Silent Hearts

Chapter 5

"See you later, Becca!" I call over my shoulder, giving her a quick wave as I head toward the field. Theo's practice just ended, and I couldn't wait to see him. Walking home together was our thing—a routine that felt more comforting than I'd ever admit out loud.

"Later, Isa!" she shouts back, disappearing down the hall.

As I approach the field, a group of players' conversation catches my attention, making me slow my steps.

"Yeah, Theo and Jake got into it again. I swear, those two should just throw hands and be done with it," one guy says with a laugh, nudging his friend.

My stomach drops. "Wait, what happened?" I ask, my voice sharper than I intended as I step closer.

The guy turns, surprised. "Oh, you're Jake's bird, right?"

I barely keep from wincing. "Girlfriend," I correct, crossing my arms. "And yeah, what's going on with Theo?"

He shrugs, clearly not wanting to get involved. "No clue, really. Jake left early, and Theo's in Coach's office."

"Thanks," I mumble, already turning away. My mind races, trying to piece together what could've gone down. Theo and Jake had been butting heads for weeks, but this sounded worse than the usual tension.

As I approach the coach's office, I spot Uncle Shawn walking out with Theo beside him, both of them looking tense. My heart skips at the sight of Theo, but something's off.

"Uncle Shawn!" I call out, smiling.

He turns, his expression softening as soon as he sees me. "Hey, Isla. How're you doing, sweetheart?"

"Good," I reply, though I'm really just trying to get to Theo. "Looking for Theo, actually."

Uncle Shawn pats Theo on the back before glancing at his watch. "I've got a meeting to run to. Be good, you two," he says with a knowing grin, walking toward his car.

Once he's gone, I turn to Theo, matching his pace as we start walking. The silence between us feels thick, and I can't shake the feeling that something's weighing heavy on him.

"So, you want to tell me what went down with Jake?" I ask, my tone casual but direct. I know Theo—he's not going to volunteer information unless I push.

Theo doesn't answer right away. His jaw is tight, eyes fixed on the path ahead. Whatever happened with Jake, it's eating at him. I can tell. But he's not offering up any details, and knowing Theo, pushing too hard will only make him shut down more.

"Come on, Theo," I nudge him lightly with my elbow, trying to coax a smile out of him. "You're usually better at dodging questions than this."

He huffs out a small laugh but still doesn't look at me. "It's nothing, Isa. Just... practice drama. You know how it is."

I roll my eyes, letting out an exaggerated sigh. "Practice drama? Really? That's all you're giving me?"

He shrugs, hands shoved deep into his pockets. I know he's lying, or at least avoiding the truth, but I decide to let it go—for now.

As we walk, the familiar smell of freshly baked waffle cones drifts through the air. I glance up and spot the little ice cream parlour we always pass on our walks home. The neon sign in the window flickers, "Open," like it's calling out to us.

I stop, a grin spreading across my face as I tug Theo's arm. "Wanna get some?"

He raises an eyebrow, glancing between me and the parlour. "Ice cream? Right now?"

"Why not?" I shrug, already heading toward the door. "We've had worse ideas."

He follows me in, and the moment we step inside, the cool blast of air-conditioned relief mixed with the sugary smell of ice cream hits me. There's a little kid in front of us struggling to choose between vanilla and chocolate, and I can't help but smile at the way he keeps glancing between the flavors like it's the most important decision in the world.

"You go first," I tell Theo, nudging him forward when it's our turn.

He gives me a look but steps up to the counter. "Uh... strawberry," he says, almost sounding surprised by his own choice.

I smirk. "Strawberry? Really?"

He shrugs, still not meeting my eyes. "It's good."

I shake my head and order my usual—mint chocolate chip—before we both step aside to wait for our cones. I take a moment to study him, watching the way his shoulders stay tense, even in this laid-back moment. Whatever happened with Jake is still there, simmering beneath the surface. But I won't push—not when he's like this.

"Here you go," the server hands us our cones, and I take a long, satisfying lick of mine, sighing dramatically.

Theo raises an eyebrow. "Good?"

I nod. "Perfect."

He watches me for a second, and for the first time since we left the field, I see the hint of a smile pulling at his lips. I pretend not to notice it, keeping things light, knowing he needs the space.

We head back outside, the sun dipping lower in the sky, casting everything in that soft golden light. It's peaceful, just the two of us walking, eating ice cream, and not overthinking things. Well, at least I'm not.

"So," I say between bites, "you ever gonna admit strawberry was a weird choice?"

Theo glances at me, his lips twitching like he's fighting off a real smile. "It's not weird, Luna . It's classic."

"Classic is vanilla. Or chocolate. Strawberry's like..." I pause, pretending to think. "Strawberry's for people who can't make up their mind."

He finally lets out a small laugh, shaking his head. "And mint chocolate chip is for psychos."

"Psycho?" I gasp dramatically, clutching my chest. "I'll have you know this is a refined choice, thank you very much."

Theo just shakes his head again, but I can see him relaxing a little, the tension from earlier fading. We walk in comfortable silence after that, the air between us lighter, even if there's still something he's holding back. But I won't press him on it. If he wants to talk, he'll talk. That's how it's always been with us.

As we near the house, I glance over at him, my heart feeling a little lighter. Whatever's going on, I trust Theo. He'll figure it out, and when he's ready, he'll tell me.

For now, though, we're just two friends walking home, eating ice cream, and everything else can wait.