Unspoken

TRIO

As the bell rang, signaling the end of the day, the classroom erupted into a familiar chaos. Students were chatting, laughing, and zipping up their bags. A few ran around, dodging desks and chairs as they tried to make it out first.

Amidst the commotion, Selena quietly packed her books, her mind wandering to the events of the day. She was zipping up her backpack when a shadow loomed over her desk.

It was Olivia.

Selena looked up, surprised. Olivia's expression was hesitant, almost as if she was debating whether to speak or walk away. She glanced around nervously, her hands twisting the straps of her bag. "Uh, Selena... can we talk?" Olivia finally managed, her voice barely audible over the classroom noise.

Selena blinked and nodded, moving aside to make room for Olivia to sit. "Sure, what's up?"

Olivia hesitated, biting her lip. "I just... I wanted to say sorry," she began, her voice faltering. "For everything."

Selena tilted her head slightly. "Sorry for what?"

Olivia sighed, frustration mingling with regret on her face. She glanced around as if searching for the right words. "For being such a... such a terrible friend," she finally said, her voice cracking. "I don't know why I acted the way I did. I've been... I don't know, so stupid."

Before Selena could respond, Daniel walked by, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Hey, Selena, you coming?" he asked casually, but his eyes darted curiously between the two girls.

"Uh, yeah, in a minute," she stammered. As Daniel shrugged and walked off, Selena turned back to Olivia.

"See? I can't even apologize without feeling like everyone's watching me." Olivia spoke.

Selena gave her a small smile. "It's okay, Olivia. You don't have to feel pressured. Take your time."

Olivia shook her head. "No, I need to say this. I've been such a jerk, ignoring you and being so cold. And you... you've been nothing but kind. Even after everything, you still drew that sketch of me. Why? Why would you do that after how I treated you?"

Selena's smile softened. "Because you're my friend, Olivia. Friends mess up, but that doesn't mean I stop caring. I wasn't angry with you. I just hoped you'd talk to me when you were ready."

Olivia looked away, blinking rapidly. "I don't deserve that," she muttered. "I've been so jealous and insecure, and instead of talking to you, I pushed you away. I hate that I let my own feelings ruin everything."

The classroom was thinning out, the noise dying down as students filed out. Ana walked past, giving Selena a questioning glance but not interrupting. Olivia took a shaky breath. "I'm really sorry, Selena. For everything. I don't want to lose our friendship."

Selena reached out and placed a hand on Olivia's. "Hey, it's okay. I forgive you. Honestly, I missed us being friends."

Olivia looked at her, relief flooding her face. "You do? Really?"

Selena nodded. "Of course. And if it makes you feel better, I was never angry. Just worried about you."

For the first time in weeks, Olivia smiled—a genuine, heartfelt smile. "Thank you," she said softly. "I promise I'll make it up to you. No more of this..." She waved her hand vaguely, searching for the right word. "Shitty behavior," she said, a hint of a laugh in her voice as she echoed her earlier statement.

Selena laughed too, the tension between them finally breaking. "Deal. But let's just start fresh, okay? No more worrying about the past."

As the two stood to leave, Ana popped her head back into the classroom. "You two coming, or are we spending the night here?"

Selena grinned. "We're coming!"

As they walked out together, Olivia glanced at Selena. "I really mean it this time," she said quietly. "Our friendship won't be ruined again. I'll make sure of it."

Selena smiled, feeling a warmth she hadn't felt in weeks. "Me too, Olivia. Me too."

The three girls strolled down the hallway, their chatter and laughter filling the air. Selena was recounting a funny moment from earlier, her animated gestures making Ana giggle uncontrollably.

"And then he just stood there, holding the taco drawing like it was the Mona Lisa!" Selena exclaimed, imitating the wide-eyed expression of one of their classmates.

Ana doubled over with laughter. "I can't believe he actually said, 'This is art in its purest form!' Who even thinks like that?"

Even Olivia couldn't help but smile, her laughter blending softly with the others. "Honestly, I thought the taco drawing was genius. I mean, who wouldn't love flying tacos?"

Selena nudged her playfully. "You would, wouldn't you? Admit it, you're secretly wishing you had thought of it first!"

"Okay, maybe," Olivia admitted with a grin. "But I'd have added wings made of lettuce for extra flair."

The three burst into laughter again, the tension of the past few weeks melting away with each joke. As they passed by the art hall, Ana couldn't resist teasing, "So, Selena, what's your next secret masterpiece? A portrait of Daniel this time?"

Selena groaned, her cheeks reddening. "Oh, stop it! I'm never hearing the end of that, am I?"

Olivia joined in with a sly smile. "You did make him blush during the exhibition. Maybe next time, he'll draw you."

Selena shook her head, laughing despite herself. "You two are impossible."

By the time they reached the school gates, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over their surroundings. For the first time in what felt like forever, Selena felt completely at ease. She looked at her friends, grateful for the laughter and the renewed sense of belonging.

"Let's never let anything come between us again," Olivia said suddenly, her voice sincere.

Selena nodded, her heart warm. "Deal. Now, let's go. I'm starving, and I know you two have opinions about where we should eat."

"Flying taco place?" Ana suggested, and the trio dissolved into giggles as they headed out together, their bond stronger than ever.