Between Faith and Love

mutually attached

A couple of hours later, the community service event wrapped up, and the group began to gather their things, satisfied with the day’s work. March felt a sense of accomplishment as she helped pack up the remaining supplies, but there was also an undercurrent of anticipation as she glanced over at Zephaniah, who was chatting with her parents.

Just as they were about to leave, Zephaniah suddenly turned to March, a bright smile lighting up her face. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around March in a warm hug. March was taken by surprise but quickly melted into the embrace, feeling Zephaniah’s warmth envelop her. The hug lingered, feeling both comforting and electric at the same time.

For a moment, all the noise of the bustling community center faded away, and it was just the two of them, holding on to each other as if the world outside didn’t exist. March's heart raced, and she could feel the affection radiating between them.

“Thanks for today,” Zephaniah whispered, her voice soft against March’s shoulder. “I’m really glad you came.”

Before March could respond, both Zephaniah’s mom and March’s aunt called out to them, breaking the moment. “Time to head home, girls!” Lila’s mom said, and March’s aunt nodded in agreement.

Reluctantly, they stepped back from the embrace, the warmth lingering in the air between them. As they turned to leave, March and Lila caught each other's gaze, their eyes locking for a heartbeat longer than usual. In that silent exchange, a myriad of emotions passed between them—understanding, longing, and a hint of something deeper that neither dared to voice.

As they departed, March felt a flutter in her chest, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. She couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something special, and as she walked away, she couldn’t help but glance back at Lila, who was watching her with a smile that made her heart race.

As Zephaniah and her mother approached the car, the atmosphere was filled with a mixture of excitement and lingering warmth from the day’s activities. Zephaniah settled into the front passenger seat beside her mom, a content smile still dancing on her lips from her time with March.

Once they were buckled in and driving away from the community center, Zephaniah's mother stole a glance at her daughter, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “You had a great time today, didn’t you?” she began, keeping her tone light and casual.

“Yeah, it was really fun! March is great to be around,” Lila replied, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Her mother nodded, but then she added, “You know, it’s wonderful to have friends, especially ones who share your values. But it’s also important to remember the kind of friendship you want.”

Zephaniah turned to her mother, intrigued but slightly confused. “What do you mean?”

“Well,” her mom said, choosing her words carefully, “I was just thinking about some friends I knew back in the day. They started off really close, but sometimes those friendships can become complicated. You have to make sure you’re on the same page.”

Zephaniah felt a slight tension creeping into the air. “Are you talking about me and March?” she asked, unable to hide her curiosity.

“Not at all, sweetie!” her mom replied, raising her hands as if to defuse the moment. “I’m just saying that sometimes friendships can evolve in unexpected ways. It’s best to stay grounded and focused on what really matters, like your studies and the community.”

Zephaniah felt her heart sink slightly. She didn’t want to think about friendship boundaries with March; she cherished the connection they had built. “I understand,” she said softly, trying to keep her voice steady. “But March and I are just friends… for now.”