A Chance Encounter

Chapter Sixteen: The Weekend Retreat

The days following their café meet-up were filled with quiet moments of joy. Kylie and Malia were taking everything one day at a time, no pressure, just the comfort of each other's presence. They both felt lighter, knowing they had chosen to rebuild their bond with care and patience.

That Friday, their mutual friend Ruby Rose Turner sent a text to their group chat with Joshua, Dara, Peder, and Morgan. She had planned a weekend retreat at a cabin in the mountains and invited them all to come along. It would be a chance to get away from the chaos of their schedules and spend some much-needed time together.

"Hey! You guys in for a chill weekend in the mountains? It's nothing fancy, just us and some fresh air," Ruby's text read.

Kylie read the message with a grin and immediately texted back: "I'm in!"

Within minutes, the group chat was buzzing with excitement. Joshua made jokes about roasting marshmallows, Dara mentioned hiking trails, and Peder brought up the possibility of a scary movie night. But what caught Kylie's attention was Malia's response.

"I'm in too! Can't wait to see everyone ❤️."

It had been a while since they'd all hung out together, especially outside of the city. Kylie felt a flicker of excitement, imagining a weekend where she and Malia could have fun without the weight of everything hanging over them.

The next day, they packed their bags and piled into two cars for the drive up to the mountains. The mood was light as they blasted music, laughed at inside jokes, and reminisced about past adventures. Ruby was driving one car with Dara and Morgan, while Joshua, Peder, Kylie, and Malia were in the second.

The scenery shifted as they ascended into the mountains. The air grew cooler, and the dense trees along the road made the city feel miles away. By the time they reached the cabin, the sun was just starting to dip behind the hills, casting long shadows over the trees.

The cabin was cozy and charming, nestled in a quiet clearing surrounded by woods. It had a rustic charm, with a wraparound porch and large windows that framed the beautiful view of the mountains. Ruby unlocked the door and ushered them all inside.

"Welcome to our weekend home!" Ruby declared with a smile, throwing her arms out wide.

Everyone settled in quickly, unpacking their things and claiming their rooms. Kylie and Malia ended up in a shared room with two beds, just like old times when they used to share hotel rooms on trips with their friends. It felt natural, though Kylie couldn't help but feel a little flutter of nerves.

As they unpacked, Malia caught Kylie's eye and smiled. "This place is amazing, right? I think we all needed this break."

Kylie nodded, feeling the same. "Yeah, it's perfect. I'm glad we're all here together."

That evening, the group gathered around the fire pit outside, roasting marshmallows and telling stories. Laughter echoed through the trees as they teased each other, made s'mores, and passed around mugs of hot chocolate. Joshua told a ridiculous ghost story that had everyone cracking up, and Peder played guitar softly in the background.

But amidst the laughter, Kylie couldn't help but notice how comfortable she and Malia had become again. They sat close, their knees occasionally brushing, and every time their eyes met, Kylie felt that spark—the same one that had been there since the beginning.

As the night grew colder, they all headed back inside, settling in for a cozy movie night. Ruby picked a classic comedy, and soon, everyone was wrapped up in blankets on the couches. Kylie and Malia sat side by side, sharing a blanket, their shoulders touching in the darkened room.

Halfway through the movie, Malia leaned over and whispered to Kylie, her breath warm against Kylie's ear. "Do you want to go for a walk? It's nice out."

Kylie's heart skipped a beat, but she nodded, whispering back, "Yeah, let's go."

They quietly slipped out of the living room, grabbing their jackets and heading outside into the cool night air. The stars were bright above them, the night clear and calm. They walked in silence for a few minutes, the crunch of leaves beneath their feet the only sound.

Finally, Malia stopped and turned to Kylie, her expression soft but serious. "I've been thinking a lot about us," she said, her voice quiet but steady.

Kylie's heart raced, her breath catching in her throat. "Yeah?"

Malia nodded, looking up at the sky for a moment before meeting Kylie's eyes again. "I'm so glad we're doing this—taking our time, rebuilding what we had. It feels right. But... I also don't want to wait too long to say what's really on my mind."

Kylie's brow furrowed slightly, her nerves tingling. "What do you mean?"

Malia took a deep breath, stepping a little closer. "I've never stopped loving you, Kylie. Not for a second. I just needed time to figure out how to love you in the right way, and I think I'm finally there. I want to be with you, not just in this slow, careful way, but fully. I want us to be together again."

Kylie's breath hitched, her heart swelling with emotion. She felt like she had been waiting for this moment for so long. "Malia... I've never stopped loving you either," she said softly, her voice full of sincerity. "I want to be with you too. Really be with you."

Malia smiled, a look of pure relief and joy spreading across her face. She stepped closer, closing the distance between them, and gently took Kylie's hands in hers.

Under the vast night sky, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the mountains, Kylie and Malia leaned in, their lips meeting in a tender, meaningful kiss. It wasn't rushed or desperate—it was slow, soft, and full of the love they had rediscovered for each other.

When they finally pulled back, their foreheads resting against each other, Kylie whispered, "This feels right."

Malia nodded, her smile radiant. "It does."

They stood there for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, knowing that this was the beginning of something even more beautiful than before.