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𝑷𝑹𝑬𝑺𝑬𝑵𝑻, 𝑺𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟑
Ariella pushed open the door to the Beanery, the familiar aroma of coffee and baked goods enveloping her. She had just stepped inside when Lana caught her eye and quickly walked over.
"So, I need a favor," Lana said, her voice slightly rushed.
Ariella cocked an eyebrow as she rubbed her frigid hands together from the cold. "Okay?"
"Can you co-chair the blood drive with me?" Lana asked, her tone almost pleading.
With a sigh, Ariella nodded. "Sure."
"Thanks, you're a lifesaver," Lana said, visibly relaxing. "I had another girl, but she quit to spend the week with her boyfriend."
Ariella nodded. "Yeah, I don't have cheer practice this week, and it's either homework or my aunt telling me she's not planning a surprise party for me and my brother when she is."
"I know how you feel," Lana said, a sympathetic smile on her lips. "Nell always made my birthday bigger than I wanted."
Ariella appreciated Lana's understanding. She was still getting used to Nadia, and her aunt's proneness for grand gestures could be overwhelming at times.
As they moved deeper into the café, Ariella scanned the room for a place to sit. The Beanery was bustling with students and locals, the hum of conversation and clinking of coffee cups filling the air.
Whitney walked in behind them, and Lana immediately grabbed his arm, pulling him to a stop.
"Hey, we need to talk," she said, her voice edged with frustration.
"I don't have time right now," Whitney said curtly.
"Look, if you don't want to help us with this blood drive, then just say so," Lana sighed, frustration evident in her voice.
"That's not it," Whitney replied, looking exasperated.
Ariella shifted uncomfortably, feeling like an intruder in their conversation. She rubbed the crescent moon pendant around her neck, a habit she had when she was nervous. She tried to blend into the background, but standing next to Lana made that difficult.
"Then what is it?" Lana pressed.
"I don't wanna talk about this now, okay?" Whitney's tone was sharper, and his voice showed his frustration.
"No, it's not okay!" Lana shot back. "You've been avoiding me for a week. Every time I ask you what's wrong, you push me away."
Ariella felt a warm shiver run down her spine and turned to see Clark staring at her. The intensity of his blue eyes locked onto her green ones, making her breath catch in her throat. She found it hard to look away, even as Lana and Whitney's argument continued beside her.
