Unexpected Love [GXG]

Chapter 40: Yes, Officially This Time

POV: Enid

The sunlight streamed through the curtains in thin, golden stripes, catching on the dust motes that floated lazily in the quiet living room. The house felt… too empty. Mia, Leo, and Ally had left early this morning, leaving only faint traces of their presence behind

I sat on the edge of the couch, hugging my knees, trying to untangle the mess of emotions the night had left behind.

I sighed and stretched, rubbing my face. I need to talk to Fatima.

"Morning," Fatima’s voice cut through my thoughts. She was perched on the kitchen counter, orange juice untouched, her hair sticking out in little rebellious strands. She looked… tense. Like she’d been wrestling with herself all night.

"Morning," I murmured, making my way over.

She didn’t meet my eyes. Instead, she traced the rim of her glass with a finger, quiet and deliberate. I could feel the weight of unsaid words between us. Finally, I broke the silence.

"Fatima… about last night. About Mia."

Her gaze lifted just enough for me to see her hesitation. She swallowed, then said softly, almost to herself, "I know I messed up."

"Yes," I said gently, settling on the counter beside her. "You hurt her. And you like her. Don’t hide from that."

She let out a shaky breath. "Do you think she hates me now?"

I shook my head, reaching out to lightly touch her arm. "No. But she’s fragile right now. She trusts you, Fatima. And you owe her honesty. You owe her more than teasing and half-measures."

Her lip trembled slightly, and she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, nervous energy radiating off her in waves. "I want to… I want to see her. Talk to her. But I’m scared. Scared I’ll mess it up again."

"You will, if you keep running from it," I said, voice firm but soft. "She deserves the real you, not the one that hides, not the one that plays it safe. You’re scared of hurting her, but avoiding her feelings… that hurts her too Tee."

Fatima leaned back, letting out a long, shaky exhale. "You're sounding like me when I give you advice."

I grinned. "Exactly. So what are you waiting for?"

She hesitated, biting her lip, silent for a moment that stretched into forever. I let her think, let her wrestle with her own heart. Sometimes, the hardest truths aren’t said out loud—they’re felt.

Then my phone buzzed sharply on the counter, breaking the tension. Fatima’s eyes darted to it, and a slow grin spread across her face.

"Uh-oh," she teased, her voice soft but triumphant. "Looks like someone’s calling you… Golden Girl."

I glanced at the screen. Olivia. My chest flipped violently.

Fatima leaned closer, whispering, "See? You just gave me advice to give it a try… maybe you should take your own advice, E. You like her just as much as I like Mia, don’t lie."

I smiled nervously, heart pounding, and picked up the call.

"Hey," I said, trying to sound casual.

"Enid," Olivia’s voice was soft, careful, but there was a warmth underneath it, like she’d been holding her breath for this moment. "I… I’m sorry. About the party. About Max. About… everything."

I bit my lip, smiling a little. "It’s okay. It was a lot, but… we’re okay."

Another pause. Then it went quiet. Just the faint hum of the refrigerator, the sunlight on the floor, and Fatima's stupidly smirking beside me like she’d just won some secret game.