Turning Red ; Feeling Blue

Kylie's POV: closer and closer

I'm lounging on the couch next to Malia. She is talking, laughing, and gossiping on the phone. I instantly feel on edge. My heart is racing. What the heck? I don't know. McKenna Grace is one of her closest friends and Malia is congratulating her on her latest EP, Bittersweet Sixteen, batting her eyes in excitement.

I'm also on my phone, scrolling through TikTok when suddenly, I feel a knot in my stomach hearing the words that roll off her tongue.

"Love you so much and I'm very proud of you!" Malia exclaims.

I wish I could be a part of the moment. Despite following each other on Instagram, I don't know McKenna well. Hearing her enthusiasm makes me feel envious. I try to focus on my phone, but the conversation is hard to ignore. I feel like I'm on the outside looking in.

They talk animatedly about each song, upcoming plans, and inside jokes that I'm not a part of—feeling more and more like an outsider with each word.

After a few minutes, Malia hangs up, still smiling.

"McKenna's so talented and I couldn't be more proud," she says, turning to me.

"Oh, yeah, she is," I reply, forcing a smile.

"I'm proud of you too, I'm proud of us. Everyone that is involved in making this movie come to life. It's still an unbelievable reality. I can't believe this is our last month of filming," she says, slouching.

I sigh, feeling a bit better.

"I know right? Look at us. It's insane to think that we can inspire young minds or make so many little girls' childhoods. You and me against the world Bluey," I say with an overjoyed smile.

"Absolutely Red," she says, giving me a hug.

She wraps her arms around me, pulling me close. The warmth of her embrace is sincere, comforting, and my heart is beating steady, I'm sure she can hear it. A hug that speaks of loyalty and affection, a silent promise that everything will fall into place in the right ways. The world is fading away and it's just the two of us in this moment.

I break away from the hug, still close to Malia. Feeling the electricity in the air between us. My heart goes from steady to pounding once again as I look into her eyes, filled with mixed emotions. Slowly, I lean in, catching my breath as our faces draw closer. Beautiful, she's so beautiful. I can almost feel the softness of her lips, the anticipation making my heart race even faster.

Just as our lips were about to meet, Malia pulls away. Her eyes are wide, with a nervous and scared expression. She's flustered, wanting to say something but not able to find the words. I feel a pang of disappointment, as I reach out and gently touch her arm, hoping to reassure her.

"I'm sorry, I-I don't know why I-," I wisper softly, trying to hide my own vulnerability.

Malia's eyes soften as she looks at me, her fear slowly giving way to something deeper. Her breath is shaky, as she finally speaks.

"I-I never felt this way before, and it's overwhelming," she says turning away.

I can see the honesty in her eyes, and it makes my heart ache. I take her hand in mine, intertwining our fingers and squeezing gently.

"We will figure this out together," I say, reassuring her.

"I'll be here for you no matter what happens," I say forming a soft smile.

Her lips tremble in to a small, grateful smile.

"Thank you," she replies her voice breaking slightly.

"I just need a little more time to process," she says, face tilted down.

I nod, understanding completely.

"Take your time, there is no rush whatsoever," I reply, pulling her to a comforting embrace.

In this very moment, I know that our connection is strong enough to withstand any uncertainty.

***

For once, we are actually eating inside a restaurant. Six close friends, sharing great company. Here to celebrate our final month of filming, and all that's been so far accomplished. Peder knows all the best spots here in Atlanta. We settled for an Italian restaurant, Maggiano's Little Italy, a little over an hour away from the studio.

The ambience of the restaurant is warm and inviting, filled with the tantilizing aroma of freshly baked bread, and rich Italian sauces. We are all sqeezed in a booth. I sit between Joshua and Dara, with Malia to the left of Dara. Followed by Morgan, Ruby and Peder.

The laughter and chatter around the table is infectious, as Joshua, Dara, Morgan, Ruby, Peder share their favorite moments from set.

I try to focus on the conversation, but my eyes drift to Malia, who is sitting just a seat away. She is absolutely stunning in that dark blue dress, which hugs her curves perfectly. Her smile lights up the room. My heart flutters as I reminisce about our almost-kiss earlier in my trailer. The memory is still fresh, and I can't shake the mix of emotions that it stirrs within me.

As the conversation flows, I'm lost in thought, the moment replaying over and over. Malia had pulled away, but her eyes spoke volumes. She was afraid and I understand that. I want to give her all the time that she needs, but it's hard to suppress my feelings. My emotions seem naked at this point.

"What about you Kylie? What was your favorite moment?" Joshua asks, his voice breaking through my reverie.

I blink, realizing everyone is looking at me. I smile, trying to gather my thoughts.

"Honestly, it's hard to pick just one. Working with all of you has been the best experience," I begin.

"I think, I would have to say the Life is Sweeter scene, because we're all in it, of course. Also just being able to spend time with all of you outside of filming, whenever we can, and just be surrounded by such loving company. You guys are family," I say, joyous.

Everyone nods, murmuring in agreement. I glance at Malia, who is looking at me with a soft expression. Our eyes meet for a moment, and it feels like we're the only two people in the room.

Malia leans in slightly, her voice gentle. "That is a fun scene," she says, her eyes not leaving mine.

"I'm glad we all got to share it together," she says, smiling from cheek to cheek.

My heart swells with emotion. I reach out underneath the table, my fingers brushing againsts hers. She hesitates for a moment, then intertwines her fingers with mine. It may be a small gesture, but it means the world to me.

As the night goes on, we continue to share stories and laughter. My mind just keeps returning to the warmth of Malia's hand in mine. In the bustling restaurant, surrounded by friends and memories we had created, I know that whatever the future holds, we can conquer it together.