Silver Lining ❥ daerin

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓: 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

𝚂̷𝚊̷𝚐̷𝚎̷

As I sat in the car, wrapped in the warmth of Calista's Ferrari jacket, a mix of emotions swirled inside me. The rain pounded relentlessly against the windshield, but the chill I had felt earlier seemed to melt away, replaced by a comforting warmth that was as much from the jacket as from the unexpected kindness from Calista.

Calista's offer had caught me off guard. I hadn't expected her to stop and give me a ride, let alone offer me her jacket. Her actions had been so considerate, so unlike the brash persona I had initially imagined. It was hard to reconcile this thoughtful gesture with the image I had of her from earlier encounters.

As we drove through the rain, heading towards our neighbourhood, I found myself lost in thought. I couldn't help but feel a fluttery sensation in my chest—a strange, warm feeling that was both confusing and pleasant. I had been bracing myself for a difficult adjustment to this new place, but Calista's unexpected kindness had made me feel seen and cared for in a way I hadn't anticipated.

When she had parked and handed me the jacket, I could see a genuine concern in her eyes. The way she had insisted I take it, and the casual ease with which she offered help, made me feel both grateful and slightly overwhelmed. I hadn't realised how much I needed this simple act of warmth and generosity.

As we continued driving, I marveled at the sincerity of her offer. Despite my initial reservations, Calista had been nothing but kind. The fluttery feeling in my chest grew stronger, mingling with a sense of relief. The jacket was soft and enveloping, its warmth a stark contrast to the cold, wet world outside.

When we arrived at my house and Calista asked if I needed her accompaniment to my front door, I was touched by her willingness to make sure I was okay. I could feel the gratitude welling up inside me, and I knew I would remember this kindness for a long time.

"I think I'll be alright now," I said, my voice soft but sincere. "Thank you for everything."

Calista's smile was genuine and easy, and I couldn't help but feel a bit more at ease with her presence. "Anytime," she replied. "It was nice running into you—under different circumstances this time."

As I stepped out of the car and headed towards my house, I glanced back to see her reverse to pull into her driveway. The fluttery feeling in my chest was accompanied by a new sense of warmth and connection. Despite the rain and the challenges ahead, I couldn't deny that this unexpected encounter with Calista had made the day a little brighter.

With the jacket wrapped around me, I walked up the driveway, feeling a mixture of appreciation and curiosity. Calista had surprised me, and while I was still adjusting to my new life, her kindness had made me feel like I wasn't completely alone in this new chapter.

The rain was beginning to ease up as I unlocked the front door and stepped inside. The house was still half-empty, boxes lining the walls and barely any furniture in sight. It felt odd, not quite like home yet, but familiar enough that I could hear my parents talking somewhere in the distance.

I shrugged off my shoes, slipping them by the door, and headed down the hall. But before I could even make it halfway to the kitchen, I froze.

"Where'd you get that jacket?"

I looked up, startled to see Maia standing in the hallway, arms crossed, her eyes glinting with a teasing smile. She always had this way of appearing out of nowhere, as if she had some sixth sense for when I was trying to sneak in unnoticed. No matter where we lived, whether it was our old home or this new one, Maia had a way of making herself comfortable. It was no surprise to find her lounging around, especially since my parents practically considered her their second daughter.