Threads of Hope

Chapter 4: The Bottle's Choice

Natalie and Nova stood in the empty hallway, the air still and quiet as they walked past the extra classrooms designated for clubs. With the club finally approved, it was time to pick a space—somewhere they could make their own. The excitement buzzed between them, though the awkward tension from their shared kiss still lingered, unspoken. They didn't dare acknowledge it, both determined to act as though nothing had changed.

"We should look for something cozy," Nova suggested, peeking into one of the rooms. "Not too big, not too small. Somewhere we can really make it our space."

Natalie nodded, walking beside her and glancing into each room they passed. The options ranged from stuffy, cramped rooms to ones that were way too large for their modest club. Finally, they stopped in front of a room that seemed perfect. It wasn't super big, but it wasn't too small either. The space felt right.

"This one," Natalie said, pushing the door open and stepping inside. The light from the window spilled into the room, making it feel warmer than the others. "I think this could work."

Nova looked around, her lips curving into a smile. "Yeah, I like it. It's got potential."

For the next week, they and their friends—Gracie, Aaden, Casper, Silv, Jaydon, and Shy—spent their lunch breaks getting the room ready. They gathered supplies and decor from the supermarket, bringing in posters, bean bags, and anything else they thought would make the space feel inviting. It was a mix of fun and hard work, but by the end of the week, the room looked great. It was cozy, colorful, and felt like a safe haven where their club could thrive.

After everything was set up, they printed out fliers and spent their free time putting them up around the school. In about two weeks, on a Wednesday, they'd be holding their first official meeting. The anticipation was building, but that first Wednesday was still a bit away.

Later that weekend, Mashayla—a friend they didn't hang out with often—was throwing a huge party. Half the school was showing up, and it felt like a good way to blow off some steam after all the work they'd been doing for the club. Natalie, Nova, and their crew all decided to go, even though parties weren't really Natalie's thing.

As soon as they arrived, the house was packed with people. Music blared from the speakers, and the scent of alcohol and weed filled the air. It wasn't long before the games began—typical party stuff, like beer pong and flip cup. But when someone suggested spin the bottle, things got a little wild.

Most of the kids were drunk or high, including Nova, who was stoned and just a little tipsy. Natalie, on the other hand, had only taken a few hits from someone's vape and was mostly sober. As the game of spin the bottle started, the room filled with laughter and nervous energy. People kissed, some longer than others, but it was all in good fun.

Then, after about 20 minutes, it was Nova's turn. She spun the bottle, her eyes half-lidded from the weed. The bottle spun in slow, lazy circles before finally landing on Natalie.

Natalie's breath caught in her throat. They both froze for a second, eyes wide with surprise and flushed cheeks. A nervous giggle escaped Nova as the group egged them on.

"Come on, just kiss already!" someone yelled.

With no way out, Natalie and Nova leaned in cautiously, their lips meeting in a small, quick peck. It was innocent, but the room wasn't having it.

"Deeper!" someone shouted. "Kiss for real!"

The chanting began, and after a few moments of hesitation, Natalie and Nova gave in to the pressure. They leaned in again, this time for a longer, more intense kiss. The world around them seemed to fade as their lips moved together. It started as just a kiss, but the heat between them rose. Before Natalie could even think, their kiss deepened, and their tongues brushed against each other for a brief moment. That electric sensation sent a shock through both of them, and they quickly pulled away, startled by how intense it had gotten.

The room cheered, but Natalie and Nova were left flushed and nervous, unsure of what had just happened between them. The game continued, but they couldn't focus anymore.

After about ten more minutes, the group got bored and broke off to talk and hang out. Natalie and Nova didn't say much to each other, still reeling from their kiss, though neither wanted to admit it out loud. The rest of the night passed in a blur of conversation and laughter until finally, people began to head home.

Natalie noticed Nova was too high and drunk to get home on her own. Without hesitation, she offered to take her. They said their goodbyes to the group, and Natalie helped Nova out of the house and down the street.

"You're the best, Nat," Nova slurred, leaning heavily on her as they walked. "Seriously, don't know what I'd do without you."

Natalie smiled, but her mind was spinning. What had that kiss meant? Why did it feel so different?

When they finally got to Nova's place, Natalie made sure she was safe inside, leaving her propped up with a glass of water before heading home herself. She sneaked through her bedroom window, careful not to wake her dad, and fell onto her bed, her mind still racing from the night.

As she dozed off, all she could think about was Nova—her lips, her smile, and the kiss that changed everything.

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