LXXXV. Heartbreak Weather

Thalia couldn't have been happier that all of her kid were headed to Barcelona. "I'm so happy!" The blonde woman exclaimed while carrying a large cake to the backyard. It spelled CONGRATULATIONS in bold blue letters. "All of my boys and girls going to Spain. That's so exciting."

Odessa invited everyone over for a pool party at her house to celebrate their win. The only people that weren't there was Oliver and Demetri. "Thanks, mom, but it doesn't feel right without the boys here." She said, standing by the table with her. "You know Oliver loves to party."

"Oh, baby, I know," Thalia said and twirled the end of her blonde ponytail. "Why don't you try calling him again? He listens to you more than anyone."

Odessa looked at her friends. All of the boys were playing basketball in the pool while Hailey, Tory, and Sam were sitting on the lounge chairs talking. Her dad exited the house with a pitcher of lemonade. "Got room for one more?" He yelled at the boys.

"Come on, Mr. Beaumont! I need someone on my team!" Grayson yelled at the man.

"No, be on mine! Robby sucks at this!" Eli shouted.

Robby objected and splashed him with water.

Christian smiled at the girls. "This was a great idea, Dess. They're having a blasts." He told her and sat the pitcher down by the cake. They watched him run and jump in the pool, making the group of boys cheer.

Thalia smiled. "He's happy," she observed, Turing her eyes to her daughter.

Odessa smiled lightly, watching her dad toss the basketball over Miguel's head into Eli's hands, and he dunked it into the net. "I'm glad he's happy."

"What about you? Are you happy?"

For the first time in a long time, Odessa wasn't hesitant to answer. "Yeah, I'm happy," she answered and smiled at her mom. "Really happy. I'll text Oliver."

Thalia held up a knife. "I'll start cutting cake."

Odessa grinned and took out her phone to text Oliver.

Rachel 👩🏼
are you coming over for the party?
my mom got us cake

Joey 🧑🏻‍🦰
no, not this time
demetri's still upset about
today. we'll just be
chilling at his house

Rachel 👩🏼
I'm really sorry

Joey 🧑🏻‍🦰
nah, don't be
he's more upset about eli
than losing.
I'm just gonna be there
for him, y'know?

Rachel 👩🏼
I understand
I feel terrible
eli does too

Joey 🧑🏻‍🦰
It'll all be okay
karate's not as important
as their friendship.
they'll make u eventually.
just adds to the disappointment
of having to get a tattoo

Odessa smiled lightly at her phone. She yelled when she felt wash splash her. Eli stood there smirking. "You getting in, pretty girl?"

"And get trampled on by a bunch of guys playing water basketball?" She said and placed her phone on the table. "I think not."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," he said and jumped out of the pool, dropping water on the grass. "Well, I guess we can always—" he swiftly wrapped his arms around her waist.

"ELI!" Odessa yelled and he picked her up. "Eli, put me down!" She screamed when he threw her into the pool.

Everyone bursted out laughing. "She's going to kill you," Hailey called out from her chair even though she was laughing.

Odessa's head popped out of the water and she wiped her eyes before glaring at him. "I'm going to kill you!"

Eli smirked again. "I'd like to see you try–" he screamed when he felt himself being pushed into the pool.

Thalia crossed her arms and smirked. "That's how it's done."

"Good one, Mrs. Reid," said Miguel and he laughed when Eli came back up, his weather covering his eyes.

"Mom, get in with us!" Grayson yelled.

Thalia shook her head. "No, no, I'm okay. I'll just stay dry with the girls—AHHH!" She screamed when there was a shove to her back.

She hit the water and Christian doubled over, laughing hysterically.

"Dad!" Odessa exclaimed and covered her mouth from laughing.

Thalia came back up and spat water out of her mouth. "Really, Chris?" She said with annoyance.

"Oh, I'm sorry honey, I couldn't resist." Christian said through his laughter. Before he jumped in, he looked at the girls sitting on the chairs and he waved them over. "Girls, come on. Get in!"

"I'm down," Sam said and stood from her chair.

Tory shrugged. "Yeah, I guess I will."

"Eh, I'm good. The UV's really good today." Hailey dismissed, pushing her sunglasses further on her face.

"Don't make me get out and drag you in here," Odessa threatened.

"Oh please, like you could—"

None of them had noticed Grayson get out of the pool. She smirked when she watched him sneak up behind her chair as she was still talking. He popped out in front of her and grabbed her waist. "Grayson, no!" Hailey yelled and he picked her up, throwing her over his shoulder.

The group of friends started laughing. Grayson ran toward the pool and jumped in, Hailey screaming.

Thalia watched the teenagers splash each other and she laughed as Hailey pushed Grayson's head into the water. She looked at Christian and saw him smiling. She swam towards him. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel amazing, Tal." Christian answered and smiled endearingly at her. "The best I've ever felt."

His eyes began to shimmer. Thalia hid her emotions by kissing him on the cheek. She went back to watching the kids, thinking about how she'd give anything to freeze this moment.

Oliver was with Demetri in his room, the two of them watching Lord of the Rings. Demetri's head was rested between his shoulder and his chest, their legs sprawled out on the bed but they interlocked. It had been quiet for a long time, which was strange for Oliver because he was never this quiet. He always knew what to say. But he didn't this time and he didn't know why.

"You don't have to stay here. You can go hang out with everybody," Demetri uttered, keeping his eyes on the screen.

Oliver furrowed his brows. "I want to be here."

"I know, but don't feel obliged to just cause I'm mad. I know you think I'm overreacting."

"Where's this coming from?"

"You always say what's on your mind in every situation, but you haven't said one thing about this. You just keep agreeing with whatever I say," Demetri explained with a huff.

Oliver shifted his position on the bed. Demetri lifted himself as he felt his arm move and Oliver turned on his side, gazing down at his face. "I love that you know me well enough to think that you can put thoughts in my head," he said with a slight teasing smile. "But Demetri, even if I did think you were overreacting, which I don't because how you feel is how you feel, I'm still going to be here for you. If you want to be angry at the world, then I'll be here with you. If you want to sit in silence, I'll sit here with you. It doesn't matter what happens, I'm gonna be here."

Demetri's gaze had softened. He was terrified at expressing himself emotionally as opposed to intellectually, but Oliver was always good at expressing his feelings for him. "I know," he said quietly and gulped. "I don't want you to leave."

Oliver smiled. "Whatever you want." He stated and leaned down, kissing his lips.

"Have you finished your essay yet?" Miguel asked the next day at training. They were in the middle of a game of rock, paper, scissors.

"I'm on like the last paragraph, I'm not sure how to end it," Odessa answered and cut his paper with her scissors. "I think I'm so nervous that I'm procrastinating. What about you?"

Miguel covered her rock with his paper. "Yeah, I sent mine in a few days ago. I was a nervous wreck. Still am." They continued their game. "I mean, even if it's good there's still a chance they won't accept me."

"Of course they're going to accept you. Your grades are perfect."

"It's not just about grades, Dess. Stanford's a competitive school and we both want to go. What are the chances we get accepted at the same time?" He asked with a disappointed expression.

Odessa dropped her hands and titled her head. "If you think like that, then it won't happen. Like my therapist tells me, you can't have a rainbow with rain."

Miguel cracked a smile. "She says that?"

"She does. Don't worry, I'll be your rainbow."

That made him laugh. "Thanks, Dess," he said and they continued their game.

"All right. Circle up," Daniel announced and Johnny and Christian stood in either side of him. "The Sekai Taikai needs our final roster in three days. And now that we know who's going, it's time for us to name our male and female captains."

"They're the ones who are going to lead us to victory," Christian followed.

"Plus, they get to fight on live TV. Who knows what comes with that," said Johnny.

"Money," Hailey said with a smile.

"College," Odessa added.

"The possibility of me owning my own business," Oliver commented and pretended to adjust his cuffed sleeves like a businessmen.

Christian laughed. "That all sounds great, guys."

"You'll all get the glory if we win," Daniel stepped back in. "But yes, the captains will get the spotlight. They need to represent the best that Miyagi-Do has to offer. Sensei Lawrence, Sensei Beaumont, and I want to assure you that the decision will be completely unbiased."

"Completely." Christian agreed.

"That's right," Johnny nodded. "In two days, Odessa will face Hailey–"

The two best friends smirked at each other.

"And Sam will face Tory for the female captains spots."

"Then Grayson will face Oliver and Miguel with Robby for the male captain's spot." Daniel finished.

Grayson and Oliver high fived each other. "You're going down, brother." Said the brunette.

"We'll see about that, Ham."

"Alright, enough talk. It's time to train. You eight—" Johnny pointed to Odessa, Miguel, Sam, Hailey, Tory, Robby, Oliver, and Grayson. "—get inside. I'm gonna whip your butts into shape."

Odessa looked at her dad.

Christian laughed nervously. "I'll be around."

The teens entered followed Johnny into the dojo. Odessa was slightly nervous as to what he had planned for them. The sensei stood in front of them and the teens stood in rows. "Big circle," Johnny instructed and they followed his movements. "Big circle. Breathe in. Breathe out."

Odessa was skeptical as she watched him. It was too calm, too collected. It wasn't Johnny at all.

"Elbow to the face."

Ahh, there it is.

"When the hell did you come up with this?" Hailey wondered out loud.

"Yesterday," he answered. "Lift his ass up and dump him!"

"I think it's badass," said Oliver.

Once they were finished with the activities inside, Johnny led the group outside to the koi pond. "Okay, now I'm nervous. What the hell is he planning?" Odessa asked them.

"Not sure, but I'm certain we're going to be soaking wet by the end of it," Hailey replied.

"Orphan Annie, you're up first!" Johnny yelled at Oliver and he stood by a pitching machine.

"Oh, great. Make me the scapegoat," Oliver said sarcastically and he carefully got on the board, holding out his arms to keep his balance.

"The key to Miyagi-Do is balance. You gotta stay on your feet no matter what life throws at you."

The boy was still confused. He watched Johnny chug the last of his beer and place it in the machine. "I don't underst–" Oliver ducked down when he hurled the beer bottle at him. His eyes widened. "What the fuck?"

"Are you insane?" Hailey yelled at the man.

"Get up, red. Let's go again!" Johnny yelled.

Odessa looked at the others with wide eyes. "How the hell is this supposed to help us if we lose our heads?" She spoke dramatically.

"Oh, come on. It's not that bad." Grayson said with a scoff. Unfortunately, his back was turned and the beer bottle missed Oliver and went directly into his back, causing him to stumble and hit the ground.

"Sorry, Hammy!" Johnny yelled at him. "Miguel, you're up."

One by one, they stepped on the platform and the machine hurled a beer bottle at them. They were all successful at not getting hit, but when it came to Grayson, he was t so lucky. Two bottles flew at him and he was able to block one, but the other hit him the chest and he stumble, the board moving under him and fell into the pond.

"Him and this damn pond," said Tory and Odessa laughed.

"Uhh, Johnny," Christian voiced and walked up to him. "Why's Grayson in the pond?"

"Cause apparently those long limbs don't have the quickest reflexes. Out of the pond, Long Legs. You're fine! Odessa, you're up!" Johnny saw the nervousness on the man's face. "Oh, calm down, Chris. She's fine."

Grayson lugged himself out of the pond, glaring at him, and Odessa took his place on the deck. Her dad gave her a thumbs up and she responded with a wavering smile.

"Ready, Dess?" Johnny asked but didn't give her time to answer.

Odessa's eyes widened as a bottle came flying at her. She swung her arm outward, the bottle hitting her clothed arm. Another one came out of the machine and she ducked, careful not to tumble off the board and when she came back up, there came another one, and Odessa leaned back on her foot, bringing her other leg out and she kicked the bottle away from her.

"Yeah, good job, Dess!" Miguel cheered from the background.

Odessa broke out into a smile.

"That's what I'm talking about, Beaumont!" Johnny praised and turned to Christian. "See? She's got it handled. Okay, moving on!"

Johnny had taken all of the training dummies and put shirts on them, all with different countries flags on them. He drew a mustache on the one that was supposed to be France. "Cooper, you're up," he said to Hailey.

Daniel and Christian stood by and watched.

"Foreign kids don't speak English, but they do speak karate. So you're gonna have to kick higher and harder than ever before."

"I'm not sure I get this one," Christian muttered.

Hailey jumped and kicked both of her legs at the dummy. Then she spun around and kicked it across the face.

"Nice job, Cooper. Back in line," Johnny instructed. "Ginger Spice, you're up. Let's go!"

As Oliver stepped forward, he gasped and looked at his friends. "Ooh, new group chat name idea!"

"I call Posh!" Hailey immediately said.

"Sporty!" Said Grayson.

"I guess that makes me Baby," Odessa finished.

"Wait, then who's gonna be Scary?"

Johnny narrowed his eyes. "You guys are weird."

They continued to attack the dummies until he called on Robby, his dummy having the Soviet Union flag. "Johnny, the Soviet Union doesn't even exist anymore—"

"Quiet!" Johnny yelled, cutting Daniel off.

Christian chuckled.

Odessa had been struggling to figure out how to end her college essay. Every time she stared at the computer screen, she froze, unable to form words to type out, and it was stressful. She sat alone in the library the next day at school, her hands in her hair, and she stared at her open computer.

Between worrying about college and the tournament, she was starting to get a rash.

Robby entered the library and he saw sitting at one of the tables. "Hey, Dess," he said quietly.

Odessa lifted her head. "Oh, hey Robby." She smiled lightly.

"Have you seen Tory anywhere? I keep calling her but she won't answer me."

"Uhh, no. I haven't seen her," she answered and leaned back, pressing herself against the chair. "Is something wrong?"

"I'm not sure. We're supposed to train after school together but I haven't seen her all day. Kind of worried."

Odessa grinned. "I'm sure she's okay. She's probably just taking a personal day. I certainly need one right now."

"Why? What's wrong?" He asked and sat down at the table.

"It's this damn college essay," she answered and touched the computer so it would come on again. "I don't know how to finish it and it makes me mad cause I don't have a lot of time to finish it."

Robby looked between her and the computer. "What are you writing about?"

Odessa brought her legs up, curling her arms around her ankles. "Uhh, about karate. About how it's helped me get through all the hardships I've faced, and how it's made me the person I am today," she explained with a soft smile. "Thought it might sound better than writing about my dad leaving."

"I think it sounds great, Dess," Robby said and half smiled at her.

She returned the gesture. "Thank you." She closed her computer. "Well, what about you? Are you thinking about applying anywhere?"

"Oh, no, uh. . ." He scoffed a laugh. "No, college isn't for me."

"Well how do you know?"

"I mean, I don't exactly have the means to get in anywhere," he told her. "And getting expelled and going to juvie doesn't help."

Odessa frowned. "Lots of kids that go through the things you did get into college, Robby."

He just shook his head. "It's not gonna happen, Dess. Even if I did want to, no college would want me."

The way he said it made the frown she wore deepen. She always hated when he talked like that. "You're just as capable as any of us to make something of your life, Robby. Look at how you turned your life around. You got out of Cobra Kai, you got reenrolled in school, you made up with your dad, and you have Tory. If college is something you want then go for it. Anything's possible if you really want it." She stood from the table and collected her things. She put her hand on his shoulder. "I'll try and call Tory, okay? Don't worry."

Robby smiled lightly and watched her leave the library.