Blondie//Isaac Garcia

9

In the living room, Thalia, Jackie, Cole, Lee, Danny, and Alex gathered to play cards. It was a Thursday night, and the anticipation of Friday being a short day at school made them carefree. However, Thalia's curiosity got the best of her, and she couldn't help but wonder where Isaac was. "Where is your stupid cousin?" She smirked.

Cole, always the tease, smirked "I thought you disliked Isaac." The two of them had already finished their uno cards, making them the winners of the game. Thalia shrugged off Cole's comment, "I do actually, just hoped you'd say he got hit by a car." It seemed like Isaac had been going out more often in the past couple of weeks.

"He said he was going to study for tomorrow's Chemistry test," Danny chimed in before returning his attention to the game. "Lee, stop cheating!"

Thalia pondered for a moment, trying to recall if they even had a Chemistry test the next day. However, she realized that their only Chemistry test was scheduled for the following week.

"We don't have a test..." Thalia murmured to herself, furrowing her brow. What was Isaac really up to? And why did he lie about studying? Cole nonchalantly suggested that Isaac was probably with some girl, as if it were a regular occurrence.

Thalia's heart sank, and a wave of sadness washed over her, even though she vehemently denied caring about Isaac's romantic escapades. Lost in her thoughts, she grappled with emotions she refused to acknowledge, concocting excuses to mask the truth behind a facade of indifference.

The game continued for a little while longer, but it came to an abrupt end when Jackie and Lee's competitiveness escalated. In order to prevent a fight, they decided to call it quits.

"We should do something else," Alex suggested, bored with the game. The others agreed, but Thalia remained silent, too preoccupied with thoughts of Isaac to notice that everyone was waiting for her input.

"Thalia!" Lee yelled in her hear, startling her out of her thoughts. "Boy, are you stupid?" Cole asked, his tone serious as he placed a comforting hand on Thalia's shoulder. It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot to her. He saw her as someone familiar, Just like his sister, with the difference that Parker was definitely more athletic.

"What? She zoned out..." Lee explained with a shrug, not realizing he had done anything wrong. "We were asking you what you wanted to do," Alex clarified once Lee resumed his seat. "Oh... I think I'm just going to go ahead and sleep. I have to wake up early tomorrow," Thalia forced a smile and stood up, making her way to her room, before they could ask anything.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Lucy's birthday had always been a joyous occasion, but this year was different. Today, she would have turned 19, and Thalia couldn't help but realize that in just three short years, she would surpass Lucy's age.

After getting ready for school, Thalia entered her room to find Alex assisting Jackie with some boxes. Jackie's smile faded as she received a notification on her phone. "We'll meet you downstairs in five," Thalia hinted at Alex, who promptly understood and left the room.

"Don't worry about it, we'll be fine," Thalia reassured Jackie. The loss of their family had been a devastating blow, and their bond was the only thing keeping them together.

Jackie mustered a smile and reached for the teapot they always used on this day as a tradition. As they descended the stairs, they noticed everyone already gathered, enjoying their breakfast. Thalia smirked at Isaac and playfully grabbed his last cookie. "Thank you," she teased.

"Hey, that's mine! I was looking forward to eating it," Isaac grumbled with a long face. Thalia couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction, knowing it was karma for the time he had stolen her food. "Do you want it?" she asked, licking the cookie. Lee made a disgusted face, while Isaac's expression transformed into a grin. "I actually do," he said, grabbing the half-cookie covered in saliva and devouring it.

"Disgusting," Thalia exclaimed, her face contorting in disbelief, as Jordan and Lee mimicked the sound of throwing up. Isaac was about to respond with something undoubtedly foolish when the sound of breaking glass caught everyone's attention. "Parker, be careful!" Kathrine scolded.

"It was an accident," Parker replied. Thalia's eyes widened as she realized what had happened. The teapot had shattered. Jackie's heart broke along with the teapot, as it was the last special item they had shared with their sister. Just like Lucy, it was now gone.

Jackie silently left the kitchen, and Thalia followed suit. Before she could say anything, the others arrived, and Jackie got into the car, leaving Thalia standing there alone. "I'm sorry about the teapot. Parker didn't mean to-" Alex began apologizing to Thalia, but she shook her head, a smile still on her face. "I know, don't worry about it."

✦ ─ ˗ˋ ୨୧ ˊ˗ ─ ✦

The day at school felt longer than ever. Friday, usually Thalia's favorite day, seemed ten times harder today.

During chemistry class, Isaac slid into the seat next to Thalia, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Hey, blondie, is your name Wi-Fi? Because I'm feeling a connection."

Thalia rolled her eyes, trying to suppress a smile. "Really, Isaac? We're in chemistry class, not a comedy club," she replied, shaking her head.

Isaac leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Chemistry is all about reactions, right? And I've got a reaction every time I see you."

His voice, with its playful cadence, sent shivers down Thalia's spine. The chemistry of his words lingered in the air, creating an unexpected reaction that extended through her whole body.

Thalia couldn't help but stifle a laugh, pretending to be annoyed and calm. "You're impossible, Isaac. Focus on the periodic table, not desperate pickup lines for some poor girls I don't even know."

Isaac grinned, undeterred. "Blondie, you and I together would be like a perfect chemical equation."
Thalia's cheeks reddened slightly, her poker face weakening. "Stop, Isaac. Seriously."

Isaac leaned back, feigning innocence. "Just trying to balance the equation of our friendship."

Thalia laughed, her face still flushed. "Isaac, I know you're not that bad at flirting. What was the dare?"
Isaac smirked. "You got me. It was 'Flirt in a painful way with the prettiest girl in this class'."

Isaac, absorbed in the lecture, remained oblivious to Thalia's flushed embarrassment. As he continued to crack jokes with his friends, Thalia discreetly fanned herself, hoping to cool down both her blushing cheeks and the butterflies that Isaac had unwittingly stirred in her stomach.

As the class began, Thalia was surprised to see that he stayed seated next to her for the rest of the period.

During lunch, Thalia sat with Lee and Nathan. Alex approached them with a worried expression on his face. "Did any of you see Jackie?" he asked, his concern evident.

They all shook their heads, clueless. Thalia's concern grew. Jackie never missed school, not even when she was sick. And today, being their sister's birthday, only heightened Thalia's worry.

Trying to be optimistic, Nathan chimed in, "I'm sure she's probably just studying in the library and lost track of time."
Thalia tried to convince herself that this was a possibility, and she whispered, "It could be..."