I ran down the stairs with Fin and Oliver and into the changing rooms. Nick just came through the door leading to the field when we burst through the outer door and looked up. We were all grinning: they had won the game, securing a place in the world championships. Nick opened his arms as if to say 'Why are you even surprised?' and Oliver ran forward to embrace him, only to be lifted up, off his feet and whirled around. I grinned up at Fin who returned my grin and then we approached Nick and Oliver.
"That was ace! I haven't seen a game this good in a long time." Fin slapped Nick's arm and Nick smiled at him.
"Thanks, son." He ruffled Fin's hair and turned to me.
"That was great. I didn't understand it but I'll take Fin's word for it." I grinned and Nick engulfed me in a hug.
"Urgh-uhn. Get off!" I mock-struggled. "You sweaty man! Leave me be! I'm too young to die!" everyone laughed. The whole room resounded with the echo of manly laughter and I could feel my cheeks heat up at my sudden outburst. Nick let go of me and put me back down on the floor.
"Wait for me outside, kay? I won't be long." He smiled at us one last time and then he ushered us out.
We went back to the car and sat inside as the air outside was hot and moist. We turned the air con on and waited for Nick. I listened to Fin and Oliver, who were discussing the game. I didn't understand what they were talking about, so I settled for watching the people go past the car. Soon I saw Nick heading over, I sat up.
"He's coming." I interrupted Fin and Oliver.
"About time." Oliver grumbled. Nick threw the passenger door open and jumped in. His hair was wet from the shower and he had changed into casual jeans and a shirt.
"The team are going to Franco's to celebrate; they invited y'all to come with us. You up for it?"
"Aye." Fin and I said at the same time. Nick smiled at us and looked at Oliver.
"Okay," he sighed. "But later we're gonna have a movie night!" Nick leaned across to give Oliver a quick peck on the lips before buckling up.
When the car rolled out of the car park, I couldn't help but wonder. How were they able to get to me so easily? I already started to trust them and I had only stayed with them for a week. This didn't make any sense. I knew that I had high walls up around me to keep people out and let nothing get to me. I had to able block out pain at the orphanage, especially after Fin had left. Yet these two men had me liking them after a few days. These feelings were new to me and overwhelming and I tried to comprehend it but I found that I couldn't.
"Don't overthink it." I snapped my head over to look at Fin. He was smiling at me. "Twin senses remember?" Oliver had heard the last part and chuckled, I looked at him in question.
"That's what my dad always says. Twin senses. He says Danny and him have them; they're twins by the way."
"I always knew they were real! See, Issi! I'm not the only one! Yesss!" I laughed when he struck this ridiculous winning pose. Oliver and Nick joined me and Fin scowled.
"Hey! It's true!" he mumbled. I reached over and laid a hand on his arm.
"I know, Finnie, but you're just too cute." I laughed again. Fin scowled at me, but I could see that he was fighting a grin.
-
"We're here." Oliver said and got out of the car. Franco's was an Italian restaurant in the outskirts of the city. It wasn't small but not overly big either. Just the right size and when we entered the smell of fresh bread, tomatoes, oil and pasta drifted into my nose. I inhaled deeply and marvelled in the excellent smell. We didn't have to look for Nick's team at all. They were the loudest table in the restaurant, Nick grinned and strode over. The whole table hollered. He was drawn into the middle and celebrated with several congratulations and slaps on the back. I saw Oliver smiling in a weird way, but the expression was gone in an instant as they were asked to sit down at the table with the rest of the team.
The waitress came and took everyone's orders. I looked around the table. I didn't know most people here, but I was at least glad that that Isabelle girl wasn't here. I don't think I would've survived if she had been there. The meal itself was loud and delicious. The team had a great connection and they all joked and laughed and made everyone feel welcome.
-
When we arrived back at the house, I was exhausted but Oliver demanded a movie night, saying that he hadn't had one in years. I obliged, because I was too tired to argue. Oliver chose the film while Fin and I made some snacks, meaning we poured the crisps into bowls and got some coke and cups out. When we came back from the kitchen, Oliver and Nick were curled up on the couch and the TV showed the opening credits to the BBC series 'Sherlock'. I was awake immediately.
"Oh my god! This is my favourite! Which season? Which episode?" Nick and Oliver turned to look at me. Fin was chuckling when we put the snacks down on the little table.
"It's season 1 episode 1. Oliver found it online and liked the look of it." Nick answered.
"A Study in Pink. Definitely one of the best! Brilliant!" I plopped down on the second couch next to Fin. The episode started and silence fell. I was so excited; I hadn't seen this in a long time.
-
"That was brilliant, wasn't it? And Benedict Cumberbatch! He's just an amazing actor and really hot." I blushed and trailed off only to have Oliver agree with me.
"Definitely! He's hot alright." At that Nick poked him in the sides, Oliver yelped and turned to look at Nick. "Nothing compared to you, naturally." He drawled and pecked Nick on the lips, who immediately drew Oliver nearer and full on kissed him. I could hear Fin chuckling next to me and turned to him.
"This happens all the time. They argue the slightest bit, the one who started it apologises and pecks the other one, who then turns the peck into a full blown make out session. Trust me, you get used to it." He laughed and Nick and Oliver parted slightly out of breath, blushing in embarrassment.
"Erm... Sorry, Isla. Erm... Where were we...? Oh yes, Benedict Cumberbatch. Don't you think he's a bit too old though?" Oliver looked at me. I chuckled.
"It's only 20 years..." I trailed off, to have Nick and Oliver stare at me. I laughed. "Aww! Come on guys! You don't actually think I would want to- erm... have a relationship with a guy who's 20 years older than me!? Although he is seriously hot..." Oliver sighed in relief and Nick just lifted one corner of his mouth in a half-smile. I glanced at Fin who was looking at me with a secretive smile and I just knew that he had missed me. Twin senses; maybe they were real... He saw me looking at him and moved to drape his arm over my shoulders.
"You looking forward to your first day at school?" he asked nonchalantly.
"No." I groaned. "Can you not just home school me?" I asked Oliver and Nick. Nick shook his head and I pouted, giving him my best puppy dog eyes.
"Although that expression actually makes the decision very hard, it's better for you to go to a public school. I'm sorry, but you need friends and a good social life to be happy, don't ya?" I pouted even more but grumbled my acceptation.
School it was then. I just hoped it wouldn't be too bad.
YOU ARE READING
A New Life
Hayran Kurgu“They want to adopt me. I don’t know if they know about you, but knowing this institution they would probably keep it a secret to maximise the possibility of one of us to get adopted.” Fin sighed and looked at his twin. “Does that-“ Isla swallowed...
