Another Day With You | AnunKamol

Chapter 7: Confession

As the days passed, Nolan found herself increasingly consumed by a mix of emotions she couldn't quite name. Seeing Ayden back in Lily's life stirred something deep within her—a blend of jealousy, regret, and an unsettling realisation that perhaps she had misjudged the depth of Lily's feelings for Ayden.

One evening after their shifts at the hospital, Nolan and Lily found themselves alone in the break room. The atmosphere was tense and Nolan couldn't hold back any longer.

"Lily," Nolan began, her voice steady but tinged with vulnerability, "we need to talk."

Lily looked up from her paperwork, sensing the gravity of Nolan's tone. "What is it, Nolan?"

Nolan took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "It's about Ayden."

Lily's heart skipped a beat, her pulse quickening. She had hoped to avoid this conversation, knowing how delicate and complicated their history with Ayden was. But Nolan's gaze urged her to listen.

"I... I've noticed how you react around Ayden," Nolan continued carefully. "It's more than just concern or friendship, isn't it?"

Lily hesitated, her mind racing as she searched for the right words. "Nolan, Ayden and I... we have a history. A deep connection that... that never really went away."

Nolan's expression softened with understanding, though the ache in her heart hurt so bad. "I see."

"It's not that I don't care about you, Nolan," Lily said softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "You've been my rock, my best friend for so long. But Ayden... she's a part of me, too."

Nolan nodded. "I know. I've always known, deep down."

"I'm sorry," Lily whispered, her own tears threatening to fall. "I never wanted to hurt you."

Nolan reached out. "You haven't. It's not your fault."

They sat in silence for a moment, Nolan took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she had to say next.

"Lily," Nolan began, her voice trembling slightly, "I need you to know... I've fallen in love with you. And I can't keep pretending otherwise."

Lily's breath caught in her throat, her heart breaking for the pain she knew Nolan must be feeling. "Nolan..."

"I had hoped that maybe, just maybe, you could feel the same way about me," Nolan admitted, her voice cracking with emotion. "But I understand if you can't. I just needed to be honest with you."

Lily reached for Nolan's hand, squeezing it gently. "I appreciate your honesty, Nolan. And I care about you deeply. But..."

"But your heart still belongs to Ayden," Nolan finished for her, a sad smile touching her lips.

Lily nodded. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," Nolan said softly, her voice filled with resignation. "I knew this might happen. I just... needed to hear it."

"I value our friendship, Nolan," Lily said finally, her voice steady. "And I hope we can still be best friends."

Nolan nodded. "We will. I just need some time."

After her heartfelt conversation with Lily, Nolan found solace in the quiet presence she shared with Paige. They had a professional senior-junior relationship with Nolan watching Paige grow into the wonderful nurse she is today. Now, as Nolan grappled with her feelings for Lily, Paige's unwavering support became a beacon of comfort.

One evening, Nolan found herself lingering in the hospital lounge after a particularly exhausting shift. Paige noticed her there and approached with a warm smile.

"Hey, Nolan. Rough day?" Paige asked gently, sitting down beside her.

Nolan nodded, a small sigh escaping her lips. "Yeah. But talking to Lily... it helped, in a strange way."

"I'm glad," Paige said sincerely. "You know, you can always talk to me too. About anything."

Nolan looked at Paige, gratitude filling her heart. "Thank you, Paige. You've always been a great junior and friend."

Paige smiled, her eyes reflecting genuine care. "That's what friends are for."

As they sat together, Nolan felt a sense of peace settling over her and she found comfort in Paige's company. There was a simplicity in their friendship that Nolan cherished deeply.

"I hope I'm not making things awkward for you," Nolan said tentatively, breaking the silence between them.

Paige shook her head, her smile softening. "Not at all, Nolan. If anything, talking to you has helped me too."

Nolan raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Oh? How so?"

Paige chuckled softly. "Well, you know... You're not the only one who has complicated feelings."

"Complicated feelings?" Nolan, surprised, turned towards Paige.

Paige blushed slightly, her gaze dropping to her hands. "I think I have a crush on you."

Nolan blinked in surprise, then a smile tugged at her lips. "A crush on me?"

Paige nodded shyly. "Yeah... I mean, you're so kind and smart, and you've always been so supportive of me. But I wasn't sure because I could see the feelings you had for Lily and..."

Nolan reached out, gently squeezing Paige's hand. "Paige, you deserve to explore your feelings. I admit that I'm not quite ready yet to start anew but that doesn't mean I don't like you too."

Paige looked up, meeting Nolan's gaze with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. "Do you really mean that?"

Nolan nodded earnestly. "Absolutely."

And in that quiet moment, under the canopy of stars, Nolan and Paige took the first step towards a new chapter in their lives—a chapter filled with the promise of friendship blossoming into something more, guided by honesty, support, and the courage to embrace the unexpected.