Silent Hearts

Chapter 2

I paced back and forth on the patio, the cool London air doing little to calm the whirlwind of excitement in my chest. The letter from Harrington University was still clutched in my hand, as if putting it down would somehow make it less real.

The phone rang a couple of times before I heard my dad's familiar voice on the other end.

"How's my caterpillar," he said, his tone warm despite the background noise of the Barcelona training grounds. "What's going on? Is everything okay?"

"Dad," I breathed out, barely able to contain my excitement. "I got in."

There was a pause, and I could almost see the way his face would light up, his proud smile stretching across his face. "You got in? To Harrington?"

"I did!" I couldn't stop the giddy laugh that bubbled up. "I'm going, Dad."

"Isla, that's incredible," he said, and I could hear the pride in his voice, making my heart swell. "I knew you would, but hearing it... It feels real now, doesn't it?"

"Yeah," I murmured, a little breathless. "It does. I just... I wanted to tell you first."

"You're my smart girl," Dad said, his voice softening. "You've worked hard for this. Harrington is lucky to have you, Caterpillar. When I get back, better believe we're going to have a feast"

I bit my lip, feeling that familiar warmth spread through me. My dad had always been my biggest fan, no matter what wild ideas or rebellious phases I threw his way. "Thanks, Dad. I just hope I can live up to it."

"You will. Don't doubt that for a second," he reassured me. "When you set your mind to something, you make it happen."

I smiled, knowing he meant every word. "Theo got in too," I added, glancing over my shoulder toward the house. "We're both going."

"I figured as much," he chuckled. "That kid's a hell of an athlete and smarter than he lets on."

"Yeah, he's not so bad," I teased, but before I could say more, the call cut out suddenly, leaving only silence on the other end.

I pulled the phone away from my ear, frowning. "Of course," I muttered, glancing at the screen. The reception out here was always terrible. I'd have to call him back later.

I tucked the phone into my pocket and turned back toward the house, pushing the door open and stepping into the kitchen. The familiar smell of coffee and fresh bread hit me as soon as I entered, and for a moment, it felt like everything was normal—like I hadn't just received news that was going to change my entire life.

Theo was already leaning against the counter when I walked in, his easy smile in place as he munched on a piece of toast. He looked completely relaxed, like getting into Harrington was just another thing to check off his list. Meanwhile, I felt like I was going to explode from the excitement.

"Hey, Luna," he greeted, using that nickname he'd been calling me since we were kids. "You tell Coach Brookes the big news yet?"

"Yeah, I just did. He's over the moon," I said, smiling as I grabbed a piece of toast from the plate on the counter. "Though the call cut out, as usual."

Theo chuckled, watching me as I took a bite. "He must be proud as hell."

"Of course he is," I said, though I could still hear the echo of my dad's voice telling me how proud he was. It warmed me in a way only he could. "He's already talking about planning a big family dinner when he's back in town."

"I'm in for that," Theo said with a grin. "Finn's cooking is legendary. I wouldn't miss that."

I laughed, shaking my head. "We both know Mum will be the one cooking. Dad's only good for grilling."

Theo shrugged, his smile never faltering. "Either way, I'm there."

I took another bite of toast, leaning against the counter beside him. For a moment, everything felt normal—like we were just two friends, hanging out like we always had. No big life changes, no tension. Just... us.

"Crazy to think we're actually going," I said, glancing over at him. "Harrington, I mean. It always felt like this far-off thing, and now it's real."

Theo nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah, it's weird. But exciting, right?"

"Definitely exciting," I agreed. "Also terrifying."

"You? Terrified?" Theo raised an eyebrow, feigning disbelief. "You don't get scared, Luna."

"I do when it's about stuff like this," I admitted, not meeting his eyes. "It's a lot of pressure, you know?"

He bumped my shoulder with his, giving me that easy grin. "You're going to crush it. You always do."

I smiled, feeling a little lighter. It was one of the things I loved about Theo—he had this way of making everything feel less daunting, like it was all going to be okay. And maybe, with him around, it would be.

"Thanks," I said softly, giving him a small nudge back. "You're not too bad yourself, Dwyers."

Theo smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."

We fell into a comfortable silence, both of us lost in our own thoughts about what was to come. Harrington was just around the corner, and while part of me was excited, another part of me couldn't help but wonder how much things were going to change.

But for now, in this moment, it was just us. Theo and Isla. Best friends. The way it had always been.

And maybe, for now, that was enough.

Before the silence could stretch too long, Aunt Kam stepped into the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. Her eyes landed on Theo first. "There you two are," she said with a smile. "It's time to head out. Your dad's made dinner, and you know how he gets if we're late."

Theo groaned playfully, shaking his head. "Dad cooking? This should be interesting."

She rolled her eyes. "He's actually not terrible, you know. You might want to give him a little more credit."

Theo shrugged. "I'll believe it when I taste it."

She turned to me, her smile soft and welcoming. "You're welcome to join us for dinner, Isla. There's always more than enough."

I smiled back, grateful for the offer. "Thanks, but I'll pass tonight. I've got a few things I need to catch up on."

Theo feigned a look of shock. "What? You're passing up on one of my dad's famous dinners?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "If it's anything like your cooking, I'll survive."

Aunt Kam chuckled. "Alright, you two, let's get going before Shawn thinks we've abandoned him."

Theo gave me a grin, grabbing his bag. "See you tomorrow, Luna."

"See you," I called after him, watching as he followed his mum out the door.

The house felt quieter as they left, but it was the kind of quiet I appreciated. I liked Theo's family—they'd always made me feel like I belonged. But tonight, I was okay with a little space, a little time to let everything sink in.

Harrington was happening.

And no matter how much things might change, I had a feeling Theo and I would always find our way back to this—back to us.