Echoes of Wonderland

Beyond friendship

Red's POV

As we get into Bridget's room, we get to admire once again her decoration, books, and cooking and baking machines or whatever they're called. Chloe makes sure she brings up how she likes her room and the color in it, trying to hide the fact that this is not the first time we've been here.

Bridget invites us to sit on her bed and play a game of cards while the food is in the mini stove, which takes longer than a normal stove. So we do that, and start making small talk, like asking about our day, and how was life back home, bla bla bla.

- So, Bridget, where's Ella? I thought she'd be your roommate. - Chloe asks, already knowing the answer.

- Oh, yes, that'd be really great. But she lives not to far away from here, so she doesn't need a room. - She replies, looking down to the game of cards. - Wonderland is a bit further, so I have to stay here.

- I see. Does that bother you? You know, being far from home, from your family? - I get that Bridget's all bright and shiny, but I feel this could be getting to her. Maybe even be part of the reason she became evil.

- I mean, a little. It's not like I had tons of friends in Wonderland, although I don't have many friends here either. Ella's my only friend, she's a really good friend. - Bridget says, trying to convince herself she's happy with just one friend.

- That's good, that you have Ella. If she treats you right and gives you a safe place to be yourself, then she's a good friend. - Chloe adds to the matter, smiling softly.

- Yeah... I hope she feels that way with me aswell. - Her tone showing some uncertainty.

- Why wouldn't she? - I ask without even thinking before I blurt out the question.

- I mean, we're best friends. We have been for a while. But lately she's been bringing to my attention that she feels left out because I try to make everyone like me. She says I need to stop pleasing people and start worrying about myself. - Bridget quotes Cinderella's words. - And I think she's right. She also said that one day I would realize who are the people that really have my back.

Chloe and I look at each other confused. What did Ella mean by saying that to Bridget? I mean, it may be true, but what was the point of the whole conversation? We change the conversation topic and telepathically decide we'll discuss the matter when we get back to our dorm.

After Bubbly Bridget notice the air was tense, she gets up to check on dinner. Just moment later she brings Chloe and I each, a plate of mac and cheese. Delicious Mac and Cheese if I may add.

- It's... whatever. Enough about me! - Bridget says getting the focus out of her. - What about you, are you guys besties? Or is it like a sisters relationship?

- Definetely not sisters. - Chloe states rapidly, but doesn't really answers the question.

Chloe shifts positions, waiting for my reply, like she doesn't know the answer. I get it, I made it uncomfortable last time because I paused before stating we are friends, and now she's not sure if I consider her a friend. It's okay, I'll fix it.

- Yeah! Chloe's definetely my best friend, I mean, she's the only friend I've got. A friend that's my age anyway... - I grin and look over at Chloe, who just nods at my answer.

I don't get it, isn't that what she wanted? Me saying we're friends without any doubt. Of course we're friends. It's just that... To me, friendship has always meant finding someone who gets you completely, like they can read your thoughts without you saying a word. But with her, it's different; it's deeper. Every laugh we share feels like a secret only we know, and every touch, even just brushing shoulders, sends a spark through me. It's like she's the only person who truly sees me, who I can be my weird, unfiltered self around, sometimes even vulnerable, which I don't feel comfortable being around anyone but her, and it feels so natural, so right. But calling it just friendship doesn't capture the whole picture, because every time she smiles, it feels like more than just that... It feels like the universe is telling me that this connection is something rare and special, something that goes beyond what 'friends' usually means. It's like being around her fills the air with electricity, making me wish that our bond was something even more, something that lasted beyond the definition of friendship.
So yeah, sorry if I pause before saying we're friends. Because to me, Chloe Charming means so much more than that.

But she can never know.