When friendship blossoms into love, but ego and pride get in the way, two souls must navigate the delicate balance between heartache and longing. Can they find their way back to each other, or will pain be the only constant?
I jolted awake, tossing and turning, as someone called my name in my sleep. Hands grasped my shoulders, and I screamed, "Noooo!" My mother's concerned voice pierced through my panic, "It's okay, honey, you're just having a bad dream." I blinked repeatedly, my chest tightening, each beat pounding in my ears. "Mom," I whispered, my words trembling, as I hugged her tight. Her warmth enveloped me, calming my racing heart. She pulled back and cupped my face with both her hands. "Emily, ever since you arrived here, you've been having nightmares. Do you want to tell me what's going on, sweetheart?"
I fumble with my sheets, without avoiding her gaze, 'Uh, it's nothing, Mom. Just this horror movie I watched; I can't get it out of my head somehow.' She sighs, her exasperation evident. "I told you to stop watching these kinds of movies, Emily. I don't know what's with this obsession of yours, really." She gets up and leaves my room before I can defend myself.
As I hug myself, I glance around my room – the one space my dad's been urging me to renovate, since it's the only room in the house that remains unchanged. But I love it just the way it is. My white bookshelf stands by the wall, filled with romantic novels and fiction. The bedroom walls are painted in soothing shades of grey, with a crisp white ceiling and warm downlights. My white desk sits by the window, laptop open, papers scattered beside it. The grey fluffy carpet and my bed, adorned with white bedding, create a cozy sanctuary.
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I slip out of bed, feeling revitalized after taking in my cozy surroundings. A refreshing shower and brushing my teeth later, I stand before my closet, pondering what to wear for my shopping trip with Lydia, my lively little sister, still in high school. Just as I'm deliberating, my bedroom door swings open, revealing Lydia's energetic presence. Her stubbornness and occasional annoyance are traits I adore; she's remarkably kind, understanding, and supportive for a 17-year-old.
"Come on, are you done?" she asks, plopping onto my bed. "I want breakfast at Lewis's before shopping, and you're paying!" I feign defeat, thinking, Ever heard of knocking, little worm? I playfully tug her leg; she teeters on the edge of my bed. Our eyes meet, and we erupt into warm, loving laughter, and compassion.
"Almost done, little worm," I say, finishing my look with light makeup and a swipe of lip gloss. My outfit's complete: blue jeans, a bold red fish-tail cropped top, and crisp white Nike Air Force sneakers. I tie my hair back in a ponytail and strike a pose, sashaying out of the closet. Lydia giggles, enthralled by my dramatic flair.
"Your turn!" I exclaim, and Lydia joins in, twirling and strutting alongside me. Together, we create an impromptu catwalk, our laughter and playful energy filling the room. Our silly fashion show is the perfect prelude to our shopping adventure.
We walked downstairs hand-in-hand, the enticing aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee filling the air. In the kitchen, Mom busied herself setting the table for her and Dad, a warm smile spreading across her face as we entered. "And what are you girls up to today?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. Lydia clapped her hands like a child with a lollipop, "My beautiful sister is taking me out for breakfast, then shopping!" Mom chuckled, patting me on the shoulder, "Well, I'll be praying for her bank balance." I grinned at Lydia's infectious excitement. "Mom, where's Dad? He's usually up by now," I asked, noticing the unusual silence from his side of the house. Mom's expression softened, "He came in late last night, so I let him sleep in. He needs the rest." Her gentle tone and loving gaze spoke volumes about their enduring love.
We exchanged tender pecks on Mom's cheeks and bid her farewell before heading out to my car. The short drive to Lewis's Breakfast Brunch flew by, and upon arrival, the enticing aromas of warm cinnamon rolls and freshly brewed cappuccino enveloped us. I couldn't help but let out a soft "Mmmm" as we stepped inside. Lewis, with his distinguished dark hair flecked with subtle hints of gray, greeted us with a warm smile. His fit physique, honed from years in the kitchen, looked particularly dashing in his crisp chef's uniform. Though in his early fifties, Lewis exuded a youthful energy, his bright eyes sparkling with warmth.
"Ah, look who's here! How are my favorite girls doing?" Lewis exclaimed, showering us with hugs and gentle pecks on the cheek. His rugged, yet refined features, spoke to a life well-lived, and his chef's coat seemed tailored to accentuate his broad shoulders. We beamed with delight, feeling welcomed and at ease. He escorted us to our cherished table by the window, where the sunlight cast a golden glow. "The usual, ladies?" he asked, his eyes twinkling. I nodded affirmatively, smiling. As Lewis headed to the kitchen, we settled in, chatting and enjoying the cozy ambiance.
"Hey, how's school going?" I asked Lydia, who gazed out the window before turning back to me with a mix of excitement and melancholy.
"School's great. I'm still top of my class, and Dad's thrilled," she said, her smile tinged with sadness.
I reached for her hand, concern etched on my face. "Are you happy, little worm?"
Lydia's cheeks flushed. "Yeah, I met someone at the library a few weeks ago."
My eyes widened. "Oh my goodness, do you like him?"
She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I like him a lot, but I'm not sure he feels the same. Besides, he's leaving in a few days, so it doesn't matter."
I gently lifted her chin, meeting her gaze. "It doesn't matter if he's leaving. If he feels the same way, he'll make time to come back. Put on your big girl pants and tell him how you feel."
Lydia's eyes sparkled with determination. "Really? You think so?"
"Absolutely!" I said with conviction. "Who wouldn't love you? Have you seen yourself? You're amazing! You got this, girl!"
Lewis arrived with our breakfast, his warm smile inviting. "Here you go, girls! Enjoy, and if you need anything else, just send one of the waiters to get me." With that, he headed back to the kitchen.
We dug into our delicious breakfast, the cinnamon rolls heavenly. I couldn't help but moan in delight. "Mmmm..." Lydia giggled, and I caught the attention of nearby diners, who smiled at my enthusiasm.
"Sorry," I whispered, grinning at Lydia, "these rolls are just that good!"
Lydia chuckled, shaking her head. "You're so dramatic, but I agree, they're amazing."
We savored our breakfast, lost in the cozy atmosphere and each other's company.
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As Lydia and I chatted, my phone beeped, interrupting our conversation. I hesitated briefly before curiosity got the better of me, and I rummaged through my bag for my phone.
My eyes scanned the screen, and a warm smile spread across my face as I read the text message. Lydia noticed my expression and asked, "Everything okay?"
I nodded, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Yeah, it's just someone special," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.
Lydia's eyes sparkled with interest. "Ooh, spill the beans! Who is it?" she pressed, her curiosity piqued.
I chuckled, deciding how much to reveal. "Maybe later, little worm."
