Interlinked- Kyra Cooney-Cross

*TWELVE*

I glanced down at my silver watch, slipping off my wrist in the pouring rain.

The hands droned on, ticking slowly, just beyond the seven o'clock mark, however it was barely visible in the splatters of raindrops hitting the glass.

Taking a deep breath, I looked up at the inviting pub in front of me, the name "The white rabbit" painted rustically on a wooden board above the doorway.

The warm glowing lights inside, combined with the sound of laughter and cutlery rattling, created a comforting atmosphere. For me, I was in the most uncomfortable situation.

"Table booked for...cooney-cross." I smiled politely as I stepped into the building, the typical pub smell of alcohol wafting up my nostrils.

"Oh, last to arrive, right this way." the waitress at the front desk responded, turning on her heel to lead me through the carpeted interior.

I was led to a long table at the back of the pub, my teammates all crowded joyfully around it, like one large family.

"Evie." Katie smiled, waving me over.

However, in the moment I didn't hear her, not because of the chatter or the wind howling outside. Because of Kyra and her...guest.

There was my dearly beloved, in the center, grinning ear to ear, not acknowledging my presence, her arms around Grace's waist.

Gulping, I took off my coat and quickly put my head down, joining Caitlin and Katie near the end.

As I flicked open the menu, fighting tears, I felt Katie squeeze my hand reassuringly, she could always tell what was wrong.

The night went on, I had just polished a delicious portion of fish and chips, but I couldn't savor the flavor, a foul taste in my mouth at the reminded of the couple in the middle.

"Excuse me." I say softly to Alessia, who had just been about to tell a story about her and Ella Toone. I got up swiftly and followed the chalkboard signs to the toilets.

I stepped into the pale pink tiled bathroom and let out a deep breath I didn't know I was holding. Finally alone. Forever alone.

Gripping the sink until my knuckles turned white, I fixated on my reflection in the mirror, a single tear trickling down my cheek.

"Are you okay?" A voice spoke out with a harsh accent from behind me.

Confused, I turned around, my body turning numb as I came face to face with the girl I swore I hated.

"Why are you crying?" Grace repeated, placing a firm hand on my shoulder.

Snapping out of my frozen stance, I stuttered back, "Nothing to worry about, silly things."

Grace chewed her bottom lip, clearly not convinced as she leant on the sink, crossing her arms, "It's not silly if you're obviously upset."

I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly, It's not like I could admit I was in love with her girlfriend.

Grace took a deep breath, like she had anticipated this conversation between us, "It's fake."

"What?" I mutter, wiping a tear stain off my cheek.

"Me and Kyra, it's like completely fake." She answered, hesitating.

"You don't love each other?" I ask softly.

She laughed and came a step closer, smoothly bringing me into a hug, "Of course not. I'm not the one Kyra loves."

I lean into her embrace appreciatively and peel away after a while, "Why would she..do that to me?"