Belonging Season

20

Stella took out her phone and dialed Ambar's number, her fingers tapping quickly against the screen. The phone rang a few times before Ambar picked up, her familiar voice filling Stella's ear.

Stella's eyes widened at the sound of Ambar's voice, which sounded like she had been crying. Ambar spoke up, her voice strained, "Sis, please come help me take off this terrible makeup that my menace of a best friend did." Her words were filled with a mix of desperation and frustration, painting the picture of a rough evening she had endured.

Stella arrived backstage, a lighthearted smile on her face, and joked, "Oh my little panda, come here, let me help." She glanced at Ambar, her eyes scanning the dark and heavy eye makeup on her sister's face. Stella playfully tried to lighten the mood by commenting on Ambars makeup, "Trying to scare people away with that intense look, sis?"

Ambar, still looking frustrated, responded with a hint of annoyance in her voice, "Don't even start. All that because I had a few chats with her silly crush. She'll see, she's definitely not ready for what's coming to her." Her words carried a sense of determination, suggesting that she had something planned as payback for the situation.

Stella continued wiping off the black eyeshadow from Ambar's face, delicately and carefully removing the remnants of the thick makeup. Once she finished, she pulled back and looked at her sister's face, admiring her natural beauty. "There," she said, a smile on her face. "Much better."

Stella, trying to console Ambar, continued as she finished removing the makeup, "If it makes you feel better, her performance was so childish, and the way she was throwing herself at Simon, poor guy." Her voice carried a mix of annoyance and sympathy for the situation Simon had been put in.

Ambar chuckled, a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes. "It really was painful to see," she agreed, her voice growing softer. Stella chimed in, noticing Simon's behavior, "Meanwhile, Simon was only looking at you the whole time." Her words hinted at Simon's evident loyalty and affection towards Ambar.

Ambar tried to brush off Stella's comment, insisting, "It's not like that," but her tone revealed a hint of uncertainty. She continued, "But if I'm being honest, I wouldn't complain about having him on our side." Her words betrayed a subtle admission that she actually didn't mind having Simon's unwavering support.

Stella, sensing that Ambar needed a change of scenery, gently invited her, "I actually wanted to ask you, do you want to join me and the guys by the river? You know, our spot?" Her words carried a hint of nostalgia and warmth, recalling their shared memories at that special place.

Ambar looked at Stella with a mix of surprise and confusion, saying, "I don't know, Stella. I'm not really part of that group anymore, and it's just weird to be around Matteo since we broke up. It's not like it affected me or anything, we're just not exactly best friends anymore."

Stella, sensing Ambar's hesitation, gently pleaded, "Come on, please, do it for me. Your other friends are clearly terrible, judging by the way she did your makeup. You have nothing to lose." Her words carried a hint of persuasion, trying to convince her sister to come along for some much-needed fun and distraction.

Ambar, unable to resist her best friend's pleas, sighed and reluctantly agreed, "Alright, fine. I'll come with you. But just this once, okay?"

Ambar hugged Stella back just as tightly, a soft smile on her face. "I know," she replied, her voice filled with affectionate certainty.

Ambar and Stella exited Jam & Roller, the cool night air and faint sounds of nighttime insects greeting them as they walked towards their childhood hangout spot. They spotted Matteo and Gastón sitting on the riverbank, the moon casting a silver glow over the water.