As the evening's festivities wound down, and the birthday song faded into the night, the guests dispersed one by one, leaving behind the remnants of celebration in the warm summer air. The clock struck eleven, the hour growing late for a children's party.
Thankfully, there was no school to worry about the next day, the freedom of summer vacation offering respite from early morning alarms.
Still, Maeve lingered with her parents, casting hopeful glances in the direction she last saw Will. Yet, despite her silent yearning, he remained elusive, slipping away like a fleeting shadow.
Sophie's words echoed in her mind, their unspoken implication hanging heavy in the air. She knew what they meant, even if she dared not speak the truth aloud: Maeve liked Will.
But not too much, she reasoned with herself, just a whisper of affection... Yet the thought of acknowledging it sent a shiver down her spine, a mixture of fear and excitement coursing through her veins.
She was determined to keep her burgeoning affection hidden, unsure of what to do next.
Silently, she resolved that perhaps the best course of action was to immerse herself in the world of romance novels.
Unlike the fantastical adventures found within the pages of her beloved fantasy novels, romance novels delved deep into matters of the heart, exploring the intricacies of love and desire.
What did it mean, she wondered, for characters to engage in gestures like hand-holding? The question lingered, its answer tantalizingly out of reach.
Maeve pondered the question, feeling a blush creep onto her cheeks at the mere thought. Determined to find answers, she decided to explore her mother's collection of romance novels.
As the late-night musings danced through her mind, Maeve concocted what she deemed a brilliant plan. Yet, as exhaustion began to weigh heavy on her eyelids, Maeve's thoughts turned to dreams, a peaceful respite from the tumult of her emotions.
However, just as she began to drift into slumber, the piercing sound of her bedside walkie-talkie shattered the silence, jolting her awake once more.
Initially annoyed at the interruption of her dreams, Maeve was surprised to find a fluttering sensation in her stomach, one she was beginning to recognize all too well—a feeling that hinted at something more than friendship.
"Helloooo?" The familiar voice crackled through the walkie-talkie, cutting through the late-night silence like a beacon in the darkness.
Maeve couldn't be certain of the hour, but she knew it was far past bedtime, and she had an important mission awaiting her come morning—or rather, later today, depending on the time.
But, despite the late hour and the fluttering uncertainty in her chest, she hesitated to respond.
The realization that she had feelings for Will had set her nerves on edge, leaving her unsure of how to proceed.
Summoning what little courage she had left, Maeve pressed the button and replied, "I'm not here, William."
Instantly, regret washed over her like a wave, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at her own foolishness.
"Humm..." Will's voice came back, laced with amusement. "If you didn't want me to know you were here, you shouldn't have answered!"
Maeve cringed inwardly at her own lack of foresight. She knew he was right, but a part of her had longed for the connection their conversation offered, outweighing her desire to remain hidden.
"But I'm very hurt that you would want to trick me!" Will teased, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"No!" Maeve protested, "I shouldn't have said anything."
YOU ARE READING
For You
Roman d'amour[Childhood best friends to enemies to lovers] Mavae and Will have shared an unbreakable bond since the tender age of six, a childhood friendship that held a hidden secret, hidden within Mavae's heart - Will was her first love. However, their world s...
