why so hot, Clara....🔞

Seventeen

The weight of her promise to Finn hung heavy on Clara.

While a part of her appreciated his easygoing nature and friendly demeanor, another part couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal towards Marlene.

Their public declaration had brought them closer, but the lingering tension from Finn's arrival created a rift between them.

One evening, as Clara sat in her room, wrestling with her internal conflict, Marlene called.

Her voice was laced with worry.

"Hey,"

Clara answered, her voice strained.

"Clara,"

Marlene began,

"we need to talk. About Finn."

Clara's stomach lurched.

"What about him?"

"I saw you two talking by the oak tree today,"

Marlene confessed, a hint of jealousy coloring her voice.

"Did you agree to hang out with him?"

Clara sighed.

"He asked, and I… I didn't know what to say."

Silence stretched on the phone line, heavy with unspoken emotions.

Finally, Marlene spoke, her voice softer now.

"I understand it's awkward after what happened. But Clara, you can't keep leading him on." Clara winced.

"I'm not leading him on," she said defensively.

"He's just a friend."

"But how can he be just a friend after everything that's happened between us?"

Marlene countered, her voice cracking with vulnerability.

"Don't you see, Clara? This isn't just about Finn. It's about us. About making this work."

Clara's heart ached.

Marlene was right. Their public declaration had been a turning point, a bold step towards a future together.

But the unexpected attention, the whispers and stares, had thrown them off balance.

"I know," Clara admitted, her voice thick with emotion.

"I just… I don't want to hurt anyone."

"You won't hurt Finn if you're honest with him,"

Marlene said gently.

"And you certainly won't hurt me if you choose me."

Clara took a deep breath, the weight of her decision settling on her shoulders.

She needed to be clear with both Finn and Marlene. She owed them that much.

"I'll call Finn and explain," she promised.

"And Marlene… I choose you."

A wave of relief washed over Marlene.

"Me too, Clara,"

she whispered, her voice filled with love.

"Always you."

(To be continued)