Between Two Worlds

CHAPTER 5 - Conversations Under Stars (Ava's POV)

With each bend and curve of the calendar, as summer vacation in Willow Creek drew to a close, emotions swirled around me like a rogue whirlpool. I was tickled to see Mia, but I found myself knotted in jealousy and uncertainty. Jake, nice, funny, charming, became a perpetual thorn that twisted something deep inside me every time I saw glimpses of Mia with someone else.

After that brief meeting at the coffee shop, all I could think of was Mia. The prospect of catching up scared and excited me at the same time. How crucial it was to bridge that gap between us, yet how terrified I was of what it might reveal. Would that electric connection still be there, or had enough time passed for us to be merely friends?

I couldn't shake the memory of rejecting Mia, when Mia had bravely confessed her feelings for me. I had felt a rush of exhilaration and fear that day. I was terrified of ruining our friendship, so I just pretend that it was just a phase, pushing her away instead of embracing what we could have shared. But now, the weight of my regret was heavier than ever.

One evening, while painting on the porch, laughter drifted in from the direction of the café. I lifted my gaze to behold Mia walking by with Jess. In the sunset light, she seemed to sparkle, almost ethereal, and I froze mid-reach for my paintbrush, my heart aching at the sight of her joy shared with another.

"Who's the look? Come on, tell me," Jake said, playful smirk tugging at his lips as he leaned against the railing.

"Just someone from town," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady, though inside, I was anything but casual.

"You like her, don't you?" His tone shifted, turning serious, and I felt my cheeks flush.

"Maybe," I admitted, the vulnerability gnawing at me. "But she seems happy with Jess."

"Why not just ask her out?" he suggested genuinely. "You never know till you try."

I looked back at Mia, chatting animatedly with Jess. My heart ached—her laughter was meant for someone else. "It's complicated," I whispered softly, the weight of my past rejection heavy in my mind.

"It's usually something worth fighting for," Jake said steadily, encouraging me with his gaze.

I wanted to believe that, but the idea of being with Mia while Jake was still around felt like walking a tightrope, ready to tip at any moment. The memory of Mia's confession echoed, reminding me of the chance I had let slip through my fingers.

That night, in bed, I replayed the way Jake had brushed his hand over my shoulder. With each recollection, a strange urge to be close to Mia surged within me, mingling with uncertainty.

The next morning, I woke up with a rush of urgency. I needed clarity on where Mia and I stood. I texted her, suggesting we meet by the old oak tree, our favorite spot. The idea excited and terrified me—perhaps this would finally be the turning point I craved.

It was late afternoon as I trudged toward the oak. The scents of earth and leaves enveloped me, warming my spirit. There she sat on a blanket spread beneath the tree, sketchbook in her lap. My heart lunged at the sight of her, sunlight dancing through her hair, illuminating her face. Her eyes sparkled as she looked up.

"Hey!" she said, waving me over.

"Hey," I managed, trying to keep my voice steady. "Thanks for coming."

"No problem at all," she said, her smile tinged with a hint of nervousness, an echo of our unspoken words hanging in the air.

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, listening to the leaves rustle in the breeze and laughter from town. Finally, I breathed in, breaking the stillness.