Control the chaos // McCabe

Chapter seven

In the days that followed, Alexia kept adding points to the lists.

She wished she had only added some to the second one, but it was the one named "things I do not like about Katie McCabe" that seemed to grow faster.

The first few days were marked by Katie's consistent disregard for Alexia's carefully constructed routines. She left mugs on the counter instead of putting them in the sink. She blasted music during breakfast prep. She came and went without warning, often leaving Alexia scrambling to adjust her plans when Katie brought teammates over unannounced.

Alexia added to the list:
7. Leaves lights on in rooms she isn't in.
8. Does not warn me when visitors come.
9. Plays music without headphones.

But, annoyingly, the other list—the one she hadn't expected to expand—was growing too.

Things I do like about Katie McCabe:
3. She always asks if I've eaten.
4. She remembers how I like my food.
5. She doesn't get mad when I'm blunt.

It frustrated Alexia to admit there were things she liked about Katie. For every chaotic thing Katie did, there was an equally surprising act of thoughtfulness. Like when Katie noticed Alexia's gloves were slightly torn and bought her a new pair without being asked. Or when she left a sticky note on Alexia's door after a particularly overwhelming day that read: "Training was intense. Dinner is in the fridge. Thought you might need some space. —K"

Alexia stared at that note for nearly five minutes, unsure how to feel about it. She hated that Katie seemed to understand her needs better than most people, yet still managed to disrupt her life at every turn.

The next morning, Alexia found herself adding:

6. She respects my space when I need it.

One evening, after a particularly grueling day of training, Alexia sat in her room, the list open on her phone. She stared at it, her thumb hovering over the keyboard. The sound of laughter filtered through the walls again—Katie and Caitlin, no doubt. Alexia's jaw tightened.

10. Brings Caitlin over too often.

She typed the words with more force than necessary, but before she could hit save, the laughter from the other room faded, replaced by the soft knock on her door.

"Alex?" Katie's voice was muffled but hesitant.

Alexia hesitated, debating whether to answer. She hated interruptions, but Katie rarely knocked—usually, she just barged in.

"Yes?"

The door opened slowly, and Katie peeked her head in, her expression unusually cautious. "You okay? You've been in here all night. Thought you might want some food or something."

Alexia glanced at her phone, then at Katie. "I am not hungry."

Katie frowned but didn't push. "Alright. Well, we're watching a movie if you want to join. No pressure."

Alexia's first instinct was to decline. She didn't like spontaneous invitations—they threw off her carefully planned evenings. But Katie's tone wasn't pushy; it was almost... considerate.

"I will think about it," Alexia said finally.

Katie smiled, a small, genuine curve of her lips. "Cool. Door's open if you change your mind."

As Katie left, Alexia stared at her phone again. She sighed, deleting 10. Brings Caitlin over too often.

Instead, she added:

7. She tries to include me, even when I don't ask.

Later that night, Alexia found herself standing just outside the living room. Katie and Caitlin were sprawled on the couch, laughing at something on the TV. They didn't notice her at first, and for a moment, Alexia considered retreating.