Tides of grace

Turning the page

It had been a few days since her heart-to-heart with Sarah, and although things between them hadn't fully healed, there was a sense of understanding now that hadn't been there before. Grace was still walking a tightrope, trying to balance her emotions with the dynamics of the group, but at least Sarah wasn't cold toward her anymore.

Still, there was something in the air that didn't sit right. Kiara had remained distant, and Grace couldn't help but feel like something had shifted between them. Kiara had always been one of the first to include Grace in things, but lately, the girl seemed to avoid her like the plague.

One afternoon, as they were heading to the beach for a quick surf session, Grace found herself walking beside Kiara. She tried to keep the conversation light, but Kiara was silent, eyes focused on the sand ahead of her.

Grace hesitated before speaking. "Kiara, can we talk?"

Kiara stopped walking, her expression tight. "About what?"

Grace took a deep breath. She had no idea where to start, but she had to try. "About... everything. About how you've been acting lately. You've been kind of distant, and I don't want to make things weird between us. I really value our friendship."

Kiara didn't answer right away, but finally, she spoke, her voice guarded. "It's just hard, Grace. It's hard to watch you with the guys. It's not like I don't like you-honestly, I do. But when it feels like they're all constantly talking about you, or they're always pulling you into things, it just gets to be a lot."

Grace's chest tightened. She hadn't realized how much Kiara had been holding in. "I never wanted to make you feel like I'm taking their attention away from you," Grace said softly. "You're important to me, Kiara. I don't want to mess that up."

Kiara's expression softened slightly, and for a moment, it seemed like she was going to say something more. But then, she just sighed and nodded. "I know you didn't mean to. It's just... complicated. The boys are complicated. And I don't know where I fit in with all of this."

Grace's heart ached for Kiara. She had always admired the other girl's strength and loyalty, and the last thing she wanted was for Kiara to feel like she was losing her place in the group.

"I get it," Grace said. "But I'm not trying to replace anyone. You're one of the most important people to me here. I just want to find a way to make this work, without causing more problems."

Kiara smiled faintly, though her eyes still held uncertainty. "I appreciate that, Grace. Maybe I just need a little time to get used to everything."

Grace smiled, feeling a sense of relief. It wasn't perfect, but it was a start. At least they were talking. At least Kiara knew where she stood.

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