Another Day With You | AnunKamol

Chapter 6: My Lily

Ayden was discharged from hospital just as the raging storm had passed. As she stepped into her apartment, the familiar scent of paint and the sight of her unfinished canvases greeted her, offering a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.

She set down her bag and took a deep breath, letting the creative energy she had suppressed during her recovery surge through her. Grabbing her brushes and palette, Ayden positioned herself in front of a blank canvas, her mind racing with emotions and memories.

Flashbacks of her time with Lily flooded her mind. She remembered the countless hours she had spent in Lily's dorm room, tidying up while Lily attended classes. It was her way of showing love, of making life a bit easier for Lily during her demanding medical studies.

"Lily's going to love this," Ayden would say to herself, meticulously organizing Lily's textbooks and notes, arranging her favourite snacks on the desk. She'd always leave a little surprise—a handwritten note or a small sketch—something to make Lily smile after a long day.

One evening, Ayden was in the dorm room, humming softly as she cleaned. She noticed a framed photo of a small cat on Lily's nightstand. Lily had once told her about her childhood cat, Sorbet, with such warmth and affection that Ayden couldn't help but fall in love with Lily's love for animals.

Lily came back to the dorm, exhausted but happy to see Ayden. "You didn't have to do all this," she said, pulling Ayden into a hug. "But thank you. It means the world to me."

Ayden kissed Lily's forehead, smiling. "I love taking care of you. And I love how you love Sorbet. Maybe someday we can get a cat together."

Lily laughed, her eyes sparkling. "That sounds perfect."

Ayden's brush moved with purpose, the strokes bold and filled with raw emotion. She painted scenes from their past: the warmth of their shared moments, the comfort of their embraces, and the light in Lily's eyes when she talked about her passions. Each painting was a vivid depiction of her perspective of Lily, capturing not just her beauty but the depth of her character.

As Ayden worked, her apartment transformed into a gallery of their love story. One painting showed Lily laughing, a stray cat perched on her lap, her joy infectious. Another depicted them sharing a meal, Lily's eyes twinkling with delight at the food Ayden had cooked for her.

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It wasn't long before Paige, curious about Ayden's art and concerned for her well-being, decided to visit. She had heard so much about Ayden's talent and was fascinated by the stories she'd overheard from conversations between Lily and Nolan.

Paige knocked on Ayden's studio door, holding a small bouquet of flowers as a get-well gesture. Ayden, her hands still streaked with paint, opened the door, surprised to see Paige standing there.

"Paige, right?" Ayden asked, a hint of confusion in her voice. "What brings you here?"

Paige smiled, her eyes quickly scanning the studio, taking in the vibrant paintings. "I just wanted to check on you and see how you're doing. And... I've heard so much about your art. I thought I'd see it for myself."

Ayden stepped aside, gesturing for Paige to enter. "Come in. I'm just working on a new series."

Paige walked in, her eyes wide with wonder as she examined the paintings. "These are incredible, Ayden. They're so... full of emotion."

Ayden nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "They're all about Lily. She's my muse, even after everything that's happened."

Paige's heart ached for both Ayden and Lily. She could see the love and pain in every brushstroke. "You really love her, don't you?"

"More than anything," Ayden admitted, her voice soft. "But it's complicated. We've both been through so much."

Paige looked at a painting of Lily laughing, the joy in her eyes. "I hope you both find a way to work things out. It's clear that what you have is special."

Ayden sighed, a mix of hope and uncertainty in her eyes. "I hope so too, Paige. I really do."

Paige stayed for a while longer, the two women talking about art, life, and the complexities of love. As she left, Paige couldn't help but feel a deeper connection to Ayden, understanding her in a way she hadn't before. She hoped that one day, Ayden's paintings would reflect not just the past but a future filled with renewed love and happiness.

"You know, Paige," Ayden began softly, "you're still so young. There's a lot more ahead of you, especially when it comes to love. But that's what makes it so special—the discovery, the surprises, and even the heartaches. It's all part of the journey."

Paige nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I guess you're right. It's just... confusing sometimes, you know?"

"I know," Ayden replied with empathy. "But you'll figure it out. Follow your heart, Paige. Don't let uncertainties hold you back."

Paige hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "Actually, there's something I should tell you. I... I have a little crush on Dr. Nolan."

Ayden's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Dr. Nolan? Really?"

Paige blushed slightly. "Yeah. She's kind and smart, and she's always been there for me. But..." She trailed off, her expression clouding with doubt.

"But you're not sure because of Lily," Ayden finished for her, her heart tightening at the mention of Lily's name in connection with Nolan.

Paige nodded, looking down at her hands. "Yes. I've seen the way she looks at her, Ayden. It's clear she cares for her deeply."

Ayden sighed inwardly, her thoughts swirling with conflicting emotions. She had always known Nolan harbored feelings for Lily, but hearing it from Paige brought a new reality to the surface—one she wasn't sure how to navigate.

"Paige," Ayden said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "you can't let that stop you from exploring your feelings. Love isn't always straightforward, and sometimes it surprises us in unexpected ways."

Paige looked up, meeting Ayden's gaze with gratitude. "You really think so?"

"I do," Ayden affirmed, offering Paige a reassuring smile. "You deserve happiness, Paige. Don't hold back because of what might or might not happen with Lily and Nolan. Follow your heart, and trust that everything will unfold as it should."

Paige nodded, a sense of resolve settling over her. "Thank you, Ayden. I needed to hear that."

As Paige left, Ayden closed the door behind her, her mind still reeling from their conversation. She walked back to her paintings, studying each one as if searching for answers within the vibrant colors and expressive brushstrokes.

The thought of Nolan's feelings for Lily weighed heavily on her heart. She had always believed their love was meant to be, a conviction that had sustained her through the years of separation. But now, faced with the reality of Nolan's unrequited love for Lily, Ayden couldn't deny the twinge of something unexplainable stirring inside her.

"Maybe it's time for me to let go," Ayden whispered to herself, her voice barely audible in the quiet of her studio. "Maybe it's time for both of us to find our own paths."

With a heavy heart yet a newfound sense of clarity, Ayden returned to her canvas, determined to pour her emotions into her art and embrace whatever the future held. She knew one thing for certain—love was a journey, and sometimes, the most unexpected detours led to the most beautiful destinations.