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𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗪 chapter two
Throughout the week, Allison Argent quickly became a constant presence in Celeste's life, like a star that had drifted into orbit, unexpectedly brightening her world. At lunch, Allison would join Celeste and Lydia, settling in with the ease of someone who felt like she was meant to be there all along. Celeste marveled at how effortlessly Allison fit into their group, her quick wit and thoughtful kindness blending seamlessly with Lydia's charm and Celeste's warmth. Allison wasn't just another girl passing through Beacon Hills; she had a depth to her, a way of observing things as if she held a quiet wisdom she wasn't ready to share just yet. In the classrooms they shared, Celeste found herself drawn to Allison's attentive expression, the way her gaze softened as she absorbed the world around her. And it struck her one afternoon, amidst the laughter and easy conversation—they were all changing, shaped by each other in ways none of them could fully grasp. Celeste felt it in her bones: Allison was going to be someone who would shape her life profoundly, altering the course of her days in ways she didn't yet understand.
Allison's presence added an unspoken strength to Celeste's days, a reminder that maybe, despite the secrets and shadows of Beacon Hills, there was room for friendship, room for new beginnings. By Friday, as the promise of Lydia's party loomed closer, Celeste was practically buzzing with excitement. She'd picked her outfit days before, running through accessories and little details with the kind of anticipation that only seemed possible in high school. Arriving at Lydia's early, she helped with the final touches, adjusting the lights, arranging snacks, and making sure everything looked effortlessly perfect. She couldn't help but feel a thrill at the growing energy in the room, the thrill of something wonderful about to unfold.
The house began to fill as people arrived, their laughter and chatter blending into a vibrant hum. Danny was already there, a fact that comforted Celeste more than she'd admit—she liked Danny. As Jackson's friend, he was one of the few people she could count on to keep the mood light and the evening flowing. Celeste found herself perched on a stool by the kitchen island, a red plastic cup resting in front of her as she joined a lively conversation with a group of people around her. She leaned back, laughing, her attention drifting from face to face when suddenly, someone bumped into her from behind. Her cup tipped, the contents spilling across the island in a red splash.
"Oh my god—ohhhh my god, I am so, so sorry!" came a frantic voice. "I'll get you a new one, I swear!"
Celeste turned to see Stiles Stilinski, his face a mask of panic as he looked from her to the spilled drink, grabbing paper towels with desperate haste. Amused, Celeste let out a laugh and placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "It's okay, Stiles," she said gently, her touch lingering a moment longer than necessary. He froze under her hand, his eyes going wide as if he couldn't quite believe what was happening.
