Golden Stars / Scarlett Johansson

Chapter 29: Confessions Beneath the Stars

Y/N sat on the couch in Calie's small apartment, Cebrus sprawled across her lap like a comfortable, oversized blanket. The soft fur was soothing against her skin, grounding her in the present. It was a routine she was familiar with by now—Calie would pick a movie, and Y/N would inevitably complain, only to give in and watch it with her, especially if there was a reason deeper than just friendship motivating her.

Tonight, that reason was Scarlett.

The movie, 'We Bought a Zoo', had just started, and despite her initial protests, Y/N couldn't deny the tiny thrill that ran through her when Scarlett appeared on the screen. She knew exactly why Calie had chosen this movie, but she wasn't going to give her friend the satisfaction of acknowledging it.

"You're only doing this because she's in it," Y/N muttered, keeping her eyes glued to the screen.

Calie grinned, sitting cross-legged beside her. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Y/N sighed but didn't argue. She watched Scarlett's character, Kelly Foster, move through the screen with her effortless grace, her soft smiles, and strong presence. Even through the TV screen, Scarlett had a way of commanding the room, drawing attention to her without even trying. Y/N couldn't help but be captivated.

She didn't even notice the way Calie's eyes kept flicking toward her, observing the subtle changes in her expression every time Scarlett appeared on screen.

By the end of the movie, Y/N found herself more entranced than she wanted to admit. Scarlett's final scene had just played out, and as the credits began to roll, she shifted uncomfortably on the couch, trying to shake off the lingering warmth that had settled in her chest.

Calie, of course, wasn't going to let her off so easily.

"So... do you remember that conversation we had about four weeks ago?" Calie asked, her voice casual, though her eyes were anything but.

Y/N furrowed her brows, playing it off. "You're going to have to be more specific. We see each other almost every day."

Calie rolled her eyes, leaning back against the armrest. "Don't play dumb. You know exactly what conversation I'm talking about."

Y/N avoided her gaze, her hand stroking Cebrus absentmindedly. "Do I?"

"Yes," Calie pressed, her eyes gleaming. "The one where I asked if you liked Scarlett and you told me no."

Y/N felt her cheeks grow warm, and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, avoiding eye contact. "Oh... that conversation."

Calie grinned, enjoying how her words made Y/N squirm. "Yep, that one."

Y/N sighed, hugging Cebrus a little tighter. "What about it?"

"Well..." Calie said, drawing out the silence for dramatic effect. "I'm asking you again. Do you like Scarlett?"

Y/N's heart did a strange little flip in her chest at the question, and she bit her lip, unsure of how to answer. She felt the weight of Calie's question settle over her like a blanket, warm but suffocating. She couldn't deflect this time. Not after everything that had happened.

She glanced at Cebrus, who had lifted his head and was now looking at her with what seemed like curiosity. Even her dog was waiting for an answer.

"Come on, Y/N," Calie coaxed, her voice gentle but insistent. "It's okay if you like her. You don't have to hide it."

Y/N sat there for a long moment, her fingers absentmindedly scratching Cebrus behind the ears as she stared at her lap. She could feel Calie's expectant gaze on her, but more than that, she could feel the weight of her own emotions pressing against her chest.

Finally, she took a deep breath, her voice soft when she spoke. "I... I don't know."

Calie raised an eyebrow. "You don't know? Y/N, you're not exactly subtle, you know."

Y/N let out a small, nervous laugh. "I know. It's just... it's confusing. I've never felt like this before."

Calie tilted her head, her expression softening. "What do you mean?"

Y/N looked away, her hand stilling on Cebrus's fur. "The other night... in the park, when Scarlett and I were talking. I felt... something. I don't know how to describe it, but every time I'm around her, my heart starts racing. But it's not just Scarlett... it's Rose, too. And Chris. They've all become so important to me so quickly, and it scares me."

Calie's teasing expression faded into one of understanding. "Why does it scare you?"

Y/N swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. "Because... because I'm afraid of losing them. The way I lost my parents."

The words hung in the air, heavy and raw. Calie's eyes softened, her teasing demeanor completely gone. "Y/N..."

Y/N's voice wavered as she continued, her fingers gripping Cebrus's fur a little tighter. " As you know. My mom... she died in a car accident when I was younger. And my dad... he couldn't handle it. He blamed me for it, for being in the car with her. He... he gave me his heart, but not in the way you're supposed to. He couldn't look at me without seeing her."

Calie's expression was filled with sadness and empathy. "Y/N... I know Y/N."

"I know," Y/N said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "But ever since they've been gone, I've been afraid of getting close to anyone. Because what if I lose them, too? What if something happens, and I'm left alone again?"

Calie reached out, placing a comforting hand on Y/N's shoulder. "You're not going to lose them, Y/N. Scarlett, Chris, Rose... they care about you. They're not going anywhere."

Y/N nodded, but the fear still lingered in her chest. "I want to believe that. I really do. But every time I feel something for Scarlett, or when I look at Rose and my heart swells, I get this overwhelming fear that it's all going to be taken away from me. And I don't think I can handle that."

Calie squeezed her shoulder gently. "You don't have to handle it alone. You've got me. And you've got them. You're not alone, Y/N."

Y/N finally met Calie's gaze, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "What if I do like Scarlett? What if this is more than just a friendship for me?"

Calie smiled softly, her eyes warm. "Then you're going to have to figure out what that means. But whatever happens, Y/N, it's okay to feel what you're feeling. You deserve to be happy. You deserve to have people in your life who care about you."

Y/N looked down at Cebrus, who had fallen asleep again, his soft snores filling the room. She knew Calie was right, but the fear still gnawed at her, lurking just beneath the surface.

"I'm just... scared," Y/N admitted, her voice barely a whisper.

Calie leaned in, her voice soft but firm. "Y/N, you're allowed to be scared. But don't let that fear stop you from living your life. You've already missed out on so much because of your dad's words. Don't let them keep you from something that could make you happy."

Y/N took a deep breath, her chest tightening as she absorbed Calie's words. She didn't want to be afraid anymore. She didn't want to hold back because of the past. But it was hard to let go of that fear, the fear that had been with her for so long.

"I'll try," Y/N said softly, her voice wavering.

Calie smiled, giving her shoulder another reassuring squeeze. "That's all you can do. Just try."

They sat in silence for a while after that, the weight of the conversation lingering in the air. Y/N's mind was spinning, her emotions a tangled mess of fear, hope, and something she wasn't quite ready to name.

But for the first time in a long time, she felt like maybe... just maybe... she didn't have to face it all alone.