If I Could Dance With You Again

IICDWYA: 48

Chapter 48

The sun was beginning its slow descent, painting the sky in shades of amber and rose, when Ruby's announcement still echoed in Aaliyah's mind. A villa? She hadn't expected their day at the park to turn into something more, but Ruby's grin had been so wide, so certain, that Aaliyah couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Wren had clapped her hands together, her laughter ringing out like chimes in the breeze, and suddenly the three of them were gathering their things, ready to embark on this unexpected adventure.

The drive out of the city was long but soothing. The hum of the car engine blended with the chatter of her friends. Ruby, ever the planner, explained how she'd found the villa through a colleague who owned it but rarely used it. "It's tucked away near the hills," she said, her eyes sparkling in the rearview mirror. "Quiet, private, and apparently the view is breathtaking."

Wren leaned against the window, watching the fields roll by. "I can already imagine us sipping tea on a balcony, watching the stars. This is going to be magical."

Aaliyah smiled faintly, her heart swelling with gratitude. She had been carrying a weight these past few weeks — the kind that pressed on her chest when she was alone. But now, surrounded by Ruby's enthusiasm and Wren's gentle optimism, she felt lighter. It was as if the universe had conspired to remind her that she wasn't alone, that she had people who would stand behind her no matter what.

The villa appeared like a dream at the end of a winding road. Nestled among tall trees, its stone walls glowed golden in the fading light. A wide veranda stretched across the front, adorned with hanging lanterns that swayed gently in the evening breeze. Beyond the villa, the hills rose like guardians, their silhouettes dark against the fiery sky.

"Wow," Wren whispered as they stepped out of the car. "It's even better than I imagined."

Ruby puffed up with pride. "Told you. I don't book mediocre places."

Aaliyah laughed softly, the sound surprising even herself. She hadn't realized how much she needed this — not just the villa, but the sense of escape, of being somewhere new with people she trusted. The air smelled of pine and earth, fresh and grounding, and she inhaled deeply, as though trying to absorb the peace of the place.

Inside, the villa was warm and inviting. Wooden beams lined the ceiling, and the walls were decorated with paintings of landscapes and abstract art. A fireplace sat at the center of the living room, its stone mantle adorned with candles and small trinkets. The kitchen opened into the space, with a long wooden table that seemed perfect for late-night conversations and shared meals.

Ruby tossed her bag onto the couch. "Alright, ladies, this is home for the next two nights. Let's make the most of it."

They explored the villa together, each room revealing something charming. The bedrooms were spacious, with soft quilts and windows that opened to views of the hills. One room had a balcony that overlooked a small garden, where wildflowers bloomed in clusters of color. Wren immediately claimed that room, declaring she would wake up early just to watch the sunrise. Ruby chose the room nearest the kitchen, saying she wanted quick access to midnight snacks. Aaliyah, smiling at their antics, took the room at the far end of the hall, where the quiet seemed to wrap around her like a blanket.

As night fell, they gathered in the living room. Ruby had found a bottle of wine in the kitchen, and Wren had prepared a simple meal of pasta and salad. They ate together, laughter spilling into the air, stories weaving between bites. Aaliyah listened, sometimes joining in, sometimes just watching her friends with a quiet kind of joy. She realized that this was what she had been missing — not the villa itself, but the feeling of belonging, of being part of something bigger than her own worries.

After dinner, they stepped outside onto the veranda. The sky was a canvas of stars, glittering against the velvet darkness. Wren pointed out constellations, her voice soft and reverent. Ruby leaned against the railing, her eyes reflecting the starlight. Aaliyah sat on the steps, her hands folded in her lap, and for the first time in weeks, she felt truly at peace.

But peace, she knew, was fragile. As the night deepened, a thought crept into her mind — the challenges waiting for her back in the city, the decisions she had been avoiding. She sighed, the sound barely audible, but Ruby noticed.

"What's on your mind, Aaliyah?" Ruby asked, her tone gentle but firm. "You've been quiet."

Aaliyah hesitated. She didn't want to burden them, not when they had gone out of their way to make her feel better. But Wren joined Ruby at the railing, her gaze steady. "You don't have to carry it alone," she said softly. "We're here."

The words unlocked something inside her. She spoke, halting at first, then with more courage. She told them about the pressure she had been under, the expectations that weighed on her, the fear of failing. She admitted how lonely she had felt, even when surrounded by people, and how she had doubted her own strength.

Ruby listened intently, her jaw set, her eyes fierce. Wren reached out, placing a hand on Aaliyah's shoulder, grounding her. When Aaliyah finished, there was silence — not the kind that judged, but the kind that held space.

"You're stronger than you think," Ruby said finally, her voice unwavering. "And even if you stumble, we'll be right here. You don't have to prove anything to us."

Wren nodded. "Sometimes, the bravest thing is admitting you're struggling. And you did that tonight. That's courage."

Aaliyah felt tears prick her eyes, but they weren't heavy. They were cleansing, like rain washing away dust. She smiled through them, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Ruby grinned. "Well, lucky for you, you'll never have to find out."

The rest of the night unfolded in gentle rhythms. They played music, danced barefoot on the veranda, and shared stories until their voices grew hoarse. Wren sang softly, her voice carrying into the night, while Ruby cracked jokes that made them all double over with laughter. Aaliyah watched them, her chest aching with love, and thought: This is what home feels like. Not a place, but people.

When they finally retreated to their rooms, the villa was quiet except for the chirping of crickets outside. Aaliyah lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind replaying the evening. She realized that the villa wasn't just a getaway — it was a reminder. A reminder that she was not alone, that she had friends who would stand beside her, who would book villas and share meals and listen to her fears without judgment.

And with that thought, she drifted into sleep, her dreams filled with stars and laughter, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time.