XVII. EMPTY.

2019.

"You dominated everyone during the press conference today. It was beyond insane." Compliments Aaliyah, the glimmer of her fork reflecting off of the incandescent lighting that resided inside the hotel.

Carmen could only nod, her eyes mainly stuck on her glass, taking note of the bubbly liquid of sodium that popped occasionally. Grabbing the glass she downs the alcoholic beverage, leaving it an empty mass. "That I did."

From the moment the press conference was over, Carmen of course drowned in the feeling of power. She loved it, yearned for it and today she got it. But now she was dealing with the after-effects and that is with her wondering if all of it was worth it.

If parading coaching her exes best friend in public was worth it. If kissing that very same ex the same night she'd gotten prepared for that very same press conference was worth it. It's not that she regretted this kiss — wouldn't dare. She just felt empty.

Aaliyah knew that something was bothering Carmen. It was so bad to the point where the silence was starting to bother her.

"Is there something wrong with the chicken? Because you've been playing with it all this time." Asks Aaliyah, motioning to the pasta that was in front of Carmen. It was her favorite and she hadn't even touched it. "Is it because of Carbs?"

"Carbs have nothing to do with this. I just don't have an appetite I guess." Lied Carmen.

"So what are your plans exactly with Patrick?" She asks whilst taking a sip of her wine. Although Aaliyah still believed that Carmen was beyond insane for even giving Patrick another chance, she must've seen something that she didn't do. "Because if he tries anything, it's over."

Carmen could only look at her sister with a dull look. "Winning of course. That's my plan."

She could only nod, noticing how detached her sister was steadily appearing. "Right. Got it."

It falls into silence yet again with Carmen not knowing what to say. From the moment she stepped into that hotel she's been feeling a lot of dread.

"I hope you know that Tashi isn't going to like this. Especially knowing you and Art's history." Points out Aaliyah with the furrow of her brow, "Not to mention Patrick and Tashi had their little thing going on. This is just one fucked up love square if I had to be honest. I did notice how weird you've been acting ever since you decided to talk to him."

"This isn't about Art — who gives a shit what he thinks." Lie. Carmen did care about how Art felt — she always did even when they weren't in the same room. Call it egotistical, call it being dramatic. She was a hurt woman still somewhat in love and although hurt she yearned for the affection. "And nothing happened. All we did was talk — that's it."

"Mmmh, well. It's about time you stop worrying about the past because it's obvious the past isn't worried about you so much." It was harsh but Aaliyah wanted her sister to finally be free from the shackles that is her ex. Little did Aaliyah know.

"I — I think I'm gonna leave. Not feeling well I'm gonna just go back to my suite." Standing up, Carmen grabs the champagne bottle that resided in the ice bucket. Looking down at her sister through a glossy gaze, she proceeds to walk away. "I already called a cab, and try not to play the whole worrying game. It'll be okay."

"Wait what? What's wrong? Was it something I said?" You say a lot of things Aaliyah.

"No — you're fine," Shaking it off, Carmen looks at her sister. "See you tomorrow."

By the time Carmen made it back to the hotel, she was repeatedly wiping away any evidence of her crying. She didn't want anyone to see let alone any lurking press.

The champagne bottle was long forgotten, and she gave it to the receptionist as a gift since she felt bad that they had to deal with her and just about every tennis player residing there.

Now standing in the elevator, Carmen had mentally decided that she was overthinking this whole thing entirely and all she needed was a nice shower, possibly some candles, and sleep. She can't remember the last time where she slept properly.

"I need a vacation." She mumbles to herself. Sometimes she wondered what would happen if she wasn't born into a family like the one she was in. Sometimes she wonders what would've happened if she simply wasn't in tennis at all. But eventually, reality would hit and she would soon realize that you can't escape your destiny.

Running a hand through her hair, Carmen couldn't help but mumble, "God I need to get laid — maybe that's my problem." She hasn't had a date in months, almost three years and that alone sounded scary. Had she been so caught up with her career to the point where she hadn't even satisfied her needs?

Standing up straight, Carmen attempts to get rid of the dreadful feeling that's been burning inside of her. "Y'know what fuck this. I am going to order a bottle of wine, watch a movie, attempt to relax, and ignore everyone for the rest of the night." Hyping herself a little, a smile eventually made its way across her face, "Yeah, I'll do exactly just that."

Sadly, that's not all that happened that night.

authors note
For this next chapter let's just say that some things are gonna happen. And it could be either good or bad.

Also Carmen legit represents every girl going through a crisis all at once. I felt every word she was saying. But anywho can't wait until the next chapter.