New Beginning

Chapter 2- Weird Atmosphere/ New York

At around 8:00 AM, I jolted awake, gasping for air—still caught in the suffocating grip of my nightmares. I wasn't surprised. After everything that had happened, it made sense. Even now, I desperately want to believe that yesterday was just another dream. But reality refuses to bend to my wishes. My friends are truly gone.

The only solace I have left is the memory of Alex saying he loves me. I know he didn't mean it romantically, but it still gives me something to hold onto in the dark moments when the nightmares come.

As usual, I went through my morning routine—coffee first, then getting dressed. Blue pants, a red tank top, and a swipe of dark red lipstick.

Is this too much? I wondered, feeling an uncharacteristic wave of shyness.

Will Alex like it?

The thought slipped out so naturally that it startled me. Why do I even care? Maybe it was just because of that weird dream I had about him, I reasoned. Before I could spiral deeper into those thoughts, an abrupt sound interrupted me.

"Knock, knock, knock."

"Alex is here," I murmured, walking over to open the door.

He stepped in, dressed simply—just a plain black T-shirt and hazel-blue pants. His hair was swept back effortlessly, and somehow, the color of his eyes perfectly matched his outfit. It was strange. I had never thought of him as particularly good-looking before, but in that moment, I couldn't help but notice.

I quickly snapped out of it and met his gaze, only to realize he was staring at me—unblinking. His eyes locked onto mine, and for some inexplicable reason, I felt weak in the knees.

"I'm up here," I said, breaking the silence.

"Sorry," he replied quickly, looking away. Was he... blushing?

"You look great," he added, his gaze returning—softer this time.

"Thank you," I murmured, feeling a sudden warmth in my cheeks.

I motioned for him to sit while I gathered my thoughts. "Umm, I forgot to ask you yesterday—when are we heading to New York?"

"Oh, right," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I meant to tell you, but yesterday was... um, never mind. The flight is today at noon."

"What?" I exclaimed, frustration bubbling up. "The flight is this soon, and you didn't think to tell me immediately? Are you kidding?"

"I'm sorry, I wanted to... but things got weird yesterday," he admitted, looking down.

I knew exactly what he meant, so I let the silence linger for a few seconds before easing the tension. "We should pack."

"I already did. But I'll wait here while you pack yours. It's 8:15 now, and it's about an hour's drive to the airport. Just pack the essentials so we can get going."

"Okay, sure. Give me an hour," I teased.

"What?" He looked at me like I had completely missed the urgency of the situation.

I laughed. "Just kidding. Don't worry, I only need six to ten minutes."

He sighed in relief. "I'm glad you haven't lost your sense of humor," he said with a small smile.

I blinked. I hadn't even realized I was joking. After everything that happened with my friends, I never thought I'd be able to laugh again. Was it just Alex's presence making it easier?

Six hours later...

"Wow, this view is incredible! Look, Alex!" I said excitedly while he paid the driver.

"Yeah, it is," he responded, smiling. "I'm glad you like it."

"I love it! What's not to love? The city lights are so bright, and the bridge—it looks amazing! Can we go check it out?" I asked eagerly.

"Not right now, Juliana. Let's find a hotel first. I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted from the flight. Besides, it's already late," he said.

I frowned slightly. He must have noticed because he quickly added, "I promise I'll show you around tomorrow morning, and we can check out the bridge then, okay?"

I perked up again. "Okay! Thank you," I said, smiling as I hugged him.

His face turned red. I chuckled.

Something inside me shifted—something lighter. Maybe things would be okay after all. Maybe this trip was exactly what I needed.

I was determined to enjoy this stay and to be strong, despite losing my friends.

"New York, here I come," I whispered, feeling more alive than I had in days.