A Pause

Ok or Not

" Harder." Kreese said, walking past Tory. She was sweating and tired, but continued to put in a lot of effort.

 " If you don't get it this tim-" Sensei Kim stopped talking when he put his hand up. 

" If you don't get this one, you're out. Get your head in the game Nichols. Let's go. Faster!" 

CRACK

She got it. After four tries she finally hit it. She stopped, and looked at the board, shocked. Kreese went quiet. So did Kim. 

" That's enough for today." He finally said. Tory nodded. She could hear them whispering, and the others were just watching her. 

As she started to leave Kreese shouted, " Remember Nichols! Second chances don't come too often." 

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She got her bag, and headed back up to her room, not looking behind. She collapsed onto the floor the minute she was inside, exhausted. She wanted to sleep. She needed rest. But she knew she would have nightmares. And she didn't want to deal with that. 

But she had hit the board. She finally struck it. She would be able to win. She would be able to compete. So why did she feel so empty? And numb? Like a part of her was missing? Like it had died with her mom. 

Lost in thought she didn't have time to process voices outside. 

" I don't know." She heard.

" I mean..." That's when she heard a knock at the door. She looked to the clock. She had been there for at least an hour. Slowly she got up. her legs wobbled, but she made it to the door, expecting to find Kreese. 

It was Robby. With Devon. 

She opened the door. " Hi." She said. 

" Hey." Robby said. Kreese's warning came into her mind as she saw Robby. But she needed to be comforted. She needed to feel better. She wanted someone to rely on. To be with her during this tough time. Fuck Kreese. She needed Robby.

" You want to come in?" She asked. 

" If it's fine with you." Devon said. Tory opened the door. She had always loved Devon. She would love hanging out with her. Plus, she wasn't fighting anymore from what she saw the other day. 

Devon stepped in, but Robby lingered in the hall. His gaze on Tory. " You coming in?" She asked, hoping he would. 

" Can I talk to you in private for a minute?" He asked. 

Oh no.

" Uh, sure. But Devo-"

" I already spoke to her." 

" Oh." She looked at Devon who just shrugged. " Ok."

She stepped out with Robby. 

" You ok?" She asked. 

" I'm fine." He said, but it didn't seem like it.

" You don't look ok." She said.

" Neither do you." He pointed out. 

" I haven't been sleeping." She replied, looking away. He cupped her face and forced her to look at him. 

" It's more than that." He said. She shook her head. 

" Let it drop Robby."

" Fine." He said, letting go of her face and taking her hand. 

He took a deep breath before asking, " Would you be mad if I dropped out of the tounramnet?" 

" You can't!" She said, confirming his answer. 

" Tory... this tournament might have been a mistake."

" No. Robby you promised. Me and you... right?" 

" But look how things are turning out? This isn't what I promised to. When I envisioned this I didn't think..." He trailed off.

" What? Say it. What didn't you think?" She said, getting upset. 

" You're not doing ok. You need help Tory. You can't go fighting like this. And unless you talk to me, I'm dropping out. Unless you open up, admit everything isn't fine like you say it is, then I'm out. This isn't good for you. You're not ok and you know it. Everyone knows it. But you're in denial. Why? It's not healthy Tory. And I'm here for you. Always. But this... this is just..." 

He shook his head, then was quiet. It was silent.

He was right. He was always right. So why didn't Tory want to believe him. Her inner consciousness knew he was right, but she kept trying to tell herself it was fake. It was a lie. In the end everything would turn out fine. This tournament was the answer to her problems. 

" Devon's waiting." Tory whispered. Robby blinked and looked at the door like he somehow forgot about her.

" Yeah. You're right." He said after a minute. She turned and went inside, with him following. 

" Hey Tory!" Devon said with a smile.

" Hey." She forced one back. 

" How you doing?"

" Good." She got a look from Robby, but ignored him. 

" You excited for the tournament?" 

" Actually, I think I'm going to head back home." Devon replied. 

" You too?" Tory asked.

" I mean..."

" Devon you should stay."

" Kenny took my place."

" Doesn't mean you can't support them. It would be good, you know?" 

" I mean..."

" Come on Devon." Tory said with a slight smile. " Besides, it won't be fun going against you guys if you're not there to see me win." She said, smiling.

Devon laughed. Robby watched their interaction, wondering why Tory was so happy with Devon, but secretive with him. 

" I'll think about it." Devon said.

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Note: I'm been thinking about this. How did Robby ever know Tory's room to begin with? It's sweet that he went to visit her but did I miss something cause I don't think she ever told him her room number...

Have a great day!!!! :-)