From Friends to Forever

Chapter 6: Advice From Lily

The next morning, Ava sat at her kitchen table, the events of last night replaying in her mind like a movie on repeat. Ethan's reassurance had been exactly what she'd needed, a balm that soothed the insecurities she hadn't even realized were so close to the surface. Yet, a part of her still struggled with the idea of Cassie. Was her jealousy simply the product of her own fears, or did it hint at something deeper?

She was pondering this when her phone buzzed with a message from Lily.

Lily: Brunch today? My treat!

Ava smiled, feeling a rush of gratitude for her younger sister's impeccable timing. Whenever life got complicated, Lily was always there with coffee and advice, ready to play the role of Ava's own personal cheerleader. She quickly typed a reply.

Ava: Definitely! Usual spot?

An hour later, Ava found herself in a cozy corner booth at their favorite brunch cafe, a steaming latte in front of her. She glanced up as Lily slid into the seat across from her, her sister's face lighting up with a grin.

"So, spill," Lily said, without preamble, setting her coffee down and leaning forward. "I know that look. Something's up."

Ava sighed, trying to gather her thoughts. "It's...Ethan."

Lily raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Finally. Took you two long enough to admit you're meant to be together."

Ava rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but smile. "It's not that simple. There's this...complication. Her name is Cassie."

Lily tilted her head, intrigued. "Cassie? Ex-girlfriend Cassie?"

"Yep. She's back in town, and Ethan's been spending a lot of time with her. He swears they're just friends, and I believe him...but it's hard. She's part of his past in a way I'll never be, and that makes me feel...insecure, I guess."

Lily studied her sister for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "Ava, you've been close to Ethan for, what, a decade? He's known Cassie for a few years at most. Their connection may be part of his past, but what you two have now—that's something she can't compete with."

Ava looked down at her coffee, her sister's words hitting close to home. "You're right. I know that. But sometimes it just feels like I'm...not enough."

Lily reached across the table, squeezing Ava's hand. "Ava, I don't think I've ever seen Ethan look at anyone the way he looks at you. You're not just a part of his life—you're the heart of it."

Ava felt her eyes sting, a mixture of relief and embarrassment filling her. "Why is it so easy for you to say things like that? I wish I could just feel that way without questioning it all the time."

"Because I'm not afraid of my own feelings," Lily said gently. "And I know you, Ava. You've always been scared to let yourself be vulnerable, even with someone who's as safe as Ethan. This isn't about Cassie—it's about you and your fear of what might happen if you actually give in to this."

The truth of Lily's words settled over her, undeniable and raw. She had been afraid, hiding behind the safety of their friendship, building walls around her heart to protect herself. But now, with those walls beginning to crumble, she found herself terrified of what lay beyond.

"What if I mess this up?" Ava whispered, her voice barely audible. "What if I lose him?"

Lily shook her head, her expression filled with compassion. "Ava, you're forgetting that love is a risk. But it's a risk worth taking. And if anyone can handle the ups and downs of a relationship with you, it's Ethan. He's proven that time and time again, hasn't he?"