Sapphire.

Chapter Seven

SAPPHIRE'S POV
As entered, Kai was in the living room, playing video games, while I was greeted by the sound of Astrid singing in the shower.

"Hey Kai," I said, dropping my bag on the floor. "How was your day?"

Kai paused the game and turned to me. "Same old, same old," he said with a shrug. "What about you? How was the lunch date?"

"It was good," I replied, trying to hide my disappointment about how it had ended. "Rhys and I had a good time."

Kai whistled. "You both are getting serious, eh?"

"Yeah, I'm the happiest when I'm with Rhys.", I shrugged.

"You don't sound like yourself. anything wrong went up?", Kai is very good at detecting when something's up with someone.

I sighed. Kai was always so perceptive, and I hated having to explain my problems to others. But I knew that I couldn't keep everything bottled up inside.

"I'm fine, Kai," I quickly said, picking up my guitar. "Just a little shaken up. But thanks for asking."

"You sure you don't want to talk about it?" he offered, looking very concerned.

I shrugged. "There's not much to say, really. I met Rhys's ex-girlfriend and it was super awkward. I should have never come out with Rhys today."

Just then, Astrid came into the room, wrapped in a towel, her curly hair dripping wet. "What's going on?" she asked, looking between me and Kai.

"Sapphire's had a rough day," Kai said, patting my hand. "She needs some TLC."

Astrid nodded understandingly. "Well, we're here for you," she beamed. "Do you want to order in some food and watch a movie?"

"I just hated that I looked intimidated by Holly in front of Rhys," I admitted, feeling a pang of embarrassment at my own insecurity. "But it's all good," I reassured them, mustering up a smile. "I know I need to work on my confidence and not let other people's opinions affect me so much." As I looked at their caring faces, I felt a sense of comfort and reassurance wash over me. "So, what do you guys feel like eating?" I asked, changing the subject and feeling grateful for the distraction. With a grateful smile, I felt a renewed sense of determination to overcome my fears and insecurities, and to keep moving forward with the support of Kai and Astrid by my side.

"Definitely pizza," Astrid chimed in with a bubbly giggle, her voice rising in excitement. "I've been craving it all week!" Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and I couldn't help but smile at her infectious enthusiasm. I loved how Astrid always had a way of bringing a sense of fun and joy into even the most mundane moments.

"Great idea, Astrid!" I exclaimed, my mouth watering at the thought of biting into a piping hot slice of pizza. "Pizza it is!" I rubbed my rumbling stomach, which seemed to be in perfect agreement with Astrid's suggestion. I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into the gooey cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and crispy crust.

"And i'll do the ordering," Kai volunteered.

Zaara isn't home because she spends the night with her boyfriend, Tanner, every Tuesday. I could imagine her wrapped up in their own little world of romance and affection.

We spent the rest of the night huddled together on the couch, eating pizza and watching a romantic comedy. I felt a glimmer of happiness in my heart, knowing that I had people who cared about me. As the credits rolled, I felt sleepy and we all decided to go to bed.

I headed to my bedroom, which was decorated with posters of my favorite musicians and a jumble of books and papers. I decided to start working on a new song - one that captured the warmth and comfort of home.