Unwritten Chemistry

Wake up

Malia's POV

The room feels even quieter than usual as Kylie and I sit across from Anne. I'm here because Kylie asked me to be, and I want to support her, but there's an underlying tension in the air that has my nerves on edge. I know today is going to be difficult, but I'm ready. She's already opened up to me, shared so many parts of herself that I never knew before, and that vulnerability—it makes me want to protect her even more fiercely.

Anne looks between us, giving Kylie a reassuring nod.

- Kylie, thank you for bringing Malia today. It takes courage to invite someone else into this space, especially when it's someone you care about deeply.

Kylie shifts in her seat, a mixture of nervousness and determination in her expression.

- I... I'm ready for her to know everything. - She says, her voice barely above a whisper. - I want her to understand why... why things are the way they are.

I reach for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, hoping she feels that I'm right here with her, that she doesn't have to do this alone.

- I'm here. - I whisper, trying to convey all my love, my support, in those two words.

Anne begins, her voice calm but guiding,

- Kylie, you've already opened up about a lot in our sessions together. We can take this at your pace, okay? Whatever you feel comfortable sharing with Malia, we're here to listen.

Kylie takes a deep breath, her fingers tightening around mine as she starts to speak.

- Malia, I know... I know I've told you a lot already. About how things were when I was younger, and the things I went through, but... I just, I want you to understand how much it still affects me. Even if it's not in the same way, it... it's like this weight that never fully goes away.

Her words hit me hard, a reminder of the strength it must have taken for her to carry this burden on her own for so long. I nod, swallowing back the lump in my throat.

- I'm here for everything, Kylie. All of it.

Anne looks at me, her gaze understanding.

- Malia, it's normal to feel overwhelmed when someone we love shares something so personal. You don't have to have all the answers; just being here and listening means more than you might realize.

I nod, my fingers brushing over Kylie's hand, grounding us both.

- I just... I want to help.

Kylie's eyes flicker with something vulnerable, almost fragile, as she glances at me.

- I'm so scared of losing you. - She admits, her voice thick. - It's like... like I'm always waiting for something bad to happen. Like I don't deserve to be happy.

Her words cut through me, and I want nothing more than to pull her close, to tell her a thousand times over that I'm not going anywhere. But I let her speak, sensing that she needs to get this out in her own way.

Anne gives her a soft smile.

- Kylie, it's common to feel like that when you've been through trauma—like any moment of happiness could disappear. But recognizing it, acknowledging it, is a powerful first step. You're starting to separate the past from the present.

Kylie's gaze is fixed on her hands, but I can see the wheels turning in her mind.

- It's just... hard. I know Malia loves me, but sometimes I feel like... like I'm too much. Like my issues will eventually drive her away.