I KNOW THE END

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August 12th, 2023

THE BENNET HOUSE

MATTHEW
When Lila invited me and William over, I figured it would be a typical evening with friends, but I was pleasantly surprised when I saw her (Cleo)walk in. She's been on my mind for a while now, though I've never had the courage to tell her.

We're all lounging in the living room, joking around, when Cleo and Lila come downstairs. I catch Cleo's eye, and she gives me a shy smile. It makes my heart race a little.

Lila suggests we play charades, which sounds like a lot of fun. We form teams, and I end up with Cleo as my partner. Inside, I'm thrilled, but I try to play it cool. As we start playing, I'm amazed at how well we work together. We're laughing and having a blast, and I can tell she's having a good time too.

After charades, we decide to watch a movie. I sit next to her on the couch, and I'm trying to act casual even though my heart is pounding. As the movie starts, our arms brush against each other, and I give her a small smile. She smiles back, and I wonder if maybe she feels the same way I do.

The movie is good, but I'm more focused on her than the screen. I sneak glances at her, noticing how her eyes light up during the funny parts and how she bites her lip when she's nervous. It's the little things that make me like her even more.

As the night goes on, I feel more comfortable around her. By the end of the movie, we're all laughing and having a great time. I give her a high-five for winning charades earlier, and I feel a warm connection between us.

When it's time to leave, I walk her to the door. "I had a really great time tonight," I say, trying to muster up the courage to say more.

"Me too," she replies with a smile that makes my heart skip a beat.

Walking home, I can't stop thinking about her. Maybe I'll find a way to tell her how I feel soon. Tonight gave me a bit of hope, and I'm looking forward to whatever tomorrow brings.

WILLIAM
When Lila invited us over, I thought it would be a typical hangout, but it's always fun spending time with everyone. We're all just goofing off in the living room when Lila and her best friend come down. I notice Lila's eyes light up when she looks at me, and I wonder if she feels the same way I do. I've liked her for a while now, but I'm not sure if she knows.

Lila suggests we play charades, which is a great idea. It's a good way to break the ice and have some laughs. We split into teams, and I end up with Lila as my partner. I try not to let my excitement show. As we start playing, I realize how much I enjoy being around her. Her laugh is contagious, and she's really good at guessing the clues.

After charades, we decide to watch a movie. I lie down on the floor, looking up at Lila sitting on the couch. She looks so pretty when she's relaxed and laughing with everyone. I try to focus on the movie, but I keep sneaking glances at her, hoping she doesn't notice.

As the movie goes on, I see her sitting next to Alex, who's her brother and one of my best friends .I wish I could just tell her how I feel, but I don't want to risk ruining our friendship.

By the end of the movie, everyone is in high spirits. We're all joking and laughing, and it feels good to be with my friends. When it's time to leave, I give Lila a quick hug, hoping she doesn't notice how nervous I am.

Walking home, I replay the evening in my mind. I know I need to tell Lila how I feel, but it's hard. Maybe one day soon, I'll find the courage. Tonight was a lot of fun, and it gave me a bit of hope. I just need to figure out how to make the next move.

ALEXANDER
When Lila invited everyone over, I knew it was going to be a fun night. We've all been friends for years, and I always enjoy hanging out with the group. The usual crew—Lila, her best friend, Will, and Matthew. It's like old times.

We're lounging around, cracking jokes, and I can see Lila and Will stealing glances at each other. It's obvious to me that Lila likes Will, but I'm not sure if he's picked up on it yet. I kind of hope he does because they'd be great together.

Lila suggests we play charades, and I'm all in. It's a good way to get everyone laughing and having a good time. We split into teams, and I notice Lila looks a little extra happy to be paired with Will. The game goes on, and we're all having a blast. It's hilarious watching everyone's attempts to act out the clues.

After the game, we settle down to watch a movie. I sit next to Lila, and she seems relaxed and happy. Will is on the floor, glancing up at her every now and then. I'm pretty sure he likes her too, but he's just as shy about it as she is. I wish one of them would make a move.

As the movie plays, I see Matthew and her Cleo sitting close together. Matthew's been into her for a while now, and it's nice to see them getting along. It feels like things are starting to fall into place for everyone.

The movie ends, and we're all in good spirits. We joke around for a bit longer before saying their goodbyes. Everyone gives Lila a quick hug, and she thanks everyone for coming over.

After everyone left,I think about how great it is to have friends like these. I hope Lila and Will figure things out soon, and the same goes for Matthew and her Cleo. It's clear to me that there's something special between all of them.

Tonight was a lot of fun, and it reminded me of how lucky we all are to have each other. I'm looking forward to more nights like this, filled with laughter and good times.

EMMA
I was at Lila's house, feeling a bit out of place. My brother Will had dragged me along because he didn't want to leave me home alone. I sat in the corner of the living room, watching everyone else having fun. Lila's house was always lively, but I couldn't shake the feeling of being the odd one out.

Just when I was starting to feel really lonely, I heard the door open, and in rushed Abby. My face lit up when I saw her. Abby is my best friend, and she always knows how to cheer me up. She rushed over to me, and we immediately started talking about everything that's been happening at school.

The older kids were playing charades, and it was funny to watch them act out the clues. Abby and I whispered and giggled to ourselves, sharing secrets and making plans for the weekend. It felt so good to have her there with me.

Eventually, they decided to watch a movie, and Abby and I found a spot to sit together. I noticed her sister sitting next to Matthew, and they seemed pretty happy. I knew Abby's sister had a crush on Matthew for a long time, and it made me smile to see them getting along.

The movie was entertaining, but I was more focused on hanging out with Abby. We kept whispering and laughing quietly, and I felt a sense of contentment. I could see Will lying on the floor, looking relaxed, and Lila sitting near Alex. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.

As the night went on, I felt more and more grateful for Abby. She always knew how to make me feel included and happy. When the movie ended, we all joked around a bit more before it was time to leave.

I gave Abby a big hug and promised we'd hang out again soon. Walking home with my brother, I felt happy and content. Tonight had turned out to be a lot more fun than I had expected, and it was all thanks to my best friend.

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