God of Strength (Light of Obsession #1)

Chapter 19

Alicia

The café was bustling with chatter as I sat at our usual corner table, fingers nervously tapping against my mug of hot chocolate. I had invited Cecy, Ava, Annika, and Glyn to join me for our weekly hangout, and the weight of what I needed to tell them buzzed in my chest like a caged bird.

I watched Annika, her laughter bright and infectious as she recounted a funny story from her latest adventure, while Ava chimed in with her own animated gestures, her voice rising above the buzz of conversations around us. Cecy listened with that calm focus she always had, a soft smile gracing her lips, while Glyn appeared thoughtful, yet somehow everywhere and nowhere at the same time.

    I took a deep breath, stealing glances at each of their faces. They were my friends, my chosen family, and I hoped they would be happy for me.

     "Hey everyone..." I started, my voice slightly unsteady. The clamor in the café faded as I gained their attention. "I, um... I have something to share."

     Annika tilted her head, her bright eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Ooh, what is it?" she whispered excitedly, leaning forward.

     Ava paused mid-sentence, her hands flying to her cheeks. "Is it about a boy?!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing in her seat.

     I felt my cheeks redden, the warmth creeping up despite my best efforts to stay calm. "Sort of," I admitted, running my fingers through my hair, a nervous habit of mine. "It's about Vaughn."

     Glyndon raised an eyebrow, his intrigue evident in the way he leaned in a little closer. "Morozov? What about him?"

     I gathered every ounce of courage I had, my heart pounding like a drum. "Vaughn and I... We've been dating for a while now. For a few months, actually."

     The air crackled with surprise, and I could see each of their reactions play out fluidly—Cecily's eyes widened slightly, Ava's jaw dropped, and Annika squealed, her vibrant energy seemingly lighting up the entire corner of the café.

    "Seriously?! Why didn't you tell us sooner?" Ava exclaimed, her voice rising in excitement. "You have to spill all the details!"

     Cecily clasped her hands together, her smile bright as she said, "That's wonderful, Alicia! I'm so happy for you!"

    I felt a wave of relief wash over me, mixed with a sprinkle of shyness at their reactions. "Thanks! I was just... I wasn't sure how you all would take it."

     "Why wouldn't we be happy for you?" Glyndon asked, a gentle smile softening his features. "We want the best for you, Allie."

     Annika clapped her hands together, her enthusiasm palpable. "Tell us how it started! Is he a good kisser? What are his favorite colors? Do you have pet names yet?"

     The laughter bubbled up, and I couldn't help but join in, my nervousness melting away. "Whoa there, slow down! Yes... He is a good kisser..."

    As I began to recount out story, the kind of moments where his cold demeanor melted with warmth only for me, I felt a comfortable weight lift from my shoulders. For every shy detail I shared, the four of them listened with rapt attention, encouraging me with giggles and playful banter.

     They were my girls, after all, and this was just the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with laughter, love, and possibly, a bit of chaos thanks to Ava and Annika's incessant need for details. But at that moment, surrounded by my friends, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be.

——————————————————————
A/N:
Short chapter but I wanted to get some cutesy bonding between the girls before she tells her parents hehehehe
Thank you for the support!
Don't forget to vote and comment <33