but I'll just let you live-

the surprise

Hope felt the pulse of the music in her veins as she swayed with Josie on the dance floor. The lights twinkled above them, casting a warm glow that wrapped around them like a soft embrace. It was a world separate from the chaos of their recent weeks, and for a moment, Hope allowed herself to hope again. But as the song ended, so did the illusion of normalcy, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead began to creep back in.

The dance floor began to fill with other couples, and the laughter and chatter around them formed a buzzing backdrop. As they stepped apart, Hope searched Josie's face, looking for any sign that their tentative steps toward reconciliation had brought them closer. Josie's smile was small but genuine, a flicker of the joy Hope had always loved. Yet there was still a shadow lurking behind her eyes, a reminder of the unresolved pain that lay between them.

"Want to get some air?" Hope suggested, nodding toward the gymnasium doors that led to the courtyard outside.

Josie hesitated but nodded, and together they slipped outside, away from the noise. The cool night air was refreshing against Hope's flushed cheeks, and as they stepped into the quiet, she could finally breathe a little easier.

"Thanks for dancing with me," Hope said softly, trying to bridge the gap that still lingered between them. "I missed this."

"Me too," Josie replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She leaned against the wall, looking out at the starry sky. "It's been weird, hasn't it?"

"Yeah," Hope admitted, crossing her arms and leaning back next to her. "But I want to fix this, Josie. I don't want to keep drifting apart."

Josie turned to her, searching Hope's eyes. "I just... I don't know how to move past everything. It's hard to forget how hurt I felt."

Hope nodded, understanding the weight of those words. "I get it. I never meant to hurt you, Josie. I was so focused on dealing with Landon that I didn't see how it was affecting you. I was blind to your feelings, and I'm so sorry for that."

Josie looked away, taking a deep breath. "I just felt like I was competing for your attention, and that hurt. You have to understand how that feels."

Hope winced at the realization that her actions had made Josie feel inadequate. "I never wanted you to feel that way. I care about you more than I can express. You're everything to me, and I know I messed up. But I'm willing to fight for us, however long it takes."

The silence that followed felt heavy, filled with the unspoken thoughts that hung between them. Hope could see Josie wrestling with her emotions, the internal struggle clear on her face. "What if it takes a long time?" Josie finally asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Then I'll wait," Hope replied firmly. "I don't want to rush you or pressure you into anything. I just want you to know I'm here, ready to work through this with you."

As if the weight of the conversation had become too much, Josie pushed off the wall and took a few steps away, running her fingers through her hair. Hope could see the conflict within her; the desire to connect battled with the pain of the past.

"I think I need time," Josie said, her voice soft. "But I don't want to push you away either."

Hope's heart sank but she kept her expression steady. "I understand. How about this—why don't we take things one step at a time? Let's just enjoy being around each other again, even if it's just as friends for now."

Josie looked thoughtful, and Hope could almost see the gears turning in her mind. Finally, she nodded, a small smile breaking through. "Okay. Friends first. I can do that."