WAITING FOR YOU

Chapter 5: After the Waves

It had been two days since their sun-soaked beach adventure, yet Layla still felt the warmth of those moments lingering in her heart. The memories of laughter, shared secrets, and stolen glances with Aaron played on repeat in her mind, brightening the mundane routine of her week.

As she sat in her favorite corner of their campus café, scrolling through the photos Nina had taken during the trip, she couldn't help but smile. Each picture captured the joy and freedom they had all felt, especially the one of her and Aaron, grinning under the sunset's golden rays.

"Okay, spill it!" Nina's voice broke through her reverie. She slid into the seat across from Layla, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You've been daydreaming ever since we got back. What's going on with you and Aaron?"

Layla felt her cheeks flush. "It's just... we had such a great time at the beach. I didn't realize how much I needed that until we were all together." She hesitated, her heart racing. "And I think there's definitely something between us."

Nina leaned in closer, her enthusiasm palpable. "You think? I mean, you two were practically glowing! Did anything happen after the bonfire?"

"Not exactly. We had a couple of sweet moments, but it didn't go further than that," Layla replied, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I'm kind of scared to push it, you know? What if he pulls back or... I don't know, freaks out?"

Nina waved her hand dismissively. "Layla, you have to let yourself be happy! You've been through so much. You deserve this. Just take it one step at a time. What's the worst that could happen?"

"I don't know... what if I rush things?" Layla sighed, her mind drifting back to her previous relationships and the scars they had left behind.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Aaron.

"Hey! Just finished my classes. Do you want to hang out later?"

Layla felt her heart skip a beat. "See?" Nina said, her eyes wide with excitement. "He wants to see you! Just go for it!"

After a moment's hesitation, Layla typed back, "Yes! That sounds great. What do you have in mind?"

As they chatted, anticipation bubbled within her. She could already picture them together—walking through the park, laughing, perhaps sharing a quiet moment that would turn into something more.

Once they finished their coffees, Layla and Nina headed to the library, where Layla found it hard to focus on her studies. Her mind was filled with thoughts of Aaron and their upcoming rendezvous, making it impossible to concentrate on her assignments.

Later that evening, Layla met Aaron at their favorite spot—a quaint little park, tucked away from the bustle of the city. As she walked, she felt a mix of excitement and nerves, her heart racing at the prospect of spending time with him alone.

Aaron arrived shortly after, his smile as warm as she remembered. "Hey, you!" he greeted, pulling her into a gentle hug that felt electric.

"Hey!" Layla replied, trying to suppress her giddiness.

They walked together, talking about everything and nothing. The conversation flowed effortlessly, laughter echoing around them as they reminisced about their beach trip. Layla felt the tension in her chest ease, her worries momentarily forgotten.

"So, I've been thinking," Aaron said, glancing sideways at her, "we should do something like that again. Maybe even make it a regular thing?"

"Absolutely!" Layla responded, her heart swelling at the idea. "I'd love that."

But just as they settled onto a bench, the conversation took a sudden turn. "I've been meaning to tell you something," Aaron said, his tone shifting. "There's something I haven't mentioned, and it's important."