The Fated Match

“No”

” Hey, princess listen to me”

“No, this is some joke because I spoke to her over the phone last week and she was happy, laughing and writing her next song” I refused to believe the words coming out of my own mother’s mouth.

” she did that honey, but she was still suffering on the inside” suffering? she should have loved every moment of her life and now she’s in a coma after trying to end her life.

My poor Aika.

My grandfather took care of the children growing up in a toxic world with no freedom and people watching over your every move. Aika was the youngest daughter of one of the children my grandfather looked after.

The last time I was there I spent hours with that little girl helping her draw animals with a colouring set I gifted her. She learnt how to swim in my own arms. She was happy.

Just like a child should be.

After that phone call with my mum I decided to take a meeting with Ryan. With the next competition in a few weeks I had time to book a few days off to go and see her.

I needed to see her.

Ryan sat behind his desk his hands holding my own. ” This is a no brainer Elle, take a week off go be with her, Tina will manage everything and Jenny will take care of the team” I nodded my mouth not finding any words.

“would you like me to tell the team?” he asks. I hesitated but I found it better of I spoek to them personally so that they don’t have any confusion as to why.

“no, I can do that” I said getting up from the chair.

Ryan stood by my side as I walked into the classroom where everyone was called to meet.

“you’ve all done some really good swimming over the last few weeks. I hate to leave you with ” my speech was cut off instantly by Scott.

“you’re leaving us” he blurted out. I smiled to myself.

” No I’m not leaving you I just need to take a few days off to deal with some family matters” I would definitely consider this girl like my sister.

Scott slowly sat down, visibly he was relieved and that warmed my heart knowing that he was going to rage if I did leave the team.

“I know that if I stayed here I wouldn’t be able to do my job properly and I can’t risk that”

I felt Ryan let his hand rest on my shoulder almost as if to say he was there, that he supported me.

” Don’t worry coach I’ll handle everything here” Jenny said coming up to me. everyone started to give me hugs, I knew that this was there way of showing me that they cared, any other circumstance I would hate to be hugged by them but right now it is kind of what I needed.

I knew that I couldn’t leave without speaking to Theo first. Last night he called me saying that I was right and that he needed to speak to me face to face. From the sound of his voice I could tell something was off.

I didn’t need to look far, he was behind the bar in his restaurant serving drinks to customers.

When he saw me standing at the entrance he turned to one of his employees whispering something to them before heading my way.

” Hey, can we talk ” I asked him. My flight was already booked and if I wanted to make that flight I needed to be on the road in 20 minutes.

I was lucky because I knew that I still had clothes there left from my last visit. I’m hoping that they still fit me but as long as I get to Aika I don’t care i’ll sleep in the same clothes if I have to.

Theo guided me over to a private table away from anyone who could overhear us. I noticed that Theo didn’t put his hand on my back, going as far as trying his best not too.

The atmosphere surrounding us was not what we were used to. It was awkrawd and uncomfortable and I knew that something had really changed between us.

” you didn’t have to come over here I was planning to come see you after work” he says his eyes focusing in on mine.

“I know, but I needed to sort this out now. Can you tell me what you were trying to tell me last night” I was getting straight to the point because I knew I needed to be on the road any minute now.

Theo seemed surprised. ” straight to it like always, youre not making this easy for me are you” he says chuckling slightly. When ihe saw that I wasn’t laughing with him he sobered up, his eyes back to mine.

Theo wasn’t stupid he knew something was up.

I saw his hand each up for mine” No, please just say it” I said pulling my hand away.

” I was completely wrong about Michelle I have to admit that elle but something just doesn’t sit well with me. you never even gave Michelle a chance and I honestly didn’t expect that from you” he explained to me.

Didn’t expect me to defend my own opinion on what I saw was a perfect excuse to have theo at her side. The timing was wrong and I knew very little about her father.

I admit maybe I should’ve kept shut and just let her do whatever she pleases but at the same time I had to trust my gut.

My gut said that Michelle found the perfect excuse and made Theo weat right out of her palm. I cant blame theo for wanting to be there for her, hes got a heart of gold. But I get the funny feeling I’l be reconsidering that sentence pretty soon.

” youre right”

“I’m right? He said confused.

“yeah, I should have at least had some sympathy for her. I’m sorry if I was a disappointment to you” don’t ask me why im apologising.

This time Theo didn’t wait for my=e to pull my hand back as he grabbed hold my hand. ” I’m sorry I didn’t believe you Elle, I don’t want you to feel like I don’t listen to you”

I nodded weakly. ” But I think we need to slow down and possibly take a break” Theo announced to me practically taking random words. Where did this come from.

What? Am i in friends.

So not only did I receive the worst ever news in the last hour but the guy who i cared for a lot decides he wants a break because of my bloody behaviour. I feel like a child.

“A break?” I questioned him.

I must have been crazy because my initial reaction was to laugh. To theo I must have looked insane.

” why are you laughing” he asks clearly confused he probably has never had this happen to him before.

“its just” I started to say wiping tears from my eyes, this always happens when I laugh, now he probably thinks im actually crying. Ive gone through enough shit today to be crying.

” I just didn’t expect that” I carried on laughing. Now I think I was starting to annoy him.

I breathed in and out deeply attempting to settle down and have a meaningful conversation.

“if you think you want a break that’s fine, I’ve actually got to get going” I was already standing up getting ready to leave.

Theo stood up and instantly came to stand in front of me.

” I’m not ending this Elle I just think we need some time ” he said rubbing his neck.

I loved past him.

” wait wait. At least tell me what’s wrong Elle” he said stopping me from going anywhere.

I knew he could tell I was off.

” Elle, above all I’m still your friend ” he reassures me. Going so far as pulling me closer.

The overwhelming motion took over. I tested my face on Theo’s chest.

“Elle ” he whispered.

I shook my head against his chest.

” This girl I knew in Japan, my mom told me she tried to kill herself yesterday” I couldn’t say this to his face. It was all too much.

Theo’s arms tightened around me.

” I’m so sorry Elle. God I’m so stupid I shouldn’t have ” I placed my finger gently over his lips.

” don’t apologise for that. I’m glad you were real and honest with me” even if it’s not ideal for me I’d hate for him to pretend everything was okay between us.

He smiled against my fingers. ” is this why you came, are you going there ” I knew that he was referring to Japan.

I nodded ” I can’t train the students in this mood I need to see her ” he rubbed my back soothingly. ” I know Elle. You’re doing the right thing ” he told me.

I knew I was. I’d hoped that she’s there waiting for me right now.

” mick! Handle the orders I’m heading out” Theo said after a few minutes. I tried to tell him he didn’t need to come but he wasn’t having any of it.

Imwe were now on the way to the airport. I was texting back and forth with my mothers. She was flying there with my brother tonight.

My brother Kalen was never that close with Aika but he still wanted to be there for her. Me and my brother aren’t the closest. He grew up not wanting to have any connection with his sister.

But he still loved me. Just wondering n his very own special way. I have nothing against that.

Once we arrived at the airport Theo helped me find my gate.

I was speechless when he grabbed my hand pulling me along.

” Theo” I said looking at his tight hold on my hand.

He followed my eyes. ” don’t think too much into it. Think of me as just Theo. Your friend”

If only it was that easy.

He helped me do everything. It’s like he didn’t trust me to do it alone.

” I’ll make sure to keep your boys in check alright ” I knew that he was referring to Scott and the boys.

” I’ll have Tina report back to me. So no funny business” I said warning him.

His eyes widened dramatically. We suddenly Burst out laughing. It feels so long since I last had a conversation like this with Theo.

” 2. 20 flight to Tokyo boarding now ” I looked up at the big screen seeing my flight appear.

Theo finally let go of me hand. Not before reaching around me wrapping his arms around me.

” safe journey Elle, don’t fall in love with japan too much. We’re all expecting you back, I’m expecting you” I laughed as I grabbed my suitcase.

If he thought i could easily stay away from him for that long maybe he’s crazy.

I waved at him before heading towards my gates.

All i could see was Theo smiling at me from a distance.

Even though breaking it off seemed like the worst news to receive I didn’t mind it too much since we were okay.

I was worried as to what Michelle might do now I’m gone. Yes I’m coming back but you never really know what tricks that girl has up her sleeve.

When I was waiting in the line I felt my phone vibrate.

34 Takeshita street Tokyo

Best little cafe in the city

I couldn’t help but smile at his text.

Elle ; I can survive a few days without coffee Theo

I messaged back.

Immediately I received another message.

What a load of Bullshit ?

I tried not to smile too much whisky going through passport checks.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

Oh Theo. Why did you have to end things.