More Than Friends

Chapter 26: Movin' Forward

The decision to go back to school wasn't somethin' Nicole made lightly, but once she committed, it felt right. She had spent too long bein' scared, too long lettin' what happened with Keon hold her back. Now, it was time to take control of her life again and do somethin' that was just for her.

Devin had been her biggest supporter through it all. He was there when she signed up for classes, helpin' her pick out what she needed. He encouraged her when she started doubtin' herself, remindin' her of all the strength she already had inside.

One afternoon, Nicole sat at the kitchen table, scrollin' through the registration page for her classes. The idea of goin' back to school was excitin', but also a little scary. It had been a while since she'd been in that environment, and a part of her wondered if she could handle it after everything she'd been through.

Devin walked in, leanin' over her shoulder to look at the screen. "You got it all figured out?"

Nicole nodded, though her fingers hovered over the mouse. "Yeah, I think so. It's just...kinda overwhelmin', you know?"

Devin smiled, his hand restin' on her shoulder. "You got this, Nic. Ain't nothin' you can't handle. You been through way worse."

Nicole smiled, feelin' the reassurance in his words. "You always know what to say, don't you?"

"Just speakin' the truth," Devin chuckled, pullin' out a chair next to her. "I'm proud of you, though. Takin' this step ain't easy, but you doin' it."

Nicole felt her heart warm at his words. She clicked the "submit" button and leaned back in her chair, lettin' out a breath she didn't realize she was holdin'. "That's it. I'm officially registered."

Devin grinned, his eyes full of pride. "Look at you, about to take over the world."

Nicole laughed, feelin' lighter than she had in weeks. It felt good to take this step forward, to focus on somethin' that was just for her future.

A Few Weeks Later

Nicole's first day back in class was a whirlwind. She felt nervous, her stomach tight as she walked into the classroom, but by the end of the day, she was proud of herself. She had done it—taken that leap she had been so scared to make. And it felt good.

That night, she came home to Devin's place, still livin' there while she got her head straight. He was waitin' for her, leanin' against the counter with a small smile when she walked in.

"How was it?" he asked, his voice full of curiosity.

Nicole dropped her bag by the door, feelin' a smile spread across her face. "It was good. Nerve-wrackin', but good. I think I'm gon' like it."

Devin's smile grew. "Knew you would. You always had that in you, Nic. Just needed to give yourself the chance."

Nicole walked over to him, feelin' a wave of emotion. He had been there through all of it—the good, the bad, the ugly. And now, as she started this new chapter, she realized just how much she wanted him to be a part of all of it.

"You know, I couldn't have done this without you," Nicole said softly, her eyes meetin' his.

Devin reached out, pullin' her close. "You could've, Nic. You just ain't see it. But I'm glad I was here with you."

Nicole wrapped her arms around him, restin' her head against his chest. "I don't want it any other way, Dev. I don't know where I'd be if you weren't in my corner."

Devin kissed the top of her head, his voice low. "Ain't never gonna be anywhere but here, Nic. You and me? We in this for the long run."

Nicole's heart swelled at his words, feelin' the truth in them. They had been through so much together, and now, on the other side of it, she knew this was where she wanted to be. Devin wasn't just her best friend anymore—he was her partner, her everything.

Later That Night

They sat on the couch together, the TV playin' quietly in the background as Nicole leaned into Devin's side. She felt at peace for the first time in a long while, the chaos of the past few months slowly fadin' into the background.

"You ever think about what's next for us?" Nicole asked, her voice soft but curious.

Devin looked down at her, his hand playin' with her hair. "What you mean?"

"I mean...now that we're together, really together. What do you want for the future?"

Devin smiled, his eyes soft as he looked at her. "I want what we got right now. You, me, supportin' each other, buildin' somethin' real. But if you talkin' long-term? I want it all, Nic. Family, home, everything."

Nicole's heart skipped a beat at his words. The thought of a future with Devin—a real future—was somethin' she had been thinkin' about too. But hearin' him say it? It made her believe it could really happen.

"I want that too," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "I never thought I'd find somethin' like this, but now that I have, I don't wanna let it go."

Devin's hand found hers, squeezin' it gently. "We ain't lettin' it go. We just gettin' started."

Nicole smiled, feelin' her heart full. She knew the road ahead wouldn't always be easy, but with Devin by her side, she wasn't scared. They had been through the worst and came out stronger for it.

And now? Now they had a future to look forward to, together.