Better That Way

No matter how long she stared at him, it didn't change anything.

Jay didn't love her.

Not for the first time, Theresa found herself staring at the young leader, quietly eating a sandwich with Herry and Archie on the couch whilst watching a basketball game. Sitting at the kitchen table, her Math homework lay discarded, forgotten. She'd wandered over to the other couch a while ago, and was happy enough to sit absentmindedly and 'watch the game'.

She watched him laugh and chat with the two boys, occasionally cheering as a team shot a basket. She smiled every time the corners of his mouth lifted upwards, the action extending into his face. When Jay smiled, his eyes smiled too – chocolate orbs twinkling in joy.

Truth be told, Cronus be damned, she loved him. More than she could possibly understand. There was no doubt in her mind that she'd been attracted to him the very first time she'd seen him, and been captivated by the Greek boy ever since.

He turned to look at her, his eyes still twinkling. He smiled again, as if it were some huge secret between them. His gaze lingered for a moment – she couldn't turn away – but his eyes returned to the TV screen at the cheers of Herry and Archie.

There was no huge secret. Jay didn't know how she felt. It was her secret, hers alone. One day, maybe, she'd tell him. One day when Cronus and destiny didn't matter.

Until that day came around, it was her burden to bear. She loved him, and Jay didn't know.

No, Jay didn't know.

It was better that way.