Memories

LXXXVIII

THIS IS HOW A HEART UNBREAKS

'I'm gonna smile when it hurts
Going out tonight with all of my girls
Party 'til I can't see straight
This is how a heart unbreaks'

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"Come on, stop complaining," Thalia said. She was sitting on the bottom bunk with her legs crossed. A book was laid in front of her, open to the page she'd been reading. "You only have to do one year apart. I'm already into one year without Kevin, and I have one to go. So shut the fuck up and enjoy the time you have together before Andrew's graduation." 

"Just because you haven't seen Kevin in months doesn't give you the right to get angry at how we're spending our time," Neil countered. Thalia rolled her eyes and went back to her book.

"Besides," Robin cut in, making Thalia look up from her book. Although Robin was sat above Thalia on the top bunk and she couldn't see her, Thalia figured Robin was making a face. "They might have to spend more time apart. They might not even get on the same team when you and Neil go pro." Andrew appeared in the doorway. 

"Thanks for that, Cross," he said and made his way to sit next to Neil. He laid down and put his feet in Neil's lap, closing his eyes and trying to sleep.

Thalia put her book down, placing the bookmark on the page, and grabbed the wood above her head. She pulled herself up and looked at Robin, who was flicking through a magazine. Robin raised an eyebrow at Thalia. "Can I help you?"

"Yeah, actually. We're going to the studio." Thalia said. She stole Robin's magazine and held it out of her reach. "Come on." Robin sighed but climbed down from the loft bed. Thalia shot Neil a look as she walked out. "We'll give you two some time alone." Neil rolled his eyes and kicked the door shut behind his sister. Thalia chuckled and threw her arm around Robin.

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The few weeks after the championship final, the Foxes had microphones in their faces and Thalia was sick of it. It was mostly because the press had found out about Riko's death and were trying to get something out of the team that had hated him most. Thalia was questioned a lot, because of her being on the Ravens line-up for months, but she shooed the reporters away like they were just a mild inconvenience, and not getting on her last nerves. 

"Look, assholes, Thalia finally snapped. She was covered in paint and had the ugliest clothes on that she owned. She hadn't slept in days because she was trying to finish her portfolio for her finals. "I have finals next week, and nothing else to say to you. So if you'd just leave me and the rest of my team alone, that would be great. Thanks." Thalia gave a sarcastic smile and walked away.

"Hey, Lia," Kevin said when she walked in and flopped on his bed. Thalia sighed and rubbed her eyes. Kevin stroked her hair. "You okay?" he asked. Thalia shook her head and stared at Andrew's bed above them.

"I'm so fucking tired." Thalia mumbled. She sat up and looked at Kevin. "I need a shower." it took Kevin a moment to realise what she meant, and the two of them headed into the bathroom.

Kevin gently washed all the paint off her body, and Thalia closed her eyes, standing still where she was. She was still getting used to all the touching, but Thalia was comfortable around Kevin. She trusted and loved him. This was okay.

"Lia," Kevin said softly. Thalia hummed and opened her eyes. Kevin was mostly dry, since he wasn't standing under the spray of the water. Thalia frowned. Kevin looked serious. He leaned forward and kissed Thalia. She was surprised a little, but closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss. Kevin put his arms around Thalia, and she wound her arms around his neck.

When they came out of the bathroom, Nicky and Aaron were sitting on the beanbags and playing video games. Nicky turned and groaned when he saw the two of them in towels.

"The straights are at it again," he announced before turning back to his game. Thalia rolled her eyes and headed for the bedroom. She had a whole drawer full of her things in there, though she still regularly slept in her own dorm. Thalia changed and Kevin entered as she was pulling her shirt on. He was still in only a towel. 

"Hey handsome," Thalia smiled at him. Kevin smiled back and began getting dressed too. Thalia sat on his bed and pulled out the chessboard and pieces he kept under his bed. It was a good way for the two of them to relieve stress, and speed chess helped with their competitiveness. 

"You play white," Kevin said, sitting opposite Thalia on the bed, crossing his legs in front of him. She sighed. Kevin always let her play white.

"I don't know if you do that because you're being nice, or because you want to see my moves first," Thalia said. Kevin smirked and said nothing. Thalia rolled her eyes and set up the white pieces.

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"Have you talked to them about the contracts yet?" Thalia asked Wymack. She'd gone to the stadium, even though they didn't have practice anymore since the season was over. He was in his office and she'd gone to talk to him.

"Yes, I have." Wymack said, sitting back in his chair. Thalia motioned for him to continue. "They've agreed to play with us next season, but, but," he continued quickly after Thalia started celebrating. "They're going home to visit their families this weekend and won't be back until the start of the school year. I suspect they haven't seen their families in a long time." Thalia nodded in understanding. Dean had told her while at the nest that he hadn't seen his family since he joined the Ravens.

"Okay, that's great." Thalia said, smiling widely. Wymack's eyes drifted to Thalia's neck and she suddenly felt self-conscious of the marks Kevin had left there. He snapped his gaze back to Thalia's face when he noticed that she was feeling awkward.

"You know I approve of your relationship with Kevin, right?" Wymack said. Thalia nodded. "Just try not to make it so obvious." Thalia rolled her eyes and jumped down from Wymack's desk.

"Sure coach. I'll tell Kevin to be more mindful next time." she headed out the door and ran to the studio. She found Andrew there, already looking at the paintings. Thalia knocked on the doorframe to alert him of her her presence.

"Sometimes I regret giving you a key to this place." Andrew didn't respond. He was staring intently at one of Thalia's newest pieces. One she was doing for her final assessment. It was half and half black and white, with simplistic faces in the opposite colours. 

Thalia passed Andrew and headed over to her easel. There was a new piece there, and Thalia gathered the things she'd need to continue it.

"There's someone I want to recruit," Andrew said eventually. Thalia glanced back at him before returning to her work. "She's a few years away from graduating high school, but when she does, I want to take her on."

"What's her name?" Thalia asked. "And why is she so important?"

"Betsy mentioned her to me," Andrew said. "Told me her mother was from the same place as this girl. Apparently she was kidnapped when she was five. Only got back to her parents at eleven." Thalia paused and turned. Andrew was still staring at the painting.

"Her name?" Thalia asked.

"Robin Cross." Andrew said. "She plays goalkeeper. She's not Class 1 material, but we can make her Class 1 material." Thalia narrowed her eyes in thought. She hummed. 

"Alright. What do you need me to do?" she asked.

"Nothing, for the moment. Like I said, she's a few years from graduating, but when the time comes, I need you to help me convince coach." Andrew said. Thalia nodded.

"Okay. Yeah, I can do that." she said. Andrew stood and walked out of the room without another word. Thalia shook her head at his antics and turned back to the canvas. Maybe he was trying to help others, finally. Though he'd said it was a few years away from happening, Andrew was clearly trying to help this girl get away from whatever demons were holding her back. She had potential, he'd said in fewer words, and Andrew wanted to help her reach that potential. Thalia smiled as she worked.