Memories

VIII

WE DIDN'T START THE FIRE

'We didn't start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world's been turning
We didn't start the fire
No we didn't light it
But we tried to fight it'

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When they arrived at Eden's, Nicky told everyone to get out. Aaron got a VIP parking pass from one of the bouncers and gave it to his cousin, who drove off. The others walked in, past the line, and found a table to stand at. Andrew left to get drinks, and Kevin pushed Thalia to follow him. Neil looked uncomfortable staying where he was, like he had an itch to follow the blonde boy.

"What do you want?" Andrew asked, tone flat. It was unusual for Thalia to hear him like that. She was so used to the medicated Andrew that hearing his tone change was almost jarring. She wasn't used to it, and she went rigid all over. 

"Whatever is the strongest." Thalia replied simply. A bartender came up to them and started a conversation with Andrew like they were good friends. Thalia took a shot before it was even put on the tray, and then walked off, not waiting for Andrew. She made it back to the table and Nicky was there, chatting with Aaron about something Thalia didn't care about. She turned to Neil instead.

"What do you mean we knew each other when we were younger?" she demanded. Neil looked at Thalia. She noticed the brown eye contacts he usually wore were gone, replaced instead by startlingly blue eyes. Thalia waited for an answer. "Why did you recommend me to Wymack?"

"We were friends once. Back in Millport. Then you and your parents moved away. We didn't keep in contact, but I remembered that you played exy, and when coach asked if I knew anyone who'd play for us, I recommended you. It's why I came to see you in California." Neil explained. Thalia didn't believe a minute of his explanation, but nodded nonetheless. She'd find out the truth later, when she wasn't in a bar surrounded by drunks and people trying to be.

Andrew arrived with the drinks, and took out the packets he'd taken from Sweetie's. He split them between the boys, excluding Neil, and offered one to Thalia. "What is it?" she repeated her question from earlier, though she was already reaching for it. Andrew let her take it and Thalia watched as the others opened theirs and put its contents in their mouths, before taking a shot to help the stuff go down. 

Thalia copied them, and was startled a little by the effect. "Woah," she said quietly. "That's good. But not as strong as the stuff I'm used to." After a few more drinks, Nicky and Aaron made their way to the dancefloor, leaving Thalia with Neil, Andrew and Kevin. She noticed Neil wasn't drinking. "Sober driver?" she asked, sarcastically.

"Go and dance," Andrew said. Thalia raised an eyebrow. "Neil's only been with us a few times, but he's made it clear he doesn't. And neither do I. Kevin doesn't anymore either. So go have fun with Nicky and Aaron." 

"I think that's the most you've spoken to me all week." Thalia said, starting to feel whatever effect the drugs she'd taken were having. "What do you mean Kevin doesn't dance anymore?" she looked to the taller man who only shrugged. "Oh come on, you can go one night." Thalia grabbed Kevin's hand and pulled him onto the floor, despite his protests and attempts to get back to the table.

"No, Thalia. I don't know how to dance. That's why I don't." Kevin said, trying to pull away. She scoffed and put Kevin's hands on her waist as she swayed to the music. Thalia didn't know why she was acting this way. She didn't usually, not even under the influence of harder drugs. Maybe it was because she wanted to. What did she want though, exactly? to prove Kevin wasn't as stuck up and exy-oriented as he made himself out to be? or to get to know him better one of the only ways she knew how?

"That's okay." Thalia said. "Just put your hands here," she readjusted him after he tried pulling away. "And sway to the music." Thalia moved her hips in time with the beat and put her arms around Kevin's neck.

It was awkward for a few moments, but then Kevin started letting himself go. He moved to the music and Thalia smiled at him. Genuinely. Something she hadn't done in months. 

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Thalia stood in the corner of an alleyway, waiting with her arms crossed and a hand cradling the cigarette she was holding. It was hard to distinguish who she was waiting for, but the large man found her easily. He'd been given a description of her that all their informants and suppliers were given; short, cute girl, grey coat, usually found smoking.

"You Warden?" he asked, voice gruff from years of smoking himself. Thalia nodded and stubbed out her butt on the ground. He looked around before taking out the bag he was carrying and handing it to Thalia. She in turn passed over a large bag full of money. He opened the bag, and that second let Thalia escape. 

She ran down the alley and up over the bins, onto the roof and away from the crook. The money was real, and so was the trade, but Thalia had trained not to stay around anyone for too long. This was her own stash. She didn't want Drake knowing about her own private buys, or the fact that she was technically stealing from him. 

She stashed the drugs under the house and walked around the side to get to the front door. She steadied her breath before entering the house. He couldn't think she was hiding something, so it was a good thing Thalia was great at lying.

Luckily, Drake wasn't home, so she headed up to her bedroom and locked the door. Thalia smiled and lay back on her bed. It felt good to do something illegal for her own personal good, rather than for someone else. She hadn't had the opportunity in weeks. She remembered the last car she stole as if it were yesterday. She remembered Pig Higgins' last visit. He wouldn't be returning until it was time to pick Thalia up for her court hearing and the presentation of her three year plan.

She still had months before that was due, however, so Thalia put it off for as long as she could, and headed down to the rec center. The old lady that worked at reception didn't question the fact that Thalia should be at school, and let her into the exy court. Thalia thanked her and pulled on the gear that was shared communally. It was disgusting, but the only way she was allowed to play. 

The stick Thalia always used was there, and she picked up a bucket of balls, heading into the court. She let out a breath and picked up ball after ball, hitting it to the goal. She was getting good. Really good. But it would be even better if she had someone to practice with.