The Threads That Bind Us

Chapter 36

Fidelity and Ava sat cross-legged on the ground in the courtyard, a half-finished game of Gobstones between them. The soft murmur of other students enjoying the late May afternoon, but the two friends were lost in their own world.

Fidelity grinned as she leaned forward to make her move, careful not to overthink it. She had learned long ago that Ava had a killer instinct when it came to Gobstones, and over-strategizing would only backfire.

"Watch this," she said with a wink, flicking one of her Gobstones across the board. It knocked one of Ava's pieces out of place, releasing a small puff of purple smoke.

Ava rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide her amusement. "Getting cocky, are we?"

"Maybe," Fidelity teased, sitting back and wiping her fingers on her robes. "But you've had the upper hand for the past hour."

Ava chuckled as she leaned over to take her turn. "I'll give you that one. You deserve a win once in a while."

For a moment, they lapsed into companionable silence, the game giving way to the ease of their friendship. Fidelity had missed this—time with Ava. It felt like forever since they'd had a chance to just relax, without the pressures of classes or the weight of everything going on with Noah.

"So," Ava started, glancing at Fidelity out of the corner of her eye as she lined up her next shot, "how's everything going with you and Noah? You've been spending loads of time together lately."

Fidelity's smile softened as she rested her chin in her hand, thinking about him. "Yeah, things are really good. Better than I expected, honestly. He's been amazing."

Ava raised an eyebrow. "Amazing how?"

Fidelity shrugged, her fingers absently fiddling with a blade of grass. "He just... gets me, you know? Well of course you do, you get me too. It's just that even when things are complicated with our families or school or anything else, he's there. It feels easy with him."

Ava's Gobstone landed squarely in the middle of the board, knocking two of Fidelity's pieces out of place. "I'm happy for you, Fid. You deserve someone like that."

"Thanks," Fidelity said, her voice soft but sincere. "It means a lot coming from you."

Ava looked up from the game, her expression turning more serious. "But I hope you're not letting everything with him take over. You know what I mean, right? Don't lose sight of yourself."

Fidelity blinked, surprised by the comment. "What do you mean?"

"I've just noticed you've been all about Noah lately," Ava explained gently. "I get it—he's great, and I'm glad you're happy. But I don't want you to disappear into his world. You're more than just his girlfriend—you're Fidelity Gardner, a brilliant witch and incredible friend."

Fidelity bit her lip, considering her friend's words. She hadn't thought about it like that before, but maybe Ava had a point. She had been so wrapped up in her relationship with Noah that it was easy to forget about everything else—her friends, her hobbies, even just moments like these, where she could relax and be herself.

"I guess I have been a little caught up," Fidelity admitted. "I didn't mean to. But I appreciate you saying that."

Ava smiled, nudging her. "Hey, that's what I'm here for. To keep you grounded."

"Thanks, Ava," Fidelity said, feeling a surge of warmth for her best friend. "I really do appreciate it."

"Anytime," Ava replied with a grin, her playful energy returning as she leaned back over the board. "Are you still doing that cute thread thing?"