The best love is always unexpected.
Bella (a primary school teacher) has finally accepted defeat on her failed relationships, after a very difficult breakup.
Leah (a professional footballer) who doesn't have enough time for personal relationships...
The last sunset of the year painted the sky in hues of fiery orange and soft lavender, a backdrop so stunning it felt like the universe itself was setting the stage for the evening's festivities. Inside our cozy house, Leah and I were wrapped in a flurry of preparation, our excitement tangible in the air, mixed with the sweet aroma of vanilla and sea salt from the scented candles Bella loved.
I watched Leah, standing in front of the full-length mirror in our bedroom, as she adjusted the collar of her crisp, black button-down shirt, her reflection a contrast to the whirlwind of color and fabric surrounding her. On the bed lay an array of my potential outfits, each more vibrant and sparkling than the last, a testament to my unwavering love for all things that shimmered.
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"Do you think this is too much?" I asked as I held up a sequined gold dress that caught the light, making it look like it was woven from the very stars that would soon dot the night sky.
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"Impossible," Leah replied with a smile, her eyes meeting mine in the mirror. "You could outshine the New Year's fireworks, and it still wouldn't be too much."
I laughed, my worries melting away with Leah's words, and decided on the dress, its sequins dancing as I moved. As I changed, Leah turned her attention back to her own reflection, trying to tame her hair into something that resembled order. Our differences in style—Leah's understated elegance complemented by my love for glam—mirrored the balance we found in each other, a harmony that made every moment together something to cherish.
Once dressed, we helped each other with the finishing touches—Leah fastening the clasp of my bracelet and I, smoothing down an unruly lock of Leah's hair, my touch gentle and familiar.
"Perfect," I declared, standing back to admire my handiwork. My heart swelled with love and pride; I always saw beauty in the simplest things, including her.
The clock ticked closer to the party's start, a gathering of Leah's teammates to welcome the new year together. It was the first time I would meet many of them in a party setting, and Leah had felt a twinge of nerves at the thought. But seeing me now, radiant and confident, Leah knew there was nothing to worry about. They were a team, in every sense of the word.
