Her Swimmer

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A/N: this is nowhere near as good as what I originally wrote but obviously you guys weren't meant to get that one bcos I lost it before I could even transfer it onto here - such fun

So this is a less good version of it

Talia stood, her voice soft but unwavering as she looked to her grandmother. "Thank you for dinner, Gran, but we're going to head out now."

Her grandmother's shoulders sagged with a quiet sigh, her face reflecting a mix of disappointment and understanding. It was obvious she hadn't wanted the evening to end this way, but after all that had unfolded, she knew it was probably for the best. She nodded, reaching out to squeeze Talia's hand warmly, a subtle apology laced into the gesture. She'd certainly have words with her husband about his behavior tonight, and she'd already decided he wouldn't be joining her in bed—his actions had cost them more than he'd likely realized.

As they made their way toward the door, Alexia caught Talia's arm gently, her voice hesitant. "Are you sure we should go? We don't have to—"

Talia's gaze softened but stayed resolute. "It's fine, really. We have to go anyway; you have your flight tomorrow," she murmured, her tone matter-of-fact.

Alexia nodded, though a sense of unease tugged at her. She'd thought they'd spend the week together, that Talia wanted her to stay, and now it seemed like Talia was ready for her to leave. Doubt flickered in Alexia's mind—maybe Talia had changed her mind, or maybe tonight's argument with her grandfather had planted seeds of uncertainty. But she'd respect Talia's decision, even if it stung a little. If Talia needed space, Alexia would give it to her, no questions asked.

Talia's grandmother, catching the hint of reluctance in Alexia's expression, stepped forward, her eyes warm with genuine affection. "Please, come by again," she said, her voice firm yet soft. "Both of you." She looked at Alexia with a reassuring smile, as if to underline her words, letting Alexia know that her presence was not only welcomed but wanted.

Alexia gave a small, appreciative smile, nodding as she took her grandmother's words to heart. "Thank you," she replied softly, her voice thick with sincerity.

With a final look, Talia's grandmother watched them leave, a silent hope lingering in her gaze as the door closed behind them. She'd ensure that next time would be different—her husband may not have approved, but she did.

———————————————————————

As Talia called for the car to pick them up, a palpable silence enveloped them. The cool night air brushed against their skin, carrying the distant sounds of the city—a car horn, laughter echoing down the street—but it felt like a world away. Talia stood beside Alexia, her gaze fixated on the ground, the weight of the evening pressing heavily on her shoulders. The tension between them was thick, like a dense fog that refused to lift.

When the car finally pulled up, the driver's polite smile barely registered with either of them. Talia climbed into the back seat, her movements automatic, and Alexia followed, sliding in beside her. The door shut with a quiet thud, sealing them into a bubble of silence. The car's interior felt constricted, the soft leather seats enveloping them while the streetlights flickered past the window like fleeting memories.

Talia sat with her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her fingers fidgeting nervously. Alexia could sense the storm brewing within her, the whirlpool of thoughts that kept her from reaching out. The hum of the engine filled the void, but it did nothing to alleviate the heaviness that hung in the air.

Glancing at Talia, Alexia remembered Ellie's mother's warning: Talia might try to push you away. The words echoed in her mind, sharp and clear. She felt a pang of determination rise within her. She wouldn't let that happen. Not now. Not after everything they had shared.