Christen cuddled closer into Tobin's side, closing her eyes and letting the warmth of the midfielder bring her to a content resting point. Tobin's warm brown eyes gazed down on her girlfriend, wrapping a loving arm protectively around her shoulders and closing her eyes as well. Even without watching, Christen knew the smile that decorated Tobin's face, as it always did when the girl was happy. 

Tobin's tan and lanky fingers danced across the forward's collar bone, drumming an unheard beat into Christen's smooth skin. The sound of fingers hitting flesh was the only noise audible in the room except for the quiet hum of the two's breaths escaping through their dry, red lips. 

A warm beige blanket enveloped the girls, covering their arms and legs and shielding their hearts from the cold. The heater being broken, the apartment Christen shared with Opal was as freezing as Antarctica. Opal had disappeared the day before, claiming she needed some time to herself before seeing any other humans, as stated in the text that had disrupted Christen's meal yesterday. Tobin had decided to give Carli, her roommate, some space as well. The midfielder seemed to be really enjoying her time with Brian, and overall the freshman seemed happier than she had all year. 

Tobin and Christen had just finished watching Searching For Bobby Fischer, the brunette's favorite movie. As usual, Tobin had cried at the end. She was forever thankful to have Christen to cry into, and Christen was forever grateful to be Tobin's favorite shoulder to cry on. 

The door to the apartment creaked open, but neither of them woke, deep in sleep. Opal quietly observed the couple from a short distance, a lump of coal forming in her heart. The Asian walked pass them into her bedroom, trying to make as little noise as possible. The scent of alcohol was stale on her breath, and drips of blood fell down her knuckles. Her tights were ripped at the knees and dark red liquid poured from the tear. It hurt with every step the senior took, but she pushed the pain aside and hobbled onto her bed, falling onto the mattress and bringing her bloody knees up to her chest into fetal position. 

Eventually, the older girl fell asleep, silent tears rolling down her pale cheeks. 

-

"Good morning," Kelley murmured, pressing herself deeper into her girlfriend's sickly cool chest. Alex let out a soft cough, wrapping a muscular arm tightly around the freckled girl, pulling her closer.

"What time is it?" the forward yawned, her eyes still closed. 

"6:45," Kelley responded, sitting up in bed. Hope was cuddled up in them bed next to them, facing away. 

"Shit, it's early," Alex complained, squinting out of an eye and sitting up as well. The forward cast a glance at her sleeping roommate, glancing at Kelley. "Should we wake her?"

Kelley shrugged. "I'll go back to my room and get dressed. You should wake her, and meet me and Allie at breakfast."

Alex smiled, kissing the girl on the cheek. "See you in a few," she whispered, the door closing behind her girlfriend. Alex yawned, stretching and climbing out of bed. 

She sat down next to Hope, patting the bundle softly. "Wake up, dumbo."

"Whatdatmatta..." the keeper let out into her pillow, only half awake. 

"Wake up, dumbo. I want coffee."

"Emhhmmn..." Hope groaned. "Iwancoffeetoo..."

"Then get your ass out of bed!"

Hope rolled over, glaring at her best friend. "You suck."The keeper got out of bed and changed into jeans and a tee shirt in silence. Once both girls had changed, Alex grabbed her phone and wallet from the side table and accompanied her roommate down to the dining hall. Kelley and Allie were waiting for them when they arrived, a coffee steaming from each of their hands. 

"Here, Al," Kelley smiled, handing her girlfriend a coffee. Allie grinned at Hope, giving her one as well. The keeper to a gulp, giving the blonde of nod of gratitude. Christen and Tobin were chatting at the squad's usual table, sipping on coffees as well. Ash, Ali, Carli,  and Brian were seated next to them. The only person missing from breakfast was Opal. The Asian usually sat with the freshmen plus Christen, most likely because they were the only people that weren't deathly afraid of her. 

"Where's Opal?" Alex asked, taking a seat in between Carli and Tobin. Tobin shrugged. 

"I don't think she came back to our apartment last night," Christen falsely informed. "But Tobin and I were asleep, and I didn't think to check her room in the morning so I can't be sure."

Ash sniffed. "Wherever she is, I'm sure she'll turn up soon. Ali, where did you get that?" the keeper gestured to the plate of pancakes the defender was eating. Ali gave her girlfriend a frown. "Get your own."

Ashlyn scowled but didn't try to take any of Ali's food. "Guys, I'm so happy!"

"Why?" Hope asked quietly, speaking for the first time. To be honest, she sounded the exact opposite of how Ash felt. 

"Because the snow is melting! And we're halfway through February, and it'll be break in, like, three weeks!" 

Carli and Brian shared a smile. Hope glared at them. Alex watched her. 

"But babe, we won't be together! I'll be in Virginia and you'll be in Florida!" Ali whined, looking at her girlfriend with puppy dog eyes. 

Ashlyn made a sad face as well, but everyone could tell that fact wasn't going to ruin her mood. "I know, honey, but at least we can still face time! AND SLEEP IN." 

Tobin, Christen, and Allie laughed. Hope's glare didn't falter. 

"And after break, exams and then summer." 

"It's so far away," Tobin said, shoveling in a spoonful of oatmeal. "But I hope it goes quickly."

"Next year, we'll be sophomores. Isn't that scary?" Carli asked. 

Ash shrugged. "It'll be scarier for Opal. She'll be done with school." 

"Do you think she's going to play pro?" Ali asked, looking around the table for an answer. 

Christen nodded. "The Western New York Flash has already contacted her, I know that."

Tobin smiled. "Lucky." 

"Yeah, she is," Ash agreed.

Hope looked down. 

A silence having fell upon the group, Kelley stood out of her chair and dropped an envelope in front of Alex, leaving her friends and walking out of the dining hall quietly.