Found it! [ girlxgirl ]

||FORTY-THREE||

Today it's the 7th of December and I'm showing Alessa my tiny apartment.

The last weeks have been 'normal', I would say. Both me and Avery stopped talking about Sophia and about the holidays, and we started enjoying every second that we can be together before any of those two things happen...at the same time.

The fear and the pain are still very much present, although I try to bury them deep.

I know Avery is also scared of the time we'll be spending apart, since the last time it happened it didn't go well.

We made promises to talk whenever we can, to be honest with each other and not hide anything that happens even if we think the other will get upset. We promised to have a very good communication, and to not overthink small things...or any things for that matter.

We both agreed that communication is key, along with trust.

Because the time to leave is coming and we're both nervous about it, every now and then a weird silence sets between us because we say stupid things and get annoyed with stupid stuff.

It's stressful, but we're working on it.

-"You live well, Emma!" Alessa says, dropping her slim body on the couch. "I'm exhausted! Can we not go back in a week? I don't think I'll be fully recovered from this flight by then."

-"I wish we could!" I move to the kitchen to prepare a late dinner.

-"So...What's the plan for this week?" She props herself on the couch to see what I'm doing in the kitchen.

-"I'll show you around. You'll meet my friends and Avery. We'll eat in nice restaurants and drink in nice bars." I smile at her.

-"Perfect! I'm excited."

-"Good. Today you'll rest and tomorrow we'll go to my university, then dinner here and a night out."

____

Having Alessa around is great. It's like having a bit of home here.

So far, I've shown her my university and the library, and she met Sarah, Richard, and some other friends.

Now, we're preparing dinner and waiting for the guests to arrive.

-"Sarah texted saying they'll be here in twenty minutes. Avery, any minute now." I tell Alessa from the kitchen counter as she chooses a playlist to play on the speakers.

-"Great! Can't wait to meet her!"

-"The feeling is mutual." I assure her.

The doorbell rings and Alessa rushes to the door, opening it immediately.

-"How come you still don't have a key to this place?" Both Alessa and Avery chuckle and I'm staring at them with eyes wide open.

-"That's a good question, Alessa. But I'm the wrong person to ask to." Avery walks into the apartment, greeting Alessa. "Hi, I'm Avery as I'm sure you know."

-"Hello, Avery. I'm Alessa as you clearly figured out." They both move to the kitchen. "Emma, how come she doesn't have a key yet?"

-"Alessa!" I call her out.

-"I'm joking. You get so nervous and embarrassed that it's fun to watch, right?" She turns to Avery to get a confirmation.

-"This is why I knew you two would get along just fine." I say looking at Avery as she approaches me.

She leans in and gives me a quick peck on the lips.

-"Do you need help?" Avery asks.

-"No. Just entertain Alessa. She must have thousands of questions for you."