Heartbreak Weather, Eli Mosko...

LXXXVII.                                               Heartbreak Weather

      Eli stood in front of Odessa with his hands on her shoulders. "You ready for this?" He asked, rubbing soothing circles along her muscles.

"I'm not sure. I mean, I really want to be captain but I also really want us to win the tournament," she expressed her nerves.

"One step at a time, babe," said Eli, grinning. His hands fell from her shoulders and they reached for hers. He squeezed her palms. "Just keep your eye on the prize, okay? I would love the bragging rights of going around saying my girlfriend's the captain of our team."

Odessa laughed. "Thanks, E."

"You're a badass."

"I am, aren't I?"

They kissed. Oliver walked over and clasped his large hands on Eli's shoulders, making the boy stumble from the force. "Sorry to interrupt lovebirds, but, it's time for a pep talk."

"Right," he mumbled and stepped away.

Oliver, Grayson, and Hailey took his place. The group of four crowded around each other. "Alright, just like I told Gray, whoever wins, it doesn't affect us, right?" Oliver lead.

"Right," Hailey said instantly. "It's just karate. Right, Dess?"

"Totally," Odessa agreed.

"Exactly. Cause look in the bright side. We're going to fucking Spain, yo!" Grayson bursted out excitedly and put his fist in the middle of the circle.

They fist bumped each other.

"Beaumont, Cooper, let's go! Move your asses," Johnny yelled at them, calling firmly.

The girls got a round of good lucks from the team. "Okay girls, just remember to give it all you got," Christian told them with a smile.

"Ready to lose, blondie?" Hailey teased, raising her fists.

"Not a chance, Posh."

"Ready? Fight!" Johnny yelled.

"Let's go, babe!" Eli shouted from below.

Odessa and Hailey circled each other once. Then, she leaped forward with a kick. Hailey backed away and then stepped forward on her right foot, throwing the first punch. The blonde twisted her body to the side, avoiding her arm and Odessa headed it, twisting Hailey's arm at the same time as her upper body and she bent down on one knee, throwing Hailey over her shoulder.

"Whoaaa," a lot of them let out.

Hailey rolled over before Odessa could strike her. She jumped quickly to her feet and immediately went in with a kick. She grunted and threw a punch at Odessa, the blonde ducking under her arm. She then threw out her other fist directly into Odessa's shoulder.

"Point, Cooper!" Shouted Johnny.

"Nice job, Hails." Grayson encouraged his girlfriend.

Odessa blew out a puff of air and moved her hair out of her face. They went again and in unison, the girls kicked at each other and their ankles hooked. Odessa quickly lowered her leg as Hailey did another kick, then she grabbed a hold of her ankle, holding her in place, and the blonde kicked her in the ribs.

"Point, Beaumont! Scores 1-1!" Christian announced.

Hailey stepped back on her right leg and did a two high extended kicks. Odessa blocked the kicks with her wrists. Then, Hailey spun around, hoping to connect her foot to her face, but Odessa was quick to duck under her leg, leg sweeping her. Hailey fell but quickly rolled over before she could get hit. She jumped to her feet and they continued to go back and forth.

Odessa went back in with a spin kick. Hailey backed up and the blonde did another one, landing in front of her friend with a hard jab. Hailey blocked her punch, both of them punching high and low, until the brunette found an opportunity to punch her in the ribs.

"Point, Cooper! Scores 2-1!" Johnny announced.

"You're doing good girls," Daniel encouraged from where he stood in the crowd.

Odessa caught Eli's eye. He winked at her, then smiled. The blonde exhaled again and nodded to Hailey, her friend smiling and nodding back. Christian yelled for them to fight again. Odessa swung her arm, Hailey grabbing her wrist and turning her arm so that her upper body twisted. Odessa was quick to bring her foot back and kick her in the knee. When Hailey's grip loosened on her, the blonde ducked out her hold and turned around, kneeing her in the gut. Then, she backed up and spun around, kicking Hailey across the face.

"Point, Beaumont. Scores 2-2, the next point wins," said her father, who now looked extremely worried.

The girls straightened up. Odessa raised her fists and rocked back and forth on her hills, her heart beating quickly and her face flushed red. Hailey stared back at her, determined and ready. At the command, the brunette stepped forward and did a powerful spin kick. Odessa backed away and when she came back up, she went in with a hard jab. The two of them went back and forth. Hailey leaned to the side and did a harsh side kick, Odessa blocking it with her wrist. The blonde girl raised her arm Hugh, blocking another one of Hailey's punches, and she used her free arm to aim for Hailey's ribs. The other girl blocked it swiftly.

"Block, no point!" Yelled Johnny.

Feeling like she could pass out from how high her adrenaline was, Odessa went in with another jab. Hailey blocked it with her forearm and crouched down, going in with a leg sweep. Odessa was quickly to jump, avoiding her legs, and then she spun in the air, Hailey coming up at the same time as her and Odessa's foot collided with her stomach, knocking her down.

"Point, winner!" Christian exclaimed and smiled widely.

Odessa's eyes went wide and Hailey released an excited gasp. They hugged each other tightly. "Congrats, baby girl," the brunette encouraged.

"Thank you," Odessa exhaled, feeling very tired but on top of the moon.

They broke apart and Hailey stepped off the deck, accepting the praise from everyone. "Good job, babe," Grayson told her and they kissed.

Odessa turned her head, seeing her dad walk towards her and she smiled widely, her teeth on display. "That's what I'm talking about!" Christian exclaimed and the father and daughter hugged each other. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, dad," she replied shakily. Odessa ran off the deck, going straight in Eli's arms.

"Yeah, that's my girl!" The boy yelled and picked her up, squeezing her tightly, causing her to giggle.

After a short break, it was time for Sam and Tory's fight. Before they went onto the deck, Odessa walked up to Tory. "Good luck, okay? You'll kick ass," she spoke encouragingly.

All Tory could do was look at her.

It made her frown. "Tory, please tell me what's wrong. I'm worried about you—"

"Don't." Tory snapped, making her flinch. "Don't worry about me. I don't need you to."

Odessa frowned.

"Nichols, Larusso, let's go!" Johnny shouted.

Tory walked past her, not sparing her another glance. Odessa stood there, hurt and confused.

Hailey, still buzzing with high energy, came over and slung her arm over her shoulder. "Hey, what's the frown for? You just became captain!" When she saw how upset she was, her happiness dimmed. "Dess, what's the matter?"

"Nothing. I'm fine," Odessa muttered.

"Oh please, I know you too well for you to lie to me."

"Just drop it, Hailey. Please," she begged and walked away. She stood by Eli and wrapped her arms loosely around his neck.

"Are you okay?" He whispered, his hand settling on her waist.

All she did was nod.

Sam and Tory began their fight. Tory released a powerful cry, immediately running toward her. Sam quickly reacted, reading her fist to block from getting hit. It was a rapid back and forth game, Tory's moved sharp and harsh. She kicked over Sam's head, Sam ducking and then she stuck her foot out, leg sweeping her and Tory fell to the ground.

"Point, Larusso!" Johnny yelled.

Tory groaned and smacked the wooden deck.

"Uhhh, is she okay?" Grayson whispered, noticing her aggression.

"This is just how she's fights," Oliver stated, shrugging slightly.

"Yeah, but she seems a little. . .angry."

Tory raised back on her feet and started pacing, shaking her hands. Odessa watched her carefully, feeling concerned by her change of mood. It's been days since the last time they talked. What possibly could have happened in those few days to make her so upset?

Christian yelled for them to fight again. Sam backed up as Tory threw multiple punches. Then, the brunette swung back, finding an opening, only for Tory to kick her.

"Point, Nichols!"

Suddenly, Tory screamed again and kicked Sam hard in the chest, causing the girl to stumble back.

"Oh, shit," Oliver cursed, his eyes growing wide.

Odessa covered her mouth, sharing a look with Hailey. Everybody appeared shocked. Christian eyed Johnny and Daniel, wondering what to call. "Uhhh?"

"Uhhh, refs. That's a little overkill. That should be no point," Daniel stepped in, looking in disbelief.

Johnny raised his hand. "Yeah, yeah, we got this." He dismissed.

"Sam, are you okay?" Christian asked the girl.

"I-I'm fine," she answered shakily, still in shock as she held her chest.

"Listen, that's a warning. Next one's a deduction," Johnny warned before telling them to fight again.

Tory bounced on her feet whilst Sam raised her fists, staring at the girl dumbfounded. Odessa found herself squeezing Eli tighter, feeling sick at the look on Tory's face. She spun around and kicked towards Sam, the other girl backing away and then she stepped forward again with a hard punch. Tory's moved were full of anger, a suddenness of deja vu floating around Odessa like a cloud.

Tory grabbed a hold of Sam's gi and she held up her fist, about to strike but before she could, Daniel ran up the steps and grabbed her fist. "The fights over."

"What?" Grayson said out loud, glancing at his friends.

Tory jerked her hand back. "That's not fair. That could've been a point!" She cried.

"Dad, what are you doing?" Sam stepped in.

"What the hell are you doing, man? I'm the ref. I'll decide when the fight's over." Johnny snapped.

"Daniel, what's the problem?" Christian questioned.

"I'll explain later. I promise."

"Don't stop the fight. Please." Tory pleaded.

Odessa slipped away from Eli and went to the edge of the deck. "Dad, what's going on?" She whispered.

Christian looked down. "I-I don't know."

"Girls, please, off the deck. Let's go," Daniel urged.

"Don't tell them what to do. I'm their sensei, too." Johnny argued with him.

"Well then end the fight!"

Odessa grew more and more confused, as did everyone else. She looked to Tory, the blonde on the verge of crying.

"Why do we have to end the fight?" Sam asked.

"Because my mother died!"

There was a heavy silence. Odessa's eyes widened.

"Oh, my god," said Hailey and she covered her mouth.

"Tory, I'm. . .I'm so sorry for your loss, but, we can't continue this fight," said Daniel.

"Tory, I'm so sorry," Christian spoke with a deep frown.

"This is not the time."

"Yes, it is! I have to fight now!" She yelled.

At that time, Robby had emerged from the crowd. Odessa watched him walk up to the deck.

"Sensei Lawrence, Sensei Beaumont, some help here, please?" Daniel begged, looking over his shoulder.

"Daniel, if Tory wants to fight, just let her fight," spoke Christian, trying to keep the peace.

"Chris is right. It's not up to us," Johnny agreed. "If Nichols wants to fight, she should.

Daniel shook his head. "Look, we'll find another way to appoint the captain—"

"Find a way? No!" Tory yelled, her eyes filled with tears. "No! You don't understand. None of you understand! My mom, she would have wanted this. If I don't fight. . .I have to do this. I have to do this for her. I have to fight."

"Tory," Odessa found herself saying, her own voice breaking.

Robby stood by her. "Tory, let's just take a second—"

"No, Robby. No."

"Just breathe."

Amanda walked up to her. "Tory, I know what you're feeling, okay? But I also know that you're not in the right headspace to decide," she spoke gently.

"No, you're only saying that because you want her to win!" Tory exclaimed, shooting Sam a look. "Because at the end of the day, you'll choose her over me! You'll always choose her over me!"

"No, it's not that, Tory," Daniel tried to say.

"We're not taking sides."

"You sure about that?" Johnny muttered.

"Johnny," Christian scoffed.

Finally feeling like she could move her feet, Odessa walked up the steps and stood by Amanda. "Tory, it's okay. Let's just take a break and we can figure this out," she almost whispered.

"No, you don't get it, Odessa!" Tory cried out, then she looked at Daniel. "You want this fight to be over? Fine, it's over!"

Odessa flinched when she pushed past her and ran off the dock.

"Tory," Hailey tried to say but the girl sped past her and edged the backyard.

"Tory, wait!" Odessa shouted and began to follow her.

"Dess—" her father started to say but he was ignored.

Her blonde ponytail whipped around as she ran, hot on Tory's heels. "Tory, wait, please don't go!" Odessa called out. "Please, don't do this alone. I'm here for you."

Tory swung around. "Well don't be!" She raised her voice, chasing Odessa to pause. "I don't need you to be here for me, Odessa. I can handle this by myself."

"You shouldn't have to!" She matched her tone. "I know for your whole life, you've had to deal with shit on your own, but that's not the case anymore, Tory. You have people that love and care about we. We want to help you."

"I'm not a charity case in the perfect life of Odessa Beaumont."

The comment made her scoff. "Perfect? That's a stretch," Odessa snapped.

"Oh please, don't try to act like you understand what I'm going through. None of you do. So do me a favor and just leave me the hell alone!"

She stormed off again. Odessa stood there, her jaw dropped and startled, and stared at the back of her head until she was gone. A shaky breath passed her lips. "What the fuck?" She muttered and put her hand on her forehead.

Odessa should have been ecstatic that she was Captain alongside Sam. She worked hard. She was determined and it payed off. But all she could think about was Tory.

They were all in her backyard for a celebratory dinner that Thalia made. "Oh, my baby's a captain!" She had cried and smothered her with kisses. Odessa sat by the edge of the pool with her feet in the water, her phone pressed to her ear as she tried to call Tory multiple times. She never answered. Odessa sighed and texted her.

Dessa
I'm really sorry  about earlier
please call me
I'm worried about you

Then, she texted Robby

Dess
Have you heard anything?

Robby
no, nothing at all
I'm really worried

Dess
yeah, that makes two of us.

She sighed and put her phone on her lap.

Hailey came over and sat with her. "That was. . .rough earlier," she spoke.

"It was more than rough. It was a disaster. I can't believe Tory's been dealing with this by herself," Odessa expressed sadly, watching Oliver throw a roll into Eli's open mouth from across the table.

"I know. I feel terrible," Hailey frowned. "Maybe she'll come around before we leave for Barcelona?"

"I doubt it," she mumbled. Odessa looked her way. "We got into a fight at the dojo."

Her eyebrows raised. "Wait, what? Why?"

"I was trying to help. Then Tory yelled at me and I got angry, so I yelled back. Now I feel like shit for it," Odessa explained and grumbled. "She said that she's not 'a charity case in the perfect life of Odessa Beaumont'," she recalled.

Hailey scoffed a laugh. "Your life is nowhere near perfect."

"Exactly!" They laughed slightly. "We just gotta let her cool off. I want nothing more than to be with her. She doesn't deserve this."

From inside the house, Thalia poured more lemonade into the empty pitcher. She heard Christian cough into his elbow and she got a nauseating feeling. "As happy as I am that Dess has the opportunity to go to Barcelona—" she turned around and leaned her back against the counter. "—I'm worried about you."

Christian half smiled and closed the refrigerator door, putting the cake he had bought on the counter. "There's no need to be worried, Tal. Everything's going to be fine." He assured. "Well, besides us losing one of the best fighters on the team."

"I'm being serious, Chris. You're sick," she kept her voice low, a serious expression on her face. "I don't want you traveling like this."

"Oh, Thalia, nothing bad is going to happen to me." Christian stepped forward and stood in front of her, putting his hands on her face. "I'll go to the doctor and get cleared before I leave, okay? Everything will be perfect. We'll go to Barcelona and we'll win. Dessi's going to win."

Thalia's eyes softened. "You have to tell you, Chris—"

"Not right now." He dropped his hands from her face. "There's bigger things coming, Tally. This tournament is important. I don't want to ruin it for her."

Thalia appeared discouraged. She watched him turn his back. "You're her father, Christian. Odessa needs to know what's going on with you," she tried not to raise her voice.

"And I'll tell her!" He accidentally raised his. Christian inhaled a deep breath. He closed his eyes for a brief second before having her again. "I'll tell her, okay? After the tournament. Please, Thalia. After the tournament." He grabbed the cake and pressed a kiss to her forehead before walking out of the kitchen.

A deep frown sat on her lips and Thalia watched him go outside, a pit forming in her stomach.