Unconditional

8

augusts pov:

"Holy hell you're tan!" Hollie laughs, hugging me.

"California baby." I smile, giving her a tight squeeze.

She's really popped since I saw her last. Nearly four months ago. Obviously a lot has changed since then.

She moved out of the apartment, apparently Tap and Wilder got new roommates, and Ive made actual team friends.

"Here I'll take your suitcase and," She starts, reaching for the bag.

"Nuh uh. Holls Ive got it." I say, moving it away.

"Hey! Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I can't be useful." She say, crossing her arms,
across her belly,

"I never said that," I smile. "However, you're carrying my baby, and I don't want you doing unnecessary things." I claim.

"Me picking up a suitcase isn't going to kill anyone, August." She giggles.

"Oh my god." I laugh, as she snatches it from my hand.

"Ha! Got it!" Hollie smiles, putting the suitcase into her car.
______

Walking back into this apartment, makes my brain flood with memories, good and bad.

I remember when we first moved in. It was just Wilder, Tapper, Jayce and I. Jayce and I were fresh out of college. Tapper and Wilder had been looking for an apartment for a while, when we had first met them. We clicked, and next thing we knew it, we were moving into an apartment together.

When Hollie moved in, Tapper and Wilder had already grown so close to her. It was like we were a family. We all loved each other so much. And we still do.

Coming back after games, or having parties, is something I will forever remember, and I honestly miss it.

Then there's the things I remember, that I wish didn't happen.

Fights between the five of us. Between Jayce and I, especially the most recent one. Leaving Hollie. So much sadness, but also so much joy in this apartment. It hurts to know that one day, none of the original people will live here.

"If it isn't August Dieon, starting catcher for the California Rush!" Tapper gives me a quick hug, as I set my suitcase down.

"Tapper Mayer!" I say, hugging him back.

"Jesus Christ you're so tan!" Wilder claims.

"That's what I'm saying!" Hollie laughs.

"Missed you bud." Jayce smiles.

"I missed all of you. What's new?" I ask, as we sit down on the couch.

That god damn stain is still there.

"Tap and I got new roommates. Wish you could have met them since you're here, but," Wilder laughs. "They're both in California right now actually." He says. Hollie smiles.

"Oh that's weird." I laugh.

"Very." Tapper laughs.