His name was Nathaniel

56

Adaliya sat cross-legged on the floor of her small apartment, surrounded by pillows, blankets, and snacks, with her two closest friends, Imani and Brielle. They were deep into their sleepover, laughter filling the room as they shared gossip and stories. But while her friends were relaxed and carefree, Adaliya's mind was a jumble of confusion, all focused on Nathaniel and his recent question about them dating.

Imani noticed her distant expression and nudged her. "Girl, you've been quiet for too long. What's going on? Spill it."

Adaliya sighed, feeling the weight of the situation in her chest. "It's Nathaniel. He asked if I'd be willing to start dating him."

Both Imani and Brielle's eyes widened with excitement. "Oh my God!" Brielle squealed, leaning forward. "And what did you say? Did you say yes?"

Adaliya shook her head. "I didn't answer. I'm just... not sure. There's so much history between us, and I don't know if I can fully trust him again."

Imani gave her a knowing look, leaning back on her pillow. "I get that. But he's trying, right? People can change. And, girl, he's rich, fine, and clearly into you."

Brielle nodded, teasingly adding, "Yeah, and that face! If he weren't rich, I'd still say yes just for that. I mean, let's be real."

Adaliya laughed despite her anxiety, but then her expression grew serious again. "It's not just about looks or money, though. It's about whether or not I can open myself up again. What if he suddenly leaves again? What if I get hurt all over again?"

Brielle waved a hand dismissively. "Girl, life's all about risks. You can't hide forever. Besides, it's just dating. If it doesn't work out, at least you'll have some good stories."

Imani nodded in agreement. "She's right. You won't know unless you give him a chance. Maybe he really is serious this time."

Adaliya frowned, her worry still evident. "I just don't want to rush into something."

Imani shrugged. "Then take it slow. But, seriously, what's the harm in seeing where it goes?"

—

Meanwhile, across the city, Nathaniel was sitting at a café with his cousin Violet. His mind, however, wasn't on their lunch—it was on Adaliya. He couldn't shake the frustration of not hearing back from her, and it was beginning to show in his mood.

"You've been a total grump today," Violet teased, eyeing him over her cup of tea. "What's up with you? You're usually so put-together, but today you're... I don't know, snarkier."

Nathaniel shifted in his seat, clearly not in the mood for her usual teasing. "Nothing. Just work."

Violet raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Please. I know you better than that. It's not work. Is it Adaliya?"

Nathaniel's jaw tightened at the mention of her name, but he didn't respond right away.

Violet grinned, leaning forward. "Oh my God, it is! You're sulking over a girl. How cute."

"I'm not sulking," Nathaniel muttered, his tone defensive.

Violet's smile widened. "Yeah, you are. It's written all over your face. So, what happened? Did she turn you down?"

Nathaniel let out an exasperated sigh. "No. She just hasn't responded yet."

"Ah," Violet said knowingly. "So you're stressed because you're waiting. That's adorable."

Nathaniel glared at her. "It's not funny, Violet."

Violet leaned back in her chair, still amused. "Oh, it's kind of funny. You've never been in a real relationship, and now you're freaking out over this one. And don't get me started on the fact that you've never even—"

"Don't," Nathaniel interrupted quickly, his face flushing.

Violet's smirk grew even more mischievous. "Oh, I get it now. You're all pent-up and frustrated because you're still a virgin." She leaned in closer, her voice teasing. "Is that what this is about? You're all worked up because you've never, you know—"

Nathaniel's face turned a deep shade of red. "Violet, stop."

But she didn't. "It's nothing to be ashamed of, Nate. I mean, I think it's cute that you've waited for the right person, but it also explains why you're so tense all the time."

Nathaniel groaned, burying his face in his hands. "This is not happening."

Violet laughed, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "Oh, come on! It's not that big of a deal. You're just nervous because you're in uncharted territory. You've never been in love, and now you're starting to feel things you've never felt before."

Nathaniel's voice was tight with embarrassment. "Can we please not talk about this?"

Violet held up her hands in surrender, but her grin didn't fade. "Alright, alright. But, seriously, relax. She'll text you back when she's ready. In the meantime, maybe try to focus on something other than your... frustration."

Nathaniel shot her a look. "You're impossible."

Violet just shrugged, still amused. "Hey, I'm just looking out for you. But I'll stop... For now."

Nathaniel sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and embarrassment. As much as he hated to admit it, Violet had hit the nail on the head. His feelings for Adaliya were uncharted territory for him, and he wasn't sure how to navigate them. But one thing was clear—he needed to hear from her soon, or he might just lose his mind.