The Quiet Girl (An International Story)

To Us

December 2022

Alexandra's POV:

I zipped my suitcase. "When do you leave?" Beck leaned in the doorway.

"Couple of days. Why? You going to miss me?" I smirked.

"Yes." He laughed. "But I actually wanted to talk to you."

"You have my blessing to date my sister." I said.

He sat down on the bed. "That's not what I was going to say, but good to know." I smiled. "When you get back. Don't drop off the face of the earth again. I've just been through something traumatic. I'm going to need my best friend to answer the phone if I call." He said.

"Fine. But I've also been going through traumatic shit so if I call, you better answer." 

He nodded. "Are you going to get help for all this?"

"I'm working on it. I was in that group here but, not much I can do during the season." 

"You do know Zoom exists right? Get yourself a good therapist and do virtual visits during the season." 

"Can we not talk about Zoom?" I said. "I had a dream a few nights ago about a global pandemic."

He shook his head. "Gross. But seriously, Alex. You need the help. Because when it builds up, you let it overflow and then you lash out. Or you disappear. Or both. That's what happened when you punched the pole." I looked at him. "You tried to start a fight in front of the gym I own. Think I wouldn't connect the dots? Especially when I went outside and saw a bloody print on the pole?"

"I'll get myself a good therapist. Any other requests, DAD?"

"Yes. I actually have your blessing to ask Z out?"

"Jesus Christ." I mumbled.

Nahikari's POV:

"Still nothing from Mariana?" I asked Patri.

"Nope. No one has heard from her." I watched everyone talk. 

"She's not coming for New Year's Eve is she?" Alexia asked.

"Tatiana said she hasn't left her apartment." Mapi sighed. "She won't talk to anyone."

Alexia stood up. "Maybe she'll talk to me. Give me your phone. Be right back."

I stood next to Virginia. "What is she up to?" Mapi asked.

"Alexia's a good friend. If anyone will get through to Mariana, it's her." Jenni smiled. "It's going to be ok, Mapi."

Alexia left the room and I looked at Virginia. "Can we talk?" 

She smiled. "Sure." We went outside. "What's up?"

"I just wanted to be alone with you." I put my head on her shoulder. 

"You alright?" She kissed the top of my head. 

"It's just been a long season." I said. "And I've missed you."

"I know. Facetime is great but I like holding you." 

"Hey lovebirds." Leila said. "We're leaving. You two coming or what?" 

"Yep." I left. I saw Jenni smirk. "Stop." I pushed her. 

"I didn't say anything." She laughed. 

Virginia's POV:

I watched Alexia answer her phone. She leaned over to Jenni before heading to the door. 

"Where are you going?" Mapi asked.

"Don't worry about it." Alexia said. 

"She always says that to me." Jenni crossed her arms. "Don't you just hate it?" The door shut and I watched Alexia leave. Jenni walked over to me.