Twisted Chances

12. Nia (edited)

"You're a lost case, Nia!" Camilla groans, facepalming so hard it echoes in my room.

I scowl, throwing my hands up. "What is it then? You keep saying what I feel for Niko isn't love! And I'm just supposed to believe that?!"

I had called her over to plan my "next move." Except instead of helping, she's been preaching this same nonsense—that I don't love him, that I'm confusing my feelings, that it's not real. It makes me want to scream.

Yes, maybe it is absurd that the boy I've called a brother for years suddenly feels like something else to me. Maybe it doesn't make sense that after all this time, my heart races when he's near. But it's true... isn't it?

"Yes, of course it is," I mutter to myself, trying to sound confident.

Camilla shakes her head, unamused. "Nia, what you're feeling right now is a sense of ownership. Not love. You're treating him like some trophy you don't want anyone else to touch. It's weird, especially coming from you, but that's what it is."

Her words sting. "You know what? Forget it. I'll just ask Amy to help me. At least she won't keep talking nonsense!" I snap.

Camilla's eyes soften, though her voice stays steady. "See, that's the problem. Both you and Niko are my friends, Nia. I want the best for both of you. Believe me—if you rush into this, you're going to regret it later. And worse, you might hurt him. He doesn't deserve that."

I freeze. My chest tightens. I hate that part of me agrees.

Camilla stands, brushing invisible lint off her jeans. "And ask yourself this—was this the same feeling you had when you were actually with him before? Or is it different? Don't do the boy dirty. He deserves more than confusion."

Her voice trails as she heads for the door, but her last words hit the hardest: "Think again, Nia. Isn't it a little too soon to call this love?"

And just like that, she's gone, leaving me to drown in doubt.

Later, I Facetime Amy. I want her to tell me Camilla's wrong. I want her to confirm I'm in love, that I'm not crazy. Instead, she says the exact same thing.

Do I truly not love him?

But then what is this ache? This jealousy? This need to have him close, to keep him from slipping away? Isn't that love? Isn't wanting someone the very essence of it?

Or... is it just because he's a good friend? Am I terrified of losing him the way I've lost so many others?

Ugh. My head is a mess.

I reach for our old photo album—the one full of our "Twisted family" memories. Baby pictures, first trips, our Seoul adventure. I've always turned to this album when I'm sad, and tonight is no different.

Flipping through the pages, I find it. My favorite picture.

A younger me beaming at the camera while Niko, tiny plastic cup in hand, looks at me with the purest smile. His eyes crinkled, full of joy. He had agreed to play "family" with me after I cried and begged. That moment has always stayed with me.

I slip the photo out, holding it carefully.

Niko has always been cute. From baby to now, he's grown into someone... beautiful. A sweetheart. Always kind. Always caring. Always mine, in some quiet, unspoken way.

But do I deserve him?

I couldn't maintain my last relationship. I lost school friends because of my pride. And yet he—Niko—has always been there, patient, steady, constant. I told myself I saw him as a brother, but now? Now the thought makes my stomach twist.