Sylvia's PoV

I called out Rebecca's name just as I pushed open the slightly ajar door of our room.

After the studio closed for the day, Brady had quickly dropped me off, and then practically ran away. As if I was some unlikeable burden he had to carry. It was annoying, but most of all, it sent a shot of pain down my chest.

When I entered, I saw Izzy and her embracing tight against the wall. They had their arms around each other, with Becca pushed against the wall. Izzy's head was buried in the crook of her neck.

What were they doing against the wall? Wasn't there so much space to have a hug if they wanted to?

I swerved the thought away- they were best friends. They could do anything they wanted. They were crazy enough to do it in the stomach of a demon if they had to.

" Hello. Izzy. Becca." I greeted as I slid my sneakers off. They broke apart slowly and then turned to me. Izzy immediately gave me her bright grin. Rebecca though, gave me a small smile. She looked dizzy for some reason, even though her eyes were bright and vibrant.

" Hey Sylvia" Izzy welcomed, instead of Becca. Who wasn't saying anything. It wasn't unusual of her, but nonetheless concerning.

" What were you doing up against the wall?" I asked. I couldn't help but think of the wall Brady had smashed. The small dent created by those strong hands. I inhaled sharply and shook the thoughts away.

Both of them seemed to tense slightly at the question. I squinted. There was something up here. I realized enough. Just not what exactly was up.

Izzy responded,

" Becca gave me an early christmas present." her hand shot to her neck, where I saw a beautiful golden necklace. 

It was a butterfly, decorated by extremely ornate carvings. Just like my piano. But he's had that kind of antique aura to it.

I suddenly realized it was the same one that Becca wore.

That was why it is so personal for her.

Maybe that was why they were up against the wall, hugging so hard.

Yeah, sure. That would be normal.

" It's so nice isn't it?" Izzy said with so much emotion in her voice, my throat dried with the reply.

" Yeah. It really is" I managed. Becca smiled softly at me.

I slowly smiled back, but not without another narrowing of the eyes.

Just then, between the silence, Izzy spoke up.

" So, this night...me and Becca were thinking of..."

We had a girls night after that. Even when the sky was beginning to light up for the day, we were awake.

It was fun, especially the part where we all got to forget the reality of everything and just enjoy the simple night.

I forgot about Brady-- Well,not really, because I never can --but his problem disappeared from my view. I needed that. Especially today.

I wanted to tell them. About Brady. About Austin. About everything. 

I really did, but the fear of what they would think of me was too much. I thought it was best to keep it to me. Let the moment fold beneath the pages of this year.

It wouldn't happen again right?

I wanted it to.

But the logical, sensible, right thing overpowered every rebellious thought I had.

The night was another form of escape. It was a blissful escape.

We had pillow fights. We pranked their mom like a 10 year old. We had cheesy, dirty talks about boys. We went wild.

For a night, we were just normal teenagers, with no problems.

I saw Austin's blonde hair before I saw his face. 

The sun shone on it, making it a lighter shade of blonde than it really was. His backpack was slung over his shoulder, which gave him a typical player look. Along with those black denim jeans and a green t-shirt that matched his vibe. 

 His light green eyes sparkled, looking at me, and I smiled, waving at him across the field.

We were here, the next day, just after lunch break, because Austin wanted to teach soccer to me. 

Well, technically, I told him to, but he was all for it. Of course, everyone knew Brady was the better soccer champion, but it seemed awkward-- and now much more, to ask him rather than my own boyfriend.

Well, so called 'boyfriend'

So here we were, in the field. 

Austin carried the black and white ball and slung it towards me. I surprisingly was able to catch it easily. He grinned, and that small gesture caused me to smile too. 

He made me happy. But not in that way. And in washed the guilt with that thought.

Somehow, it didn't seem fair. I didn't know how.

" Hey my darling."

" That doesn't sound right. You gotta do it with the British accent." I responded, still gazing at the ball in my hands. I wondered if it was the same one Brady used.

Austin rolled his eyes, but for my sake, he repeated it in the british accent.

" Why, hello my darling Lia."

I beamed at him.

" That's better."

Austin snorted but his unwavering sweet grin didn't flicker anywhere.

He was a charming boy.

That's why so many fell for him. I understand now. Only when I realized it wasn't really my type.

" Let's just play." he said.

And played we did. I was assigned to one goal post and Austin to the other. We both gave ourselves different roles as we played. One game, I was just a goalkeeper. One game, I would be on offence and he would be goalkeeping. 

I wasn't an expert at it, obviously, but shockingly, I did pretty well for my first time playing.

Austin told me I moved like a ghost, with agility and speed. My kicks though.... Weren't that good to say the least. I once kicked the ball towards the trees-- where it bounced on each and every one and then hit my face when it came back.

It was one of the most unique kicks in the history of kicks.

I just made sure to keep a good spirit all along.

Even though it was Austin who taught me, the foot positions, the running, the defence-- I couldn't help recall how Brady played.

I used to observe him intensely when he had his games in school.

So basically, I almost knew everything theoretically about soccer. Just by observing, each and every small movement.

I remembered how Brady's feet danced through the soil, how his kick caused all the dirt to fly, how he would skid the ball through everything that resisted him.

I would drool back then.

I probably still would now though.

I inhaled sharply into the air.

And we started a new game.

My heart speedened as I struggled to keep the ball in place between my legs. It was the last game. I swear, if I played any more, I would collapse on the ground dead enough that he would have to carry me back.

 And then I would be asleep for days.

Moving across the field to where Austin was goalkeeping, I decided to distract him.

Last time..... I was pretty sure it was a joke, but he got distracted nonetheless.

I tugged on my tied up hair, releasing them all so that they fell in long waves over my shoulders. I shook my head, letting them bounce and fly with my movements.

I smirked at him, who paused in shock for a second. Just in that second, I kicked the ball hoping that it didn't bang up on some tree again. It flew. And flew.

... right into the goalpost!

I screamed in delight, pumping my fist into the air. Austin just stood there, frozen, his jaw agape. Maybe he couldn't think a little girl could ever beat him. Even if it was once only.

Then he glared at me, burning his eyes right into me when he realized what exactly I did.  I smirked and marched up to him.

I went as close as I could get. He didn't move. Our chests touched and I had to crane my head painfully to look at him. I smiled, not being able to help it anymore.

Austin's glare disappeared, as if seeing me smile made him forget he was mad at me.

" Well. You did it."

" I did." I said proudly. My smile was now turning cheeky, and way too wide. I just couldn't help it.

I beat him!

He started to smile as well. I let out a small laugh. 

" That's the girl I love so much." he blurted out. Immediately, his eyes widened, as if he never had meant to say that. His mouth slightly parted.

I almost gasped. My smile vanished.

The girl I love...?

Austin loves me?

No. Wait.

Did he really say that?

Austin was frozen for a second after shutting his eyes and scratching the back of his neck.

" I mean, you must have known by now." he started, opening his eyes up back again and staring intensely.

"I know we started it for fun. I know you meant to too. I realize you were trying to escape something probably by getting with me. And honestly, I thought I was the best person too as well.

But then I fell for you. Like a waterfall. I fell, Lia "

He said the last part softly, like he was too afraid to say it. Maybe even to himself.

I shook my head, not being able to say anything. I was speechless. I had no idea what to say. He was also silent. It seemed like we both had no words.

We stared. Both of us were still touching, still at the same distance.

At last, when I could gain my speech back, I took a deep breath and said,

" You crashed into my life. And everything changed."

But not as you wanted it.

Not as I wanted it.