The Quiet Girl (An International Story)

Like We Said

October 2023

Virginia's POV:

I sat at my locker and looked at Mariana's. 

It was empty. Nothing in it. 

"Hey." Lola walked by. "What's up?"

"I miss her." I sighed.

She looked at where I was staring. "She's not dead, Vir. Just call her."

"I do but it's not the same. After last year? Losing her brother? She needed a big season and then this happens. Mariana goes through so much this isn't the kind of break I wanted her to have."

Lola laughed. "None of us wanted her to break her leg either, Vir. But look at it this way." She sat next to me. "She's going to heal up, get stronger than before and come back even better. Mariana has been going nonstop for years. She needs this break. I wish she was here too, but she's going to benefit from this. Believe me." I nodded. "Now let's go kick some ass out there. When Mariana comes back, we need to be the best team in the league."

Nahikari's POV:

"Hey, Nat!" I jogged over.  

"Yeah cap?" She smiled. 

"Let me ask you something." 

"Alright." 

"Everyone knows you and Daan are dating." She nodded. "How do you still enjoy your relationship with everyone knowing?"

"Everyone knows we're together. But that's it. Our relationship is still ours. Why?"

I shrugged. "Everyone knows about things that happened between me and Al," I stopped "this girl from America. And everyone is constantly asking about me and Vir even when there's nothing to ask about. Even if there WAS I'm not going to say." 

"When I was with my ex," She said. "there were no secrets. She made sure of that. Everyone knew we were together. That's how she wanted it. Wanted everyone to know that I was hers. But with Daan." She smiled. "Everyone knows that we are together. I'm not hers. She's not mine. We're just together. I don't know. Every relationship is different, Nahi. If you and Vir ever do have that, then it's up to you to make it what you want."

I nodded. "You don't talk about your ex a lot." I looked at her.

She sighed. "That was a tough time." She looked at me. "She wasn't who I thought she was."

"What happened?"

"When she showed her true colors, I froze. Daan got me out." She smiled. "Daan loves me. Really loves me. More than she ever did." 

I looked down. I thought about Alex. "Your ex needed help?"

"She did." She shrugged. "But I'm not responsible for that. We aren't met to put our lives on hold for someone. No matter how hard they're struggling. I'm sorry you're in the place you are, but it's not my responsibility. I'm not a rehab. Why do you ask?"

"The girl from America." I shook my head. "Just thought of her." I took a deep breath. "But it's not important. Like you said. I'm not a rehab." 

November 2023

Alexandra's POV:

The recovery from the leg injury has been a long process.

I wish I could speed it up, but it needs to done right. To prevent any future injuries. "And how's the pain?" The doctor asked.

"Um." I looked down. "Not as bad. Still hurts though."

"Well, if it's not as bad, the regular medication should help." I nodded. "We'll get you started with physical therapy in about another week. When do you think you'll return to China?"

"I don't know. There's no way I'm playing this season right?"

"Depending on how physical therapy goes. Assuming there are no setbacks." He shrugged. "Maybe playoff time. I don't know, Alex. Playing in the regular season? Probably not. But playoffs? That's more realistic. Again, assuming there are no setbacks with physical therapy. No further injuries to the leg. You're on the right track to be back on both feet. But back on the ice is another story. You're going to have to gain back all that muscle just for walking. Then skating?"

I nodded. "Well if playing is a long shot, I'll just stay in Boston for this. I've done physical therapy here before when I was in college so I'm familiar with the staff. You're here too. I think it's better to stay here. When I get closer to skating again and get the green light, I'll fly back."

Assuming I'm still on the team for next season.

"Alright." He smiled. "I'll get these papers sent over. Someone from that office will call about scheduling the appointments." I nodded. "How are you mentally?"

"Well, hockey has always been my outlet. But this has allowed me to be with my sister. Rebuild our relationship. Being home has been nice." I smiled. "I needed it." 

Virginia's POV:

"So you're actually going to propose?" I asked.

"Yeah. I am. I don't know when but I will. I also went to her brother's grave. Promised him to take care of his son and his sister. That marrying her would be the greatest honor of my life."

I smiled and thought about the time I was with him. I opened my arms. "Give me a hug. I'm so happy for you, Mapi." 

"Thanks." She laughed. "Speaking of being happy. How's Nahi?"

I smiled. "She's good."

"Are you two together? I'm not trying to push I just," She shrugged. "You love seeing me and Mari together. All of us really, I just want you to have that happiness too."

"Together or not, I'm very happy, Mapi. Believe me. I've got the best friends a woman could have. Nahi included in that." I shook my head. "I'm happy. Very happy."

"Good to know." She walked away. "I'll see you later, Vir!"

"See you!" I waved. I looked around and thought of Mariana's brother.

I pulled out my phone and looked for the video. 

I found it and hit play. "Tell me about your sister."

"Mariana." He smiled. "She is the best sister anyone could have. I'm so lucky I get to be her brother."

I skipped ahead to the end. "Mapi is your forever, and Mapi if you are watching this. Love and protect my sister. I'm passing the torch to you now."

"I'm saving that for their wedding day." 

"Yes! That's perfect. We'll have this big speech and then play this video."

The video ended on his face and I sighed. "I'll play it for her. On their wedding day. Like we said." 

Filling in gaps as we go! More Nahi and Vir next chapter. 

How do we feel about Alex's redemption? Does she deserve it? Will her and Nahikari become friends again? 

Keep reading and find out!