Gravity is a Bitch

6. A Silent War

-- External --

It was already December, almost a month since Alex had nearly kissed the woman who had taken over her thoughts. Even her sister, Asha, had noticed a change in her behavior. Alex had become quieter, more introspective, paying little attention to those around her.

"Alex?" Asha called out for the second time.

"Hmm?"

"What's going on with you lately? Please, talk to me"

"Nothing, Asha. I'm fine. I'm just busy with the exams next week"

Asha shook her head, unconvinced. "No, that's not it. I know there's something else. You look... sad, well much sadder. Is it because I'm not going to be here for Christmas?" She asked, knowing that if there was one thing Alex hated more than Christmas, it was spending it without her.

"Yeah, that's part of it" Alex sighed, finally ready to confess. "But there's something else... there is this wo-girl that I think I really like" she said, her voice soft, almost a whisper. Asha's eyes widened, though she stayed calm.

"Oh? So...?"

"it's plain stupid, I know it is, but still. I just wish these feelings <ill go away, like they never existed. But every time she smiles at me, I know I'm screwed. And I can't like her... It scares me, Asha. I'm terrified" Alex's voice cracked at the end, the weight of her emotions spilling over.

"Why can't you like her?" Asha asked gently.

"I just can't!" Alex almost shouted, exasperated.

"Whynot, is she with someone else ?"

"Yes, she already loves someone else" Alex's voice dropped to a whisper. "And there is just no way in this world or another that for her to like me. Like not a chance in hell" Alex finished looking down, disappointed in herself for letting things escalate to this point. Asha took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment, then looked at her sister, her voice calm yet firm.

"Okay. Maybe she likes someone else. So what? You have feelings for her, and that's a fact. Love is a fight you'll have to face on your own. Sure, you're young, and I'm sorry, but you're gonna go through a bunch of heartbreaks, you may seem tough, but you're the most sensitive person I know. At the same time, you're going to break tons and tons of hearts with that face of yours.

I do wish you'd learn to fight for what's important to you, even at such a young age. Even if you don't win, at least you'll know you tried."

Asha paused, giving Alex a knowing look. "I don't know who she is or why you like her, but I know you well enough to know when something is important to you"

The bell rang, signaling the end of the visit. Alex stood up, giving Asha a tight hug.

"You don't understand, I wish I could tell all about it" Alex whispered, pulling back. "I can only offer her unhappiness and shame. She has litteraly everything any woman her age could dream of, Asha"

"Your love is worth more than all the gold in the world. You are an incredible girl, and anyone would be lucky to experience being loved by you" Asha said, squeezing her sister's shoulder before being escorted out by a guard.

Alex left the institution with her gym bag in hand, heading toward her soccer practice at school, one of the few moments she could escape her thoughts of the blonde woman.

-- Elianna --

Elianna sat in the stands, watching Alex train, the clock ticking toward 5 p.m.

"Pass the ball!" A boy shouted from the field.

"Elianna, Hey!" The blonde turned and saw Albert, Ryan's grandfather, approaching.