*****Next Day*****
After Alexa had completed her morning run, she tried to do her breathing exercises. Breath control and holding it was the most important thing to her and her quirk. If only she could have gotten to the pool first, but it wasn’t in the cards for her. Once done, she decided she should at least try to get some food in her system.
Alexa sat at the kitchen table. A bowl of her favorite cereal sat in front of her. Her parents insisted they make her a good breakfast today, but she was afraid the nervousness would kick in later and make her sick. Can't hold her breath on an uneasy stomach. For now, she felt good after her talk with Lita. If only she could have come with her.
Ian walked into the room, but he didn't do his usual “Is my punch faster than your shields greeting. He strode over to the fruit bowl, grabbed an apple and sat down across from her. He seemed different, less bratty.
“Big day today…”
Alexa looked over to him with watchful eyes. What was his angle? Was he actually worried for her?
“Yeah, it is.”
Ian tossed the apple between his hands. His hazel golden eyes focused on the fruit.
“No second chances…”
This thoughtful Ian bothered her. Why couldn't he just go back to punching.
“Yup...Only one.”
The fruit stopped in his hands as he looked up to her. He was nervous. It appeared that he understood the weight really well.
“Mom and Dad...They think you can really do it. You could really be a big time hero...This school is a big deal.”
Alexa fought to not hold her breath. Her parents never said those kinds of things. It was always “possibly” or “well there's a lot of ways to help people”.
‘He must have heard talking, right? When would they have said that?’ She thought quietly.
“I'll make sure they're right. Mom hates being wrong.” She tried to get him to laugh but Ian was serious.
“Alexa...You...You got this…” He said quietly and looked to his feet by the end of his sentence. “ I'm sorry for always annoying you. You are the only person I can practice with that actually got some skill.”
She couldn’t believe her ears. She felt like this was her eulogy or something. Her brother being super serious, it stopped her from completely eating. She just stared at him. Spoon in hand as she froze. Her brother met her gaze and got the hint.
“ I mean… Your bubbles are only a little better than mine. I’ll find a way to break yours soon.” His face was now a smirk as he took a bite from his apple and started out of the kitchen. ”You better get in.”
Instinctively, she nodded at her brother’s comment. That was the kid she liked better. That nervous looking kid wasn’t someone she knew and well he reminded her too much of herself. When she got her letter from UA, all she thought about were the times she’d fail.
‘Why did they send this to me? Do I really have what it takes?’
Her parents’ were more confident about her selection than she was. Of course, they were very middle of the road with their support. If you get in, great, and if you don’t, you’re just as good. But today was the day to prove it to everyone.
********
“I really should have run to UA” Alexa groaned from the backseat. The whole family was in the car, even the dog.
Eye of the Tiger was blaring through the speakers as her father pushed his lead foot against the pedal. Her mother kept trying to pump her up by looking back at her daughter as she sang along.
“You think I would miss my little girl’s big day?! You’re outta your mind. “ Hank cheered over the music. “I made sure to take the day out just for this.”
‘Just great.’
Alexa looked around for some solace, but everyone was into the song.
‘What is this playlist?’
“Did you really have to make me wear my suit there?” Alexa groaned as she looked down at it. She was really disgusted by the heavy makeshift safety harness that her dad snagged from the firehouse. “I really wish I thought this through.”
“Of course! I want your picture! I’m gonna hang it up in the dojo for all the kids.”
“Right...the kids…”Alexa groaned again. The memory of kids attacking her barrier and throwing themselves at it flashed in her mind. “How was that even training...?”
“Alexa, training can be anything, anywhere, and be taught by anyone. Remember that.” Her mother shot her an all knowing glare. The type of glare where she would saw “ you know, put your guard up” and no type of barrier could protect you from what was next.
“Absolutely!... I’m just nervous. I want to get in.” Her hands gripped the harness. She hoped the it would be enough to keep people on her if the barrier she made was airborne.
Her eyes traveled down to her hiker boots. She didn’t think they were the right type of grip in order to propel the right type movement with her barrier. They would have to do, but she hoped more than anything that she didn’t slip on her face. She did remember from the message boards that you get better quality when you become an actual student. Which made her look to her gloves next. They were an eyesore. The gloves themselves weren’t bad, but the magnetic fingertips and shabby sewing job was. Her parents bought the strongest magnets they could find on the internet because they knew her bubble wouldn’t be complete if she didn’t box her hands.
“We’re here!” Ian said as he nudged Alexa hard in the ribs. “Gotta pay attention!”
‘That much time went by!’
“Alright! Everyone out!” Her father called as he parked the car.
“Dad, Please, No.”
“Time to take that pic.” Her mother said with a smirk as climbed out and shot her the “i dare you to say no” glint in her eye.
“...Alright.” Alexa reluctantly got out.
Excitedly, her family placed themselves on the steps making sure to leave room for anyone trying to get by. They had more than enough time to register, but they still wanted to do this quick. Her mother hurried her over the middle of them. Had to make sure Alexa was ready.
“Say UA!” Her father grinned as he pulled his camera up to say the selfie.
“UA!” They shouted in unison. Alexa quickly held her breath and brought her hands together to place a small bubble around them for the pic. Making sure no one got bumped as she did so. The pic was snapped.
“That’s my girl!” Her mother put her arm around her neck and brought their heads together.
Alexa mouthed “Thanks Mom” before letting go of her breath. The barrier collapsed around them instantly.
“Ok, it’s time. Go kick some butt and we’ll be here waiting for you.” Vibrantly, her father smiled as he gave her the “All Might” thumbs up
“Will do!” Alexa laughed then returned the gesture.
“And remember.” Her mother started as she began to walk back down the steps. “ You got this.”
“Right.”
“No seriously! Only losers don’t get in here!” Ian chimed in.
Alexa smiled as she turned and made her way up the steps. She started to wave her brown glove at them.
Her family began to chant it again. “You got this! You Got this!”
‘Though they are nuts… I wouldn’t have it any other way.
***********
Alexa tried not to tug at her blue utility uniform As walked.
Inside the hall, there were students everywhere. A lot were practicing their quirks or talking to people they knew. Unfortunately, no one from her school had gotten a letter back except her. At least, that’s what she had thought. As she made her way up through the people, here grey eyes looked about the room. There were so many kids here and so many people that would either pass or fall. If only she had seen someone she knew. As she brought her eyes to the registration table, she saw a kid wearing a baggy jacket in front of her. Normally she wouldn’t pay it any mind, but the star on it seemed really familiar.
‘Wait… is that?’
“Galen!” She screamed extremely loud. She didn’t mean for it to be as loud as it was as she reached out to poke him in the back. “ Gale that has to be you!”
