The Troubled Side

Chapter 7

Eda slowly opened her eyes, feeling a sense of calm wash over her as she realized she was waking up in Noa's arms. She couldn't help but smile as memories of the previous night flooded her mind. The warmth of Noa's embrace provided a comforting sense of security, making her feel at ease despite the initial surprise of their intimate position.

As she lay there, her head nestled against Noa's chest, she couldn't help but feel a mix of flustered embarrassment and happiness. Her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue as she became aware of their proximity. Noa's gentle strokes through her short orange hair sent shivers down her spine, causing her heart to beat a little faster. It was an unexpected intimacy that made her both excited and nervous, yet there was also a deep sense of joy and contentment in being so close to Noa.

Gradually, Eda's initial shyness began to fade away, replaced by a profound sense of happiness. As Noa continued to stroke her hair, a soft hum escaped his lips. Eda r  recognized the melody instantly - it was a song from their favorite show, Steven Universe. Do it for her

A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she realized the shared connection they had through their mutual love for the show. This added another layer of intimacy to the moment, deepening their bond even further.

In this harmonious blend of physical closeness and emotional resonance, Eda found herself embracing the happy,ness that radiated within her. The tenderness of Noa's touch and the familiarity of the song created a unique and unforgettable experience. It was a moment that she had always wanted. Someone who cared for her, to just hold her. Was this the love she'd been looking for with Raine? "Morning.. " she heard Noa whisper.

Grateful for the depth of her feelings and the bond she shared with Noa, Eda closed her eyes once again, savorig the warmth of his embrace and ,the comfort of his, presence. She snuggled close to him and replied. "Shut up, I'm still sleepy" He chuckled and started to sit up. "By the way I made us these" Noa said and reached for the coffee table. And grabbed two necklaces. "What are those?" Eda asked as she started to sit up. "Eh... I made them a while ago...no big deal" Noa replied and handed them on to Eda. It was a silver chain, with a few small rubies and a safety pin on it.

(If you don't know, having a safety pin on a necklace is a physical promise you wear to not commit suicide)

Eda looked at Noa shocked, then asked "Did..did you read my diary?" She had confessed her diary. She said she'd kill herself if she ever found out Raine didn't love her back. But that was years ago... Sure she meant it... And occasionally thought about it. But she never thought anyone else would take it seriously. "Yeah... Sorry, I found it a long time ago" Noa admitted, securing Eda's wait in his hands slowly. "I don't want anything to happen to you..so I made both of us one" Noa explained, and held his up for her to see. Same design, but instead of rubies, small sapphires.

Eda looked at Noa, then put on the necklace, and hugged him tightly. Noa smiled, his cheeks starting to burn as he hugged her back. Noa felt relieved Eda took it the way she did, instead of getting upset or mad at him.

Meanwhile, Raine was with Lilith doing everything for their case. "And that's everything, any questions?" Lilith asked. Raine looked at her pitifully. "Did... You know Eda loved me?" Lilith was surprised and tried to change the topic. "Uhm..i-i don't know what you're talking about" she lied. Raine sighed. "Yes, you do... Did you know?" Raine asked again, more desperately. "W-well... Y-yes... " Lilith mumbled. "Why didn't you tell me?!" Raine asked, again very desperately.

"It.. Wasn't for me to tell you... Also, she threatened to throw me out of a moving car... On the freeway... " Lilith muttered.

"Then why wouldn't she tell me? Why'd she wait so long?" Raine asked. "You... Should talk to her about this... not me" Lilith replied.

"Lilith, please," Raine asked again. "Raine I'm sorry, but it's not my business.. You need to have a conversation with Edalyn" Lilith said again, turning her head away. Raine sighed in defeat.

"Alright... Thanks" Raine said, and left.

Amid their departure, Raine's heart ached with a mix of sadness, frustration, and regret. Tears welled up in their eyes as they replayed memories of how they had unknowingly hurt Eda for so long. The weight of their actions finally hit them, realizing the depth of pain they had caused someone who had loved them unconditionally for years. It was a bitter realization that gnawed at Raine's conscience, making them question why they had been so blind to Eda's feelings all this time.

As Raine's tears fell, each drop seemed to carry a heavy burden of remorse for their past ignorance. They couldn't shake the image of Eda's kind eyes filled with love and understanding, despite the hurt they had endured silently. The realization of their foolishness stung deeply, knowing that they had taken Eda's affection for granted without truly appreciating its value. In that moment of vulnerability, Raine's emotions swirled in a whirlwind of guilt and self-reproach, wishing they could turn back time and make amends for the pain they had caused.

With each sob that escaped their lips, Raine found themselves at their mother's house. As Tracy opened the door she said. "Damnit! How many times do I have to say it?! Fuck the girl Scouts-" she stopped seeing her crying child in front of her door. Even if they were an adult now. "Raine? Baby, what happened?" She asked in a concerned tone. "I-I messed up Mom.." They cried and hugged her. "Raine.. Come on baby, come talk to me" Tracy said and brought Raine inside.

She sat them down, and sat down next to them, letting Raine calm down. "Shh..you need to calm down honey," Tracy told them. It took a while, for Raine to calm down a little but when they did everything came out like word vomit.  And not once did she interrupt them

tears streaming down their face as they poured their heart out to  Tracy. She couldn't hold back any longer - the guilt and regret were eating her up inside. "Mom, I feel like such a terrible friend," Raine sobbed. "I didn't realize how much I hurt Eda...Now I'm afraid she hates me."

Tracy listened intently as Rainie word vomited all her pent-up emotions. She could see the pain and self-blame in her daughter's eyes. "Hey now, it's never too late to make things right," Tracy reassured them. "You have a big heart, and I know Eda values your friendship more than anything. Reach out to her, apologize, and show her how much you care." Raine wiped their tears away looking up at Tracy pleasingly. "Will that work?.. Would she even talk to me?" Raine asked.  Tracy nodded. "Trust me, there's absolutely nothing in this world to make her hate you, even if she might lose those feelings later she'll always want to be friends" Tracy explained. "

They nodded and decided to let Eda have to herself for a while before talking to her.