𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐈 | 𝐂𝐋𝟏𝟔

𝐋𝐈

·˚ ༘

────────────────────────────────────────

October 13th 2024

ZAHRA NICHOLS

The day in Austin had started off on such a high note, the kind that made you believe in the possibility of perfect days. Charles had promised me a day off, a chance to unwind and just enjoy being together. What made it even better was that he'd finally invited me to meet some of his friends. It felt like a step forward, like we were strengthening what we had by letting others in on it.

We arrived at this cozy little bar in town, the kind with dim lighting, wood-paneled walls, and a laid-back vibe that made you feel like you could stay for hours. Charles introduced me to everyone, and I was welcomed with open arms, the kind of warmth that made me feel like I belonged. His friends were great—funny, charming, the type you could see yourself hanging out with even without Charles around.

I sat between Charles and a girl named Sophie, who was dating one of Charles's old friends, Fabian. Sophie had that cool-girl vibe—messy blonde waves, minimal makeup, but somehow, she was the most stunning person in the room. We hit it off quickly, chatting about anything and everything.

"You have to watch this series I just started," Sophie said, leaning closer. "It's this wild, dark comedy. I think you'd love it."

I laughed, nodding. "Yeah sure, I just finished all of 'Grey's Anatomy', and I need something new. What's it called?"

"'The End of the F***ing World.' It's British, so it has that dry humor, but it's so good. Trust me."

Charles was deep in conversation with his other friend, Marcel, who had this full on energy that made it impossible not to like him. He was telling some story, gesturing wildly, and Charles was laughing in that full-bodied way that made my heart squeeze just a little. It was nice seeing him like this, surrounded by people who knew him, who got him.

As the conversation went on, Marcel leaned over with a teasing grin. "Charles has lots of plans for you, Zahra." He winked, and I couldn't help but smile, a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling up inside me.

I glanced over at Charles, who just gave me this soft, knowing look. "Oh, does he now?" I said, playing along. "What kind of plans?"

Charles chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't give him too much credit. He's just trying to stir the pot."

"I'm just saying," Marcel continued, holding up his hands in mock defense, "Charles has been talking about you nonstop. We're all just waiting for your little babies running around."

I laughed, but the weight of those words settled somewhere deep. I really liked hearing that, the idea that Charles was thinking about our future, making plans. 

Sophie jumped in, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I can totally see you two moving in together. Charles cooking breakfast, you making sure he doesn't burn the place down."

I snorted, unable to hold back my amusement. "You've clearly never seen me in the kitchen. It'd be a disaster."

The group burst into laughter, and for a moment, everything felt light and easy, like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

But then, as the conversation flowed and drinks were refilled, Charles made a comment. It was small, just a passing joke about my driving skills—something about how I still couldn't park straight, even after all this time. The group laughed, and I found myself smiling along, I am aware that my driving skills got worse over the years. But that laugh didn't last so long.