Against All Odds (Finnick Odair love story) (1)

Chapter 47

I leave Lorie's shop and pass by the bakery and get a loaf of french bread. I walk home finding myself happier now that Finnick is home. I heat the soup up in two steel pots as I do my homework. I reheat the bread putting melted butter in it. Once the soups are done I turn them on low to keep them warm and I fix Annie some soup and bread. I close the lids tight and walk to Annie's house to drop her soup off. She's sleeping when I arrive but Mrs. Cresta kisses my cheek thanking me for bringing Annie soup. I make my way home quickly trying finish up the rest of the dishes. I hear a loud knock.
"Come in!" I call my hands covered in soap and water.
"It smells so good." Finnick's voice sounds from behind me.
"Thanks." I say smiling looking over my shoulder as he sits on the stool while Mags comes hug me around my waist I hug her back trying not to get her wet.
"What's that for?" I ask the older woman in surprise when she pulled away.
"I just needed a hug." Mags tells me smiling.
"I'm glad I could be of service." I tell her smiling back. I finish the dishes swiftly grabbing each of us a bowl. Pulling the warm bread from the oven.
"We can eat now. I'm sorry I'll go clean the table off." I say picking up my open school books from the table.
I throw my bag on the chair in my living room. When I walk back towards the kitchen Mags and Finnick serve themselves.
I pour each of us some lemonade in a glass as I see Finnick fix me some tomato soup. We all sit in the dining room. Finnick takes a seat next to me. While Mags is across from us.
"It's just as wonderful as I remember." Mags says after a spoonful.
My cheeks heat as Finnick makes a happy sound after tasting the cheese and potato soup.
"Is there anything you can't do?" Finnick asks me after eating a few more bites.
"Throw a trident." I respond quickly dipping my bread into the soup.
"If you were a bit stronger you would be able to." He says shrugging.
" I still wouldn't be as amazing as you." I tell him.
"No one can be as amazing as me." He says smirking into his soup. My eyes roll fondly what a very Finnick answer.
"Don't feel bad Kara. You may not ever be as strong as Fin but you are and always will be smarter." Mags tells me jokingly.
I laugh loudly mostly because of the look of outrage on Finnick's face.
"All jokes aside she's right. You are quite literally the smartest person I've ever met." Finnick complements genuinely. I blush brightly at his comment.
"Thank you." I say smiling at them. What did I do to deserve them?
"Kara how has school been?" Finnick asks after a few minutes.
"It's been great." I say half heartedly.
"I sure hope so. You spend every waking moment studying." Mags jokes getting a surprised and amused look from Finnick.
"Not every waking moment she's exaggerating." I tell Fin smiling at the old lady.
"Mags exaggerating? Never!" He jokes playfully.
"Oh hush. Mr. No one can be as amazing as me." She throws towards him.
"Well they can't." He says defensively.
I laugh softly I almost forgot how amazing spending time with them is.
My mind wonders for a moment I space out. It's hard to remember a time when I didn't have Finnick and Mags. My days were meaningless and empty.
"I'm glad I was reaped. I'm glad I was a tribute. I'm glad I competed. I wouldn't trade a normal life for this one." I say suddenly.
"Why do you say that little flower?" Her eyes sad. Finnick looks distressed and confused.
"I would still be with my father right now if I hadn't been reaped. I would have never met you both. I would be dead by now. I owe you both my life. You make me happy to exist. A normal life means a life without both of you." I tell them honestly my chest hurting. Mags looks ready to cry at my words.
"We are glad you are here with us. But you don't owe us anything Kara." Finnick says after clearing his throat.
"We will always be here Kara." Mags says holding my hand from across the table I feel Finnick's smooth but calloused hand take my other hand. This time I don't flinch at his unexpected touch. He isn't Alexander or any random man... he's Finnick. He's my best friend. He's my Finnick.