of sneakers on the court right before the exit door. A flash of red and black passed her by and the door flung open and remained open while she exited. A tall redhead stood on the outside of the door, holding it open with a big smile.
“I figured the least I could do is hold the door open for you. Can’t risk you sustaining anymore injuries today.” Nicole laughed “Are you okay?”
“Thank you” Waverly giggled back, “I told you already, I’m okay. I’m stronger than I look.”
“And a lot heavier.” Nicole joked with a wink and a half smile. “I didn’t get to properly introduce myself earlier,” she said as she extended her hand out toward Waverly, “I’m Nicole”.
Waverly quickly wiped her hand on her uniform skirt, clearing all the nervous sweat off of it before placing it gently into Nicole’s. “Nicole Haught, right? An announcer over the speaker introduced you, since you didn’t have the manners to do so yourself.” She said with a tilt of her head and raised eyebrow, “I’m Waverly. Waverly Earp.” Their hands dropped to where just fingertips were touching before completely disengaging.
“It’s nice to meet you, Waverly Earp. I’m glad I finally know the name of the girl who topped me in front of a crowd of people.” She laughed
Waverly, with a confused face, stared nervously at Nicole, not knowing how to reply to her comment.
Nicole extended her hand back out to Waverly’s now crossed arms, pulling her in close to her.
“Excuse me.” She heard coming from behind her
“You’ll have to excuse her. She has no manners.” Nicole joked
“Oh, I’m so sorry” Waverly gasped “ I didn’t know I was still blocking the door.”
“No biggie.” said the young man exiting behind her, “That was one hell of a game, Haught! How many points did you end up with?”
“I think it was a little over 30. Not my best game but at least we came out with the ‘W’.” Nicole humbly replied
The guy extended a closed fist in her direction and the two fist bumped before he said “See you in class.”
“See ya!” She replied
“30 something points, huh?” That’s more than what we would usually score in one game last year.” Waverly pointed out
“That’s what I hear.” Nicole replied, “If there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s scoring.”
“Wow!” Waverly exclaimed, “Cocky much?”
Nicole could barely get out the words between fits of laughter, “I’m not cocky. I was trying to joke but apparently that’s not one of my strong suits. I’ll see you around, Earp. Try to stay out of trouble, okay?”
Nicole looked at Waverly with a smirk as she took several steps backwards before turning around and walking off into the dimly lit parking lot.
Waverly walked to her jeep, replaying the entire conversation back in her head. She did this over and over again until she realized that she had made it all the way to the homestead, not remembering the drive at all. She parked the jeep, collected her water bottle and duffle bag and opened the homestead door, closing it slowly behind her and then leaning against it. Her eyes closed, she took several deep breaths and tried to regain her composure after thinking about how dangerous it was to drive with her mind all over the place like that. With her mind solely focused on Nicole Haught.