Silver Lining ❥ daerin

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟒: 𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫...

The midday sun streamed through the window of Calista's room, casting golden light across the floor as Sage sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the suitcase in front of her. Around them, the room was beginning to empty. Posters that once lined the walls were pulled down, rolled up in a corner. Calista's racing trophies and medals had been carefully packed away in a box, leaving shelves that now seemed bare and hollow. Even the faint scent of engine oil and leather that always lingered in the air was fading, replaced by the sterile smell of cardboard and packing tape.

"How are we going to fit all of this?" Sage asked, holding up a stack of Calista's clothes. "This suitcase is already full."

Calista, crouching by the closet, glanced over and sighed, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "I have no idea. I didn't realise how much stuff I had until we started packing."

Sage smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. She tried to focus on the task in front of them—folding Calista's clothes, sorting through what was essential for her trip to Monaco—but every now and then, her gaze would flicker to Calista, and her heart would tighten. The reality of the move was setting in, and with it, a deep sadness that she couldn't shake.

Calista seemed to sense the shift in the air because she stood and crossed the room, sitting down beside Sage on the bed. "Hey," she said softly, nudging Sage's arm with her shoulder. "We're going to be okay, you know that, right?"

Sage nodded, but her throat felt tight. "I know. It's just... I keep thinking about how different it's going to be without you here. I mean, we've been practically inseparable since we got together, and now..."

Calista wrapped an arm around Sage's waist, pulling her closer. "I get it. I've been thinking about that too. But Monaco isn't forever. It's just the next step in my career."

"I know," Sage repeated, though it felt like she was trying to convince herself as much as Calista. "It's just hard to imagine you so far away. Everything is going to change."

Calista was quiet for a moment, her fingers gently tracing circles on Sage's back. "It will," she admitted. "But change doesn't have to be bad. Think about all the opportunities Monaco will bring. This is my dream, Sage—racing on the world stage, working with some of the best teams. I've wanted this for so long."

Sage's chest ached with pride and sadness all at once. She turned to look at Calista, her eyes soft. "I'm so proud of you. I really am. I just... I'm going to miss you so much."

Calista smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes too. "I'm going to miss you too. More than you know." She glanced at the suitcase again, letting out a small laugh. "But hey, at least I'll have enough clothes to remind me of home."

Sage chuckled, grateful for the lighthearted moment. She picked up one of Calista's racing jackets and held it up. "Are you sure you want to bring this one? It's so worn out."

Calista took the jacket from her, running her fingers over the faded fabric. "This one's my lucky jacket. I wore it in my first big race. There's no way I'm leaving it behind."

Sage smiled, nodding as she folded the jacket and placed it carefully on top of the pile. "You're right. It deserves to go with you."

They continued packing in companionable silence for a while, the soft sounds of their movements and the rustle of clothes filling the room. Sage moved from the bed to the desk, picking up small trinkets and items that had been part of Calista's everyday life—pens, notebooks, a photo of the two of them from a beach trip, laughing in the sun. She stared at the photo for a moment, her fingers brushing over the frame.

"Remember this?" Sage said, holding up the picture.

Calista looked over and smiled warmly. "Of course. That was such a good day."

"It was," Sage agreed, her voice soft. She hesitated before placing the photo in the box, a pang of sadness hitting her chest again. She wanted to hold onto every moment, every memory, but time was moving too fast. They were running out of it.

Calista must have sensed her thoughts because she stood up and walked over, wrapping her arms around Sage from behind. "You know," she murmured into Sage's ear, "just because I'm moving doesn't mean we can't make more memories like that. We're going to visit each other, and we'll still have those moments. This isn't the end, okay?"

Sage closed her eyes, leaning back into Calista's embrace. "I know," she whispered. "It's just hard right now."

"I know," Calista said, pressing a kiss to Sage's temple. "But we've got this. We're stronger than the distance."

Sage let out a deep breath, turning in Calista's arms to face her. "I hate that you're right," she said, managing a small smile.

Calista grinned. "I usually am." She glanced at the half-packed boxes and bags scattered around the room. "Come on, let's finish this up. We still have time for a break later."

They returned to packing, this time with music playing softly in the background. Calista hummed along to one of their favourite songs, while Sage worked on dismantling some of the smaller furniture pieces that Calista wanted to bring with her. As they worked, they talked—about everything and nothing. They shared stories about old times, laughed about Calista's questionable fashion choices, and made plans for all the places they'd visit before she left.

"We should definitely go to that new burger place before I go," Calista said, tossing a stack of T-shirts into a box.

"Yes," Sage agreed. "And we have to go back to that ice cream parlour one last time. I'm not letting you leave without trying the lavender honey flavor again."

Calista made a face. "That's debatable."

"Nope," Sage said with a grin. "It's happening."

They moved through the room, boxing up more memories and belongings. But as the sun began to sink lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the room, the mood grew more somber again.

Calista zipped up the last suitcase and sat down heavily on the edge of the bed. "It's starting to feel real now," she said quietly.

Sage sat beside her, reaching for her hand. "It is real," she said softly. "But you're going to do amazing things, Calista. I know you will."

Calista looked down at their intertwined hands, her voice quiet. "What if I don't? What if I get there and I'm not good enough? What if..."

"Hey," Sage interrupted, squeezing her hand. "Don't even go there. You are good enough. You've worked so hard for this, and you deserve to be there. Don't doubt yourself now."

Calista sighed, leaning her head against Sage's shoulder. "It's just... there's so much riding on this. I've wanted this for so long, but now that it's here, I'm scared. Scared I'll mess it up, or that it won't be what I imagined."

Sage wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "It's okay to be scared. But you're not going through this alone. I'm here, and I'll be here every step of the way—even if we're far apart."

Calista looked up at her, her eyes softening. "How did I get so lucky to have you?"

Sage smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Calista's face. "I ask myself the same thing about you every day."

They sat like that for a while, just holding each other, letting the weight of the moment settle in. The room around them was nearly empty now, the boxes packed, the furniture disassembled. It no longer felt like Calista's room—it felt like the beginning of something new. Something different.

Eventually, Calista stood up, stretching her arms above her head. "Well, I guess that's it. Everything's packed."

Sage nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. "Yeah. That's it."

Calista gave her a small, sad smile. "I guess we're really doing this."

Sage stood and took her hand. "We are," she said softly. "But remember, this isn't goodbye. It's just... see you later."

Calista's eyes shimmered with emotion, and she leaned in, pressing her forehead to Sage's. "See you later," she whispered back.