Unspoken Goals

Am I Making You Nervous

5 months later

Five months had passed since the state championship game. Five months since Juliette's world had been turned upside down. She had thrown herself into soccer training and casual flings with guys, trying to escape the confusion swirling inside her. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the image of Abigail's lips on hers. Today, as she threw a Fourth of July party at her house while her parents were away, she found herself once again tormented by her feelings.

Abigail was a vision in her red, white, and blue bikini, her toned body a testament to the rigorous training for college scouts. Her hair was half up, half down, adorned with a small USA bow. Juliette's heart ached as she watched her best friend all day, trying to ignore the constant pangs of longing. Juliette herself wore a red bikini, her long black hair pulled into a messy bun, a striking contrast to her piercing green eyes that scanned the party, always returning to Abigail.

As the day wore on, Abigail became the most drunk Juliette had ever seen her. The sight was both amusing and distressing, amplifying Juliette's internal conflict. Needing a moment to herself, she slipped inside and perched on the kitchen counter, her back against the wall, eyes closed, trying to escape the torture she inflicted upon herself every time she looked at Abigail.

The sound of footsteps made Juliette open her eyes. Abigail stood between her legs, resting her hands on Juliette's upper thighs. "Why are you hiding at your own party?" she asked, her voice slightly slurred but her eyes clear and mischievous.

Juliette jumped, startled. She grabbed Abigail's hands, holding them tightly. "I just needed a second in the air conditioning," she replied nervously.

Abigail laughed, a soft, musical sound that sent shivers down Juliette's spine. "Am I making you nervous?" she teased.

Juliette let go of Abigail's hands. "What? No, I don't get nervous," she said, her voice unsteady. It was true, she usually made others nervous with her tall, lean build and commanding presence. But now, she was the one feeling nervous.

"Okay, so that's why your breath hitched when I touched you," Abigail said, leaning in closer. "And if I were to feel your heart right now, it'd be racing."

Juliette lightly pushed Abigail away, not enjoying this boldness. "The only reason my heart would be racing is because you scared me."

Abigail stepped closer again, her hands on Juliette's waist as she pulled her in. She leaned her head close, her breath warm against Juliette's ear. "Liar," she whispered, sending a wave of sensation down Juliette's spine.

Juliette grabbed Abigail's head, pulling her face away. "Careful, Abs," she warned, her voice shaky.

Abigail giggled, her hands squeezing Juliette's hips. "Come be my pong partner," she pleaded.

Juliette groaned, frustrated by how much Abigail's teasing affected her. "I don't think you need any more alcohol, Abs."

"Please," Abigail begged, her eyes wide and imploring.

Juliette closed her eyes, trying to resist. "No," she said, knowing that if she looked at Abigail, she'd give in.

"Look at me, Juliette," Abigail whispered, her hands cupping Juliette's face. The way she said her name sent Juliette's stomach into flips.

"Fine," Juliette sighed, jumping down from the counter. Abigail pulled her into a hug, excited.

"I am drinking all the drinks though," Juliette laughed.

Abigail pouted. "You're no fun," she said, grabbing Juliette's hand and dragging her to the pong table.

They set up to play against Kyle and Max, two guys from the men's soccer team, one of whom Juliette has hooked up with a few times.

Max smirked when he saw Juliette. "Juliette."

"Max," Juliette replied dryly. The two had a strictly benefits-only relationship until Max started trying to have conversations with her like they were together and asking her on dates. Juliette ended any sort of relationship they had immediately, but Max clearly didn't get the hint as he still made efforts to talk to her.

"Let's get this over with," Juliette said, grabbing the balls and handing one to Abigail.

The boys went first and sank their first three shots. Juliette made hers, but Abigail missed terribly.

Kyle grinned. "This is gonna be a quick one," he said, making another shot.

Juliette made hers and turned to Abigail, grabbing her shoulders. "Abs, I need you to focus."

Abigail nodded, her eyes wide. "Yes, ma'am," she slurred.

Taking a deep breath, Abigail made her shot. Juliette high-fived her, excited. They played for another five minutes until there was just one cup left for the girls and two for the boys. Juliette, feeling cocky, grabbed the ball and turned to Abigail.

"Kiss it," she said, her eyes gleaming with confidence.

Abigail, giggling, did as she was told. Juliette looked directly at Max, holding his gaze as she made her shot. The ball sank into the cup, and Juliette's triumphant grin widened. She grabbed Abigail's head, kissed the top of it, and pulled her into a hug, flipping the boys off with her free hand. Abigail giggled, happy to be included in Juliette's victory.

Max scowled. "Rematch. I guarantee you won't win again."

Juliette smirked. "I think we'll walk away and let you keep your dignity." She put her arm around Abigail and started to walk away. Abigail looked back and blew them a kiss. They joined some friends in the pool, laughter and celebration surrounding them.

---

Later that night, the party moved to the beach for a bonfire and fireworks. Juliette sat in a chair, now wearing a USA sweatshirt over her bathing suit, a beer in her hand. She looked around, observing everyone she had grown up with. Her eyes landed on Abigail, who was across the fire talking to some friends. She found Abigail already looking at her. Abigail gave her a soft smile before saying something to her friends and walking over to Juliette.

"Hey," Abigail said almost shyly.

"Hey," Juliette replied, noticing the water in Abigail's hand. "You drinking water now?"

Abigail laughed. "Yeah, I drank way too much earlier."

Juliette smirked. "Yeah, you did."

Abigail rolled her eyes. "Can you please forget anything embarrassing I said or did?"

"I'll think about it," Juliette teased.

Abigail hit her shoulder playfully. "You're so annoying."

The sound of a firework going off drew their attention. Abigail asked, "Do you mind if I watch with you?

"Not at all," Juliette said with a smile, making as much room as she could in her chair. Abigail sat down with her legs dangling over Juliette's.

Juliette pulled her blanket over them, the sea breeze making it chilly. Abigail settled in, laying her head on Juliette's shoulder. Juliette instantly felt butterflies.

As the fireworks lit up the sky, Juliette thought back to the past couple of months and how she felt around Abigail. She thought about how a quick peck made her feel, and about all the times she got jealous whenever Abigail was with a guy. She finally accepted the fact that she did have feelings for her best friend.

The realization brought a sense of peace and turmoil. She didn't know what this meant for her, for them. How could she ever tell Abigail? The storm of uncertainty raged within her, but for now, she decided to enjoy the moment. With Abigail in her arms, she felt the fireworks wash over them, content to hold onto this one perfect evening.

[A/N]: Finally, Juliette admits her feelings for Abigail. How are we feeling?