Unspoken Goals

I Feel Like I'm Suffocating

Age 18

The night of senior prom had finally arrived. Abigail and Juliette were now eighteen, having secured their places at the University of South Carolina and their spots on the soccer team. They had won states again, ending their high school soccer careers on a high note. Yet tonight was not about soccer, but about celebration. Prom was their chance to let loose before graduation and the uncertainty of college life.

Juliette's string of hookups with men had only increased since she admitted her feelings for Abigail to herself. Each encounter felt like a desperate attempt to drown out her longing for her best friend. Meanwhile, Abigail had stayed single, her focus unwaveringly on her schoolwork and soccer training. She flirted with guys here and there, but nothing serious ever came of it.

The girls were getting ready at Abigail's house, their parents downstairs chatting and reminiscing about their own high school days. Abigail stood in front of her mirror, adjusting the straps of her dress. She wore a flowing midnight blue gown that made her eyes look like sapphires. Her hair was styled in loose waves, cascading down her back, and her makeup was minimal yet striking, highlighting her natural beauty.

Juliette was in the bathroom, finishing her own preparations. The sound of her humming drifted into Abigail's room, a familiar and comforting melody. Abigail's heart felt lighter just hearing it.

"How do I look?" Juliette's voice called out, breaking Abigail's trance.

Abigail turned towards the bathroom door, and Juliette stepped out, Abigail felt her breath hitch. Juliette was stunning in a deep shade of emerald that complemented her piercing green eyes and contrasted beautifully with her long, dark hair, which was styled in an elegant updo. The dress clung to her curves in all the right places, making her look both graceful and breathtakingly alluring. Her green eyes sparkled with excitement and a hint of mischief.

Abigail found herself unable to speak for a moment, her eyes scanning over Juliette, taking in every detail. "You look...amazing," she finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

Juliette grinned, a confident yet playful smile. "You don't look too bad yourself," she replied, giving Abigail a once-over.

They stood there for a moment, the air between them charged with unspoken emotions. Abigail felt a confusing mix of admiration, jealousy, and something deeper she couldn't quite name. The spell was broken when Drew popped his head in.

"Wow, you both look incredible," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "You know Julie it's not too late to take me as your date."

Juliette groaned, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at him. "You are so annoying Drew!" He laughed as he dodged the pillow and ran away.

Abigail laughed, watching her brother's relentless attempts to charm Juliette. Drew never gave up, and his playful persistence was always entertaining.

"Stop laughing, Abby. You only encourage him," Juliette said, her voice carrying a hint of exasperation mixed with affection.

With one last glance at each other, the girls descended the stairs for pictures, the flash of cameras capturing their radiant smiles and the fleeting moments of their final high school dance. Their dates, Alex and Brandon, awaited them. Alex, Abigail's date, was tall and handsome with a friendly smile, while Brandon, Juliette's date, exuded charm with his laid-back demeanor. The four of them, bound by a deep friendship, had chosen to go to prom together. There was no romance, just four best friends ready to create unforgettable memories.

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At prom, the gymnasium was transformed into a fairy-tale wonderland, twinkling lights casting a magical glow over elegant decorations. The music was loud, the atmosphere electric. Abigail and Juliette danced and laughed with their friends, enjoying the night. Yet, every now and then, Abigail found her eyes drifting towards Juliette, captivated by the way she moved, the way she smiled, the way she interacted with everyone around her. She couldn't help but notice how her breath caught every time their eyes met, how her heart sped up whenever Juliette laughed.