Twisted Fates

Chaos

Athena arrived late that afternoon, her bright, familiar face instantly lifting my spirits. She was always like a whirlwind of energy, and I needed that right now.

"Okay, spill," she said as she kicked off her boots and plopped onto the couch next to me. "Why do you look like you've been hit by a truck?"

I didn't know where to start. The feelings swirling around inside me were all over the place. I hugged my knees to my chest, staring down at the floor.

"I... I don't know what's going on with me, Athena," I admitted, my voice small. "I've been spending so much time with Ethan lately, and I feel like I should be happy. He's sweet, and we get along, but..."

"You're still thinking about Noah," she finished for me, her voice gentle but knowing.

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I don't want to, but I can't stop. Every time I think I'm moving on, something happens that brings me right back to him."

Athena sighed, pulling me into a hug. "I get it, Sof. He was a huge part of your life, and you can't just turn off those feelings. But it's okay to feel confused. You're allowed to take your time."

I rested my head on her shoulder, feeling the comfort of her presence. "I don't know what to do. I like Ethan, I do, but when I'm with Noah, it's like the world stops and all I can think about is him."

"I think you need to give yourself permission to just... feel it all. Don't rush into anything with anyone, okay?" Athena said softly. "Take a step back and figure out what you really want."

I nodded, appreciating her words more than she knew.

Later, Athena and I decided to leave the apartment for the afternoon. She insisted on a girls' day to get my mind off things, so we went shopping, grabbed some lunch, and even hit a few spots I'd been meaning to check out in town.

Of course, like always, Noah had to show up when we least expected it.

We were walking down the street when we saw him, looking all too perfect in a puffer jacket and jeans, standing outside a coffee shop. Athena rolled her eyes as soon as she spotted him.

"You're kidding, right?" she muttered.

I tried to act nonchalant. "Just ignore him."

But of course, Noah had other plans. He caught sight of us and walked over, that usual confident smirk on his face. "What are you two doing here? Lost without me?"

Athena snorted. "Please, Noah. You're the last person I'd need directions from."

Noah raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Still got that fire, huh? I like it."

I could feel Athena's tension building, so I quickly cut in. "We're just out having a day, Noah. Let's not make it a thing."

"I'm not trying to make anything a thing," he said with a shrug. "Just saying hi. Haven't seen you in a while, Sofia."

I gave him a tight smile. "Yeah, I'm sure you've been busy."

Athena was clearly getting impatient. "Well, it's nice seeing you, Noah, but we have other things to do. You've got your groupies to hang out with, right?"

Noah looked like he was about to say something back, but I put a hand on Athena's arm, giving her a warning look. "Let's go, okay?"

Athena gave him one last glare before we walked off, but not without muttering under her breath, "Still the same Noah."

We didn't stay out long. Athena had to head out early for a runway show, but before she left, she hugged me tight. "I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer. But you know I'll be back tomorrow, right?"

"Yeah, thanks for coming," I said, managing a small smile. "I needed you today."

She winked. "That's what best friends are for. Call me if you need anything. I mean it."

After Athena left, I found myself feeling strangely  alone again. The weight of everything was hitting me hard.

Later that evening, I heard a knock at my door. My heart stopped when I saw Noah standing there, looking... disheveled. His usually perfect hair was a mess, and his eyes were bloodshot.

"I need to talk to you," he slurred, leaning against the doorframe for support.

I frowned. "Noah, you're drunk."

"I know," he said, his voice unsteady. "But I don't care. I've got stuff to say."

I sighed, not knowing what to do. "Come inside, but you need to calm down. I'll help you get back to your apartment."

He stumbled in, leaning heavily on me as I helped him sit down on the couch.

"I've made a lot of mistakes, Sofia," he mumbled, looking up at me with an intensity I wasn't ready for. "I know I hurt you. And I'm sorry. I've always been sorry. I just... I didn't know what I was doing. I was trying to protect you from me, but now I see that was a mistake too."

I felt my chest tighten. "Noah, this isn't the time."

He reached for my hand, holding it tightly. "I've never stopped thinking about you. And it's killing me. I hate this. I hate that I pushed you away. I hate seeing you with someone else."

His words made my heart ache, but I couldn't let myself fall for it again. Not after everything that happened.

I gently pulled my hand away. "You don't get to do this, Noah. You don't get to come back into my life just because you're drunk and feeling guilty."

He looked hurt, but I wasn't going to give in.

"I'm not your backup plan," I said, standing up. "You made your choice. You hurt me, and I'm not going to let you do it again."

I helped him to his feet. "Let me take you back to your apartment. You need to sleep this off."

On my way out, I bumped into Ethan in the hallway. He stopped when he saw me, concern crossing his face. "Sofia, are you okay?"

I sighed, rubbing my forehead. "Noah just... he came by. He's drunk, and he said some things."

Ethan's expression softened. "Do you need me to stay?"

I shook my head. "I'm okay now. He's gone."

Ethan stepped closer, his hand brushing against mine. "I'm here if you need me, you know that."

"I know," I said, and suddenly, the quiet of the night felt heavier.

We stood there for a moment, and then, without thinking, Ethan leaned in and kissed me.

It was soft, gentle, but there was a spark of something that I couldn't ignore. Still, as our lips parted, all I could think about was Noah. How he kissed me, how it felt like everything in the world stopped when he did.

I pulled away, feeling confused. "I don't know what this is," I said softly.

Ethan nodded, his face understanding. "It's okay. Take your time. Just... don't let anyone rush you into anything."

I smiled faintly. "Thanks, Ethan. I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize. I'll see you soon."

As I closed the door behind me, I stood in the silence of my apartment, my mind racing. I wanted to feel what I felt with Noah when I was with Ethan. But the truth was, nothing felt the same.

And it terrified me.