I KNOW THE END

⒈

August 12th, 2023

THE BENNET HOUSE

CLEO

I am sitting in my room doing homework for biology when I get a phone call from Lila (my best friend since 4th grade) "Hey Lila what's up." "Hey, do you want to come over to my house." "Um sure I'll be there in about 20 minutes." "Ok see you, bye." "bye."

20 MINUTES LATER

I get to Lila's house where I see Alex/alexander, will/William, and Matthew. I have had a crush on Matthew since the 6th grade, his hair is an amazing shade of brown and his eyes are the most beautiful color of green. Me and Lila go up to her room and listen to some music, when all of a sudden I get a phone call from my little sister Abby/Abigail.
"Abby what is it." "Is Emma there." "Yea, she's in the corner all by herself, why." "I'm coming over there." "Ok is that it." "Yea, bye." "Bye, I guess."
Emma is Wills little sister and her and Abby are best friends.
---

As soon as I hang up, Lila gives me a curious look. "What's going on?" she asks.

"Abby is coming over," I reply. "I think she wants to see Emma."

Lila nods, understanding. "Well, the more, the merrier," she says with a grin. We go back to listening to music, but I can't help but feel a bit nervous. With Matthew here, my feelings are all over the place.

A few minutes later, we hear the doorbell ring. Lila and I head downstairs, and sure enough, Abby is standing at the door, looking excited. She rushes past us and finds Emma sitting quietly in the corner of the living room. The two girls immediately start chatting animatedly, and I can't help but smile at their enthusiasm.

Alex, Will, and Matthew are sprawled out on the couch, laughing about something. I catch Matthew's eye, and he gives me a friendly nod. My heart skips a beat, but I try to play it cool.

"Hey, do you guys want to play a game or something?" Lila suggests, trying to break the ice. "We could play charades or a board game."

"Charades sounds fun," Matthew says, and my heart flutters at his voice. The others agree, and we all gather in the living room.

Lila explains the rules, and we form teams. I'm paired with Matthew, which makes my nerves skyrocket, but I try to focus on having fun. We take turns acting out different phrases and words, laughing at each other's attempts. When it's Matthew's turn to act, he's surprisingly good at it, making everyone laugh with his exaggerated gestures.

As the game goes on, I start to relax and enjoy myself. Matthew and I make a great team, and we end up winning the game. He gives me a high-five, and I feel a warm glow inside.

After the game, we all settle down to watch a movie. Abby and Emma are still whispering to each other, sharing secrets and giggles. Lila sits next to Alex, and Will sprawls out on the floor, looking content.

Matthew sits next to me on the couch, and I can hardly believe my luck. As the movie starts, I feel his arm brush against mine, and my heart races. I sneak a glance at him, and he gives me a small smile.

For the first time, I start to wonder if maybe, just maybe, he likes me too.

---

The rest of the evening passes in a blur of laughter and good times. By the time I leave Lila's house, I feel happier and more hopeful than I have in a long time. As I walk home, I can't stop thinking about Matthew and the possibility of what could be.