The Warning signs

12 | Sophia

The next day, Ava was furious. The usually bubbly and cheerful girl had a storm brewing in her eyes, and I knew exactly why. She was upset at Liam, and by extension, at me.

Our friendsary was a sacred tradition, one that we had never missed. But this year, because of Liam, we had to.

"Don't you see this as a problem?" Ava questioned, her eyes boring into mine.

I could see the worry etched on her face, and it made my heart sink.

"I kinda do," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

I had been turning the events of the previous day over in my head, trying to make sense of Liam's actions. It wasn't like him to be so controlling, so dismissive.

We were still in the honeymoon phase of our relationship, everything was supposed to be perfect.

"But it's just been a week, let's give him a chance," I pleaded, hoping to diffuse the tension.

I knew Ava had a point, but I also knew Liam. He was not a bad person, he was just... complicated.

"That's the point, Sophia! It's been a week, but he already has the confidence to control you?" Ava retorted, her voice rising in frustration.

I looked at her, taken aback by her outburst. I knew she cared about me, but I hadn't expected her to react this strongly.

"Let's just give him a chance, please?" I begged, my eyes pleading with Ava and our other friends.

I could see the disappointment in their faces, their worry for me evident.

They had always been protective of me, but this was different. This was about my relationship, my choices.

They all sighed in response, their disappointment palpable. Olivia and Chloe exchanged glances, their silence speaking volumes.

I could tell they were worried, probably even more than Ava was.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Sophia," Ava finally said, breaking the silence.

Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken concern.

I nodded, trying to reassure her, even though I wasn't entirely sure myself.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. I couldn't shake off the concern in Ava's voice, the worry in Olivia and Chloe's eyes.

I knew they were right, I knew I had to talk to Liam.

But the thought of confronting him, of potentially ruining our relationship, scared me.

That night, as I lay in bed, I couldn't help but replay the conversation with Ava and the girls. Their words echoed in my mind, their worry seeping into my thoughts.

I knew I had to do something. I couldn't let Liam control me, control my life. But at the same time, I couldn't ignore my feelings for him.

As I drifted off to sleep, I made a decision. I would talk to Liam, I would tell him how I felt.

I would stand up for myself, for my friends. Because at the end of the day, I knew they were right. I deserved to be happy, to be free. And if Liam truly cared about me, he would understand.