Southern Charm | wlw

9

As Aspen and Chloe stumbled into their dorm room, the door swung open with a creak that echoed through the quiet hallway. The faint scent of lavender wafted from the diffuser Maya had left running, a stark contrast to the buzz of excitement that still clung to Aspen and Chloe. But the moment they stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted.

Maya sat cross-legged on her bed, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She wore an expression that was a mixture of frustration and disappointment, her usual warmth replaced by an icy glare. "Seriously, Aspen? You're drunk again," she said, her voice laced with disapproval.

Aspen blinked, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over her. "Maya! It's just a little fun. Chill out," she slurred, leaning against the doorframe for support. "It's college!"

Chloe, still riding the high of the night, attempted to intervene. "Come on, Maya. We had an amazing time! You should have joined us. We snuck into a bar like real rebels!"

Maya shot her a glare, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "Is that supposed to be a brag? You both are going to get in serious trouble if you keep this up!"

Aspen tried to walk towards Maya, but her legs wobbled slightly. "Hey, it's not like I'm hurting anyone. Just a couple of drinks!" she defended, raising her hands in a half-hearted gesture. "And it's not like I'm the only one having fun, right, Chloe?"

"Right!" Chloe chimed in, her excitement still bubbling. "We were just—"

But Maya cut her off. "You're supposed to look out for each other, not encourage this behavior! Aspen, you need to know when to stop. You can't just keep drinking your problems away!"

Aspen felt a jolt of irritation surge through her, mixing with the alcohol coursing through her veins. "You're acting like I'm some kind of child! I can handle it, Maya!" she shot back, her voice rising. "I'm having a good time, and you're ruining it with your judgment!"

Chloe stood between them, her expression torn as she glanced from Aspen to Maya. "Guys, come on. It's just one night. We're all friends here. No need to argue!"

Maya stood up, shaking her head in disbelief. "You two are acting like you're invincible. Newsflash: You're not! You're going to regret this behavior. And I'm the one who ends up having to deal with it!"

Aspen's head spun with confusion and anger. "Why do you care so much?" she snapped, her words slurring together. "I'm fine! Just because I'm having fun doesn't mean I need to be babysat!"

"I care because I'm your friend!" Maya shot back, her voice rising. "I thought you wanted this to be a good experience! You're not going to make it through college like this, Aspen."

"Maybe I don't need you telling me how to live my life!" Aspen exclaimed, the frustration bubbling over as she stumbled slightly, catching herself on the edge of the bed.

Maya stepped back, visibly hurt, her brow furrowing as she glanced at Aspen. "Because I care about you! If something happened to you, I wouldn't forgive myself!" Her tone softened for a moment, revealing a vulnerability beneath her frustration.

Aspen took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I didn't mean it like that," she mumbled, her voice softer now. "I just want to enjoy college, you know?"

Chloe glanced at Maya, who was shaking her head, clearly upset. "Aspen, we get it, but there are healthier ways to enjoy it. This isn't the answer."

Maya's gaze lingered on Aspen, and for a brief moment, her expression softened. "You're more than just a party girl, Aspen. You're brilliant and talented, and I want you to see that in yourself. It just... it hurts to watch you throw it away."

A heavy silence fell over the room, tension thick enough to cut. Aspen looked at both girls, the weight of their expectations pressing down on her. She felt cornered, and the anger began to dissipate, replaced by a hollow sensation.

"Maybe I'll just... go to bed," Aspen finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. She felt the heat of embarrassment creeping up her cheeks as she turned away from them.

Chloe looked at her, concern etched on her face. "Are you sure you're okay? We can talk about this."

But Aspen shook her head, her vision blurring as she walked toward her bed. "I just need some space right now."

As she climbed under the covers, she felt a mix of regret and defiance swirl within her. The night had started as an adventure, and now it felt like a battlefield. She could hear Maya and Chloe whispering just outside the door, their voices low but tinged with concern.

"Why do I even care?" Maya's voice cut through the silence. "It's not like it's my life on the line."

In the dim light of the room, Aspen closed her eyes, hoping sleep would bring some clarity. But as she drifted into a restless slumber, she couldn't shake the feeling that things were changing between them. Would they still be able to navigate this friendship—or had she already crossed a line that could never be uncrossed?

Outside her door, the quiet continued, but the unspoken words hung in the air, an uninvited guest lurking in the shadows of their friendship, waiting to reveal itself when the time was right.

~

In her dream, Aspen found herself at the edge of a serene lake, the water shimmering under the soft glow of a full moon. The night was still, with only the gentle lapping of waves against the shore breaking the silence. She stood barefoot on the cool grass, feeling an inexplicable pull toward the water.

As she stepped closer, the surface of the lake began to ripple, and from the depths emerged the mystery girl. Her long hair floated around her like strands of silk, glimmering in shades of midnight blue. She wore a flowing white dress that danced with the water, giving her an ethereal quality. Aspen felt her breath catch at the sight of her.

The girl smiled softly, her hazel eyes sparkling like stars. "You found me," she said, her voice melodic and soothing. Aspen couldn't help but feel drawn to her, a warmth spreading through her chest.

"Who are you?" Aspen asked, curiosity mingling with an overwhelming sense of familiarity.

"I'm the part of you that seeks adventure," the girl replied, stepping onto the shore with a grace that seemed otherworldly. "You have the courage to chase your dreams, Aspen. Don't forget that."

Aspen felt a surge of confidence, but just as she reached out to touch the girl's hand, the scene shifted. The serene lake morphed into a bustling carnival, vibrant lights flashing all around. Laughter filled the air, and the smell of popcorn wafted through the night. The girl was still there, but now she was standing just beyond the carnival's entrance, beckoning Aspen to join her.

"Come on!" the girl urged, her voice playful. "There's so much to see!"

Aspen rushed toward her, but as she ran, the crowd thickened, people bumping into her, faces turning unfamiliar. She called out to the girl, but the sound of the carnival drowned her voice. Just as she broke free from the throng, she saw the girl slip into the shadows, her figure fading away.

"Wait!" Aspen shouted, but the girl was gone, leaving only the echo of her laughter lingering in the night air. Aspen felt a pang of loss as the carnival lights flickered, and she was left standing alone in the darkness, the dream slipping away like smoke through her fingers. With a start, Aspen awoke, the warmth of the girl's presence still lingering in her heart, and an unshakeable sense of longing filling her mind.