chapter thirty-three:
❛ girls day ❜

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Alison and Clementine had been invited to a girls' day out with Sam, Moon, and Yasmine. Alison was thrilled at the prospect of spending time with the girls, excited for a day of bonding and pampering. Clementine, on the other hand, wasn't so enthusiastic. She enjoyed hanging out with Sam and Moon, but the thought of spending the day with Yasmine made her stomach churn. Clementine couldn't stand Yasmine, convinced that she was using Demetri just for his body and didn't actually care about him.

The five girls sat in a cozy booth at their favorite café, the sun streaming through the windows, casting a warm glow over their table. Clementine sat between Sam and Alison, while Moon and Yasmine were across from them. The tension between Clementine and Yasmine was palpable, though the rest of the girls seemed determined to ignore it.

Sam was busy texting Miguel, her fingers moving quickly over the screen. She had confided in the girls earlier that she was considering taking a break from her relationship with him. Things had been feeling off lately, and she wasn't sure if she wanted to continue as they were. Sam's phone pinged with a response from Miguel, and she quickly showed it to the group. The message read, "Can't wait to see you tonight. How are you?"

Yasmine snorted, not even trying to hide her disdain. "Desperate," she commented, a smirk playing on her lips as she leaned back in the booth.

Clementine rolled her eyes at Yasmine's remark. Typical, she thought. She felt a nudge on her side and turned to see Alison giving her a subtle look, as if to say, Don't engage. Clementine took a deep breath, trying to reign in her irritation.

Alison, ever the sweet one, frowned slightly. "That's so sweet... I feel bad though," she said, her voice soft and genuine.

"He knows he's in deep shit," Clementine added with a shrug, trying to lighten the mood. She knew Miguel wasn't completely oblivious—he could sense something was wrong, but Sam had yet to fully express how she felt.

"I just... I feel like things have been off lately. There's so much I want to say. Maybe I should just... lay it all out?" Sam suggested, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She looked around the table for advice, clearly torn about what to do.

Before anyone could respond, Yasmine snatched the phone from Sam's hand, her eyes widening in disbelief. "No!" she exclaimed, her voice loud enough to draw the attention of a few nearby tables.

"She's right. Less is more," Clementine chimed in, surprising herself by agreeing with Yasmine. She shot a sidelong glance at Alison and leaned in, whispering, "Ew, I'm agreeing with Yasmine." Alison chuckled quietly, the corners of her mouth twitching upward.

"I'm with Yas," Moon said, her voice more measured. "It's better to have these conversations in person. You don't want to risk sending the wrong message over text."

Yasmine was already typing on Sam's phone, her long nails clicking against the screen with purpose. "Yeah, Eli knows when I'm pissed at him. He always comes over with flowers and apologizes," Alison said dreamily, clearly charmed by her boyfriend's gestures.

Clementine, however, wasn't having it. She pretended to gag, making a show of her distaste. "I thought you liked Eli now?" Alison asked, looking at Clementine with a slight frown, genuinely confused.

"Like is a strong word," Clementine corrected. "I tolerate him now." She wasn't ready to admit she might actually be warming up to the guy. Alison just nodded, understanding her friend's reluctance.

"Keep it short, not sweet," Yasmine declared, her tone decisive as she showed Sam the phone screen. The message simply read, "I'm okay."

Clementine raised an eyebrow. "Me and Robby just make out after we have an argument and then we forgive each other," she shrugged, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Her straightforwardness earned her a pair of wide-eyed stares from Moon and Alison.

"You and Robby are clingy to each other," Alison teased, a laugh bubbling up. She couldn't help but find Clementine and Robby's relationship adorable, despite Clementine's tough exterior.

"I think you two are adorable!" Moon exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine affection. Clementine blushed, the color creeping up her cheeks despite herself. She wasn't used to people commenting on her relationship like that, and it left her feeling a bit flustered.

Sam, still caught up in her own dilemma, looked around the table, unsure of what to do. "Wait, should I add a smiley face or something?" she asked, her voice hesitant.

"No!" Yasmine and Clementine said in unison, their voices firm and unyielding. But at the same time, Alison and Moon said, "Yes!" with equal conviction. The four girls exchanged looks, their expressions a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Ultimately, Sam sighed and sent the text as it was: "I'm okay." She put the phone down, trying to push her worries to the back of her mind.

Alison, ever the peacemaker, stood up with a bright smile. "Come on, girls! Let's forget about boys for a day and go to the salon!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious.

Moon's face lit up at the suggestion. "I know a place!" she gasped, already reaching for her purse, ready to lead the way.

As the five girls entered the salon, they were greeted by a burst of pastel colors and the scent of lavender in the air. The space was a paradise of soft pinks, purples, and blues, with plush seating areas, delicate chandeliers, and serene spa music playing softly in the background. The walls were adorned with inspirational quotes about self-love and empowerment, framed in ornate, floral designs. Matching silky robes wrapped around each of them, the material cool against their skin.

Alison and Moon were already bubbling with excitement, their faces lighting up as they took in the familiar surroundings. They were the picture of pure joy, skipping slightly as they moved forward. Yasmine, however, was glued to her phone, her fingers tapping away furiously. Sam trailed behind, a cloud of melancholy hanging over her, while Clementine looked around, her expression unreadable.

"Moon, Ali, this place is so... you," Sam commented, a half-hearted smile tugging at her lips.

Clementine nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the overly bright decor. "It looks like Ali barfed up her dreams in here," she added dryly.

Alison giggled, seemingly unbothered by Clementine's remark, and shared a delighted squeal with Moon. "Isn't it just perfect?" Moon exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

Yasmine, still texting, stepped closer to Clementine. Without looking up, she asked, "So, what's your deal?"

Clementine's irritation flared. "Why are you always on your phone texting?" she snapped, her voice sharp.

Yasmine barely spared her a glance, her attention fixed on the screen. Clementine rolled her eyes, feeling like she could do it all day when it came to Yasmine.

Moon, sensing the tension, quickly interjected. "When Piper and I broke up, there was a lot of negative energy. This place helped cut through the noise. Which is why I brought you here," she explained, draping an arm around Sam's shoulders.

Sam offered her a blank stare, clearly not as enthusiastic as Moon had hoped. Moon pressed on, undeterred. "Come on, Sam. You've gotta find yourself. Figure out who you really are!"

Alison chimed in, her eyes sparkling with hope. "They also do facials. So..." Yasmine added, glancing up briefly to make the suggestion, her tone matter-of-fact.

Clementine shot Yasmine a look, the urge to roll her eyes barely suppressed. Why does she always have to be so smug? she thought.

Moon began leading the way deeper into the salon, her arm still looped around Sam, guiding her like a lost child. Yasmine followed, her steps languid and unhurried as she resumed her texting. Alison, refusing to let the negative energy dampen her spirits, locked arms with Clementine and pulled her along.

"Come on, Clem!" Alison urged, her voice bright and hopeful.

Clementine hesitated for a moment, then allowed herself to be led, her expression softening just a little. She wasn't sure what to expect from this outing, but with Alison by her side and Moon's relentless optimism, maybe—just maybe—it wouldn't be so bad after all.

Moon led the group to a dimly lit room that held an air of mystery, its centerpiece a sleek, futuristic-looking water pod. The pod, with its smooth curves and soft, ambient lighting, looked both inviting and intimidating, like something out of a sci-fi movie.

Moon turned to the others with a broad smile, clearly excited to share this experience. "This is where the magic happens," she said, gesturing to the pod.

Sam hesitated, eyeing the contraption with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. "What is this, exactly?" she asked, her voice tinged with skepticism.

Clementine, who had been scanning the room with a critical eye, arched an eyebrow as she took in the pod's appearance. "Looks like something from Stranger Things," she remarked, her tone half-joking.

Alison, always quick to pick up on Clementine's humor, chuckled softly. "That's what it is, basically," she said, her voice playful yet informative.

Clementine's eyes lit up with excitement. "Holy shit, I'm about to pull an Eleven? That's my dream," she said, her awe palpable. The idea of tapping into something deeper, like her favorite TV heroine, filled her with an unexpected thrill.

Moon and Alison laughed at Clementine's enthusiasm, clearly pleased that at least one of their friends was on board with the experience. "This is a self-actualization pod," Moon explained, her tone soft but earnest.

Sam still looked unsure, glancing between the pod and Moon. "So, like a sensory deprivation tank? Like Clementine said... from Stranger Things?" she asked, trying to wrap her head around the concept.

Alison shook her head quickly, her expression brightening as she launched into an explanation. "Oh, God, no! They don't call them that anymore. It's not about deprivation. It's about connection with your innermost self." Her voice was filled with a kind of hopeful sincerity that only Alison could pull off.

Clementine, already buzzing with excitement, squealed and grabbed Alison by the shoulders, shaking her gently. "Oh my god! I'm so excited," she exclaimed, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Alison laughed, enjoying Clementine's contagious enthusiasm. "Clem, relax! You're gonna love it," she reassured her friend, still grinning.

Sam, however, was less enthusiastic. She sighed heavily, her apprehension growing the more she looked at the pod. "Thanks, but I'm still gonna pass. I already have nightmares about drowning in shallow bodies of water," she admitted, her voice dropping to a more somber note.

Clementine's excitement faltered, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Oh wow," she muttered, not sure how to respond to that.

Alison blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. Sam's fears were more intense than she had realized, and it threw her off for a moment. "Wow. That's dark," Yasmine commented, her voice devoid of empathy, as usual.

But Moon wasn't deterred. She stepped closer to Sam, her expression softening with understanding. "Sam, ever since the tournament, you've been off balance. It's clear there's been some tension with Miguel. The only thing you're gonna find in this pod is yourself. That's not so scary, right?" she asked gently, her words meant to soothe rather than push.

Sam looked between the girls, seeing the mixture of concern and support in their eyes. After a moment of contemplation, she sighed again, this time with resignation. "Okay," she said quietly, giving in to their encouragement.

Alison squealed with delight, clapping her hands together. "This is gonna be great, Sam! You'll feel so much better afterward, I promise," she said, her excitement palpable.

Clementine, despite her earlier surprise, couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation herself. Maybe this girls' day wouldn't be so bad after all.

As the lid of the sensory pod sealed shut, the world outside was immediately cut off. The soft hum of the salon's background noise faded into silence, leaving Clementine in complete darkness. She felt weightless, like she was floating in an endless void. Her heart raced with anticipation—what would she see? What would she feel? The idea of "pulling an Eleven" from *Stranger Things* had thrilled her, but now that she was actually in the pod, there was an eerie stillness that made her stomach flutter.

Clementine took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She closed her eyes, even though the darkness was all-encompassing. Slowly, the blackness began to shift, swirling like a storm cloud. It was as though the void was coming alive, responding to her thoughts, her emotions. The sensation was disorienting, yet strangely comforting.

Suddenly, the swirling darkness coalesced into a dimly lit room, and Clementine realized she was no longer alone. Across the room stood Robby, his back turned to her. He was talking to someone, his voice low and warm. Clementine felt a tug of recognition and curiosity, pulling her toward the scene. She moved closer, her footsteps silent on the nonexistent floor.

As she neared, she saw Robby wasn't alone. He was standing in front of his mother, Shannon, who sat on a worn-out couch, looking up at her son with a soft smile. Clementine watched intently, her heart aching at the sight of Robby looking so at peace, so at home.

"I'm really happy, Mom," Robby was saying, his voice carrying a note of something Clementine hadn't heard in him often—contentment. "Clementine's finally opening up to me about her past. I feel like we're really getting somewhere."

Clementine's breath caught in her throat. She hadn't realized how much Robby cared, how much her opening up had meant to him. She felt a surge of emotion—gratitude, affection, and something deeper, more profound.

Shannon's smile widened as she reached out to squeeze Robby's hand. "That's great, Robby. I'm so glad she's trusting you. You deserve to be happy, and it sounds like she's good for you. I love her already."

Hearing Shannon's words, Clementine's heart swelled. She hadn't expected this—this deep sense of belonging, of being loved and accepted not just by Robby, but by his family too. It was overwhelming in the best possible way.

But just as Clementine was about to step closer, to reach out and touch Robby, the scene began to change. Robby's figure started to blur, like a reflection on water being disturbed. He began to dissipate, his form breaking apart into wisps of mist. Panic rose in Clementine's chest as she tried to hold onto the image, to keep him there with her, but it was futile. He vanished, leaving her alone in the dark void once again.

She was suspended in silence, her heart pounding. But before she could process what had just happened, the void began to shift once more. This time, the darkness lifted to reveal a new scene, bathed in warm, golden light.

Clementine found herself standing on a pristine beach, the sand soft and warm beneath her bare feet. The sky above was a brilliant shade of blue, the sun hanging low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the shore. The gentle sound of waves lapping at the beach filled the air, a peaceful melody that soothed her frayed nerves.

As she took in her surroundings, she noticed Robby again—but this time, he was different. He was older, more mature, and there was a calmness about him that she hadn't seen before. He was laughing, his eyes crinkling with joy, as he played with a group of little kids. They were building a sandcastle together, their laughter ringing out like music.

Clementine stood back, watching the scene unfold. There was something so pure, so beautiful about it. The way Robby interacted with the children—so gentle, so caring—made her heart swell with affection. She realized that this was a glimpse of the future, a possible future where Robby was happy, at peace, surrounded by love and family.

One of the kids, a little girl with wild curls, looked up at Robby with adoration, her small hands clutching at his leg as she giggled. Robby scooped her up effortlessly, spinning her around in the air, her laughter filling the beach. Clementine's lips curled into a smile, warmth spreading through her chest.

The scene felt so real, so tangible, that she could almost feel the warmth of the sun on her skin, the softness of the sand between her toes. She wanted to reach out, to join them, to feel that happiness for herself. But something held her back, a quiet voice in the back of her mind reminding her that this wasn't real—it was just a vision, a possibility.

Still, as she watched Robby with the children, she couldn't help but hope. Maybe this was a sign, a glimpse of what could be if they both continued to grow, to heal, to open up to each other. The future was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, Clementine felt a sense of peace.

The beach scene lingered for a few moments longer, then slowly began to fade, the warmth and light dissolving back into the darkness of the pod. Clementine felt herself being gently pulled back to reality, the sounds of the salon beginning to filter back into her consciousness.

When she finally opened her eyes, the pod's lid was lifting, and the soft light of the room filled her vision. But even as she returned to the present, the images from the void stayed with her—the memory of Robby's smile, the sound of the children's laughter, the warmth of the sun on her skin.

Alison stepped into the tank, her heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and nervous excitement. As the lid closed and the world outside was sealed off, she took a deep breath, allowing herself to sink into the quiet darkness. The air was thick with silence, and soon, Alison felt herself drifting, her thoughts becoming hazy as the sensory deprivation took hold.

Suddenly, she opened her eyes and found herself standing in a vast, dark void. It was like being in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but an infinite stretch of blackness surrounding her. Her heart raced as she tried to make sense of where she was, but before she could, something caught her eye in the distance.

Eli was standing there, his back to her, looking down at something in his hands. Alison's breath hitched as she started walking toward him, her footsteps soundless against the void. As she got closer, she realized he was in a store, browsing through a selection of necklaces. He seemed deep in thought, his fingers tracing over a delicate symbol necklace with a small, shimmering charm.

"I think she'll love this one," Eli murmured, a soft smile playing on his lips. Alison's heart swelled as she watched him turn to Demetri, who was standing nearby, looking at something else.

"You're really going all out, man," Demetri replied, glancing over at the necklace. "But she deserves it."

Eli nodded, his expression serious. "She does. I'm going to give it to her and... I'm going to tell her I love her."

Alison's breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening. Her heart pounded so loudly she thought Eli might hear it. But before she could take in more, the scene began to shift, the image of Eli and Demetri dissolving like smoke.

The void transformed, and now Alison found herself standing on the deck of a beautiful boat, floating gently on calm, clear waters. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. Laughter filled the air, and Alison turned to see an older version of Clementine and Robby standing nearby. They were both smiling, their arms wrapped around each other as they watched a little girl with curly hair run over to them, holding up a shell she had found.

"Look, Mommy! Daddy! Isn't it pretty?" the little girl exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Clementine bent down, her smile softening as she took the shell from her daughter. "It's beautiful, sweetie," she said, her voice filled with warmth.

Alison couldn't help but smile at the scene, but then she felt a presence beside her. Turning, she saw an older version of herself, standing with a gentle smile on her face. Her eyes followed a figure approaching—a mature Eli, his features softened by time but still unmistakably him. He was holding a small baby in his arms, cradling the child with the utmost care.

"Hey, Ali," he said, his voice rich with love and familiarity. "Look who I found wandering around."

Alison's older self chuckled, reaching out to stroke the baby's head. "You always find the best treasures, Eli."

The vision filled Alison with a deep sense of peace and contentment, and just as she was about to speak, the scene began to fade, pulling her back into the darkness of the void. The warmth of the future lingered in her heart as the void dissolved into the soft glow of the tank's interior. She blinked, finding herself back in the present, the sensory pod slowly opening to reveal the real world once again.

Alison and Clementine arrived home after their day at the salon, walking together in comfortable silence as the evening settled around them. The warm glow of streetlights illuminated their path, casting long shadows behind them. When they reached their street, the two exchanged a quick hug, and Clementine waved as she headed toward her house. Alison smiled as she watched her friend go, feeling a contentment she hadn't felt in a while.

As Alison turned toward her own house, she noticed a figure standing by her front door. Her heart skipped a beat when she realized it was Eli. He had his hands in his pockets, shifting slightly as if he were nervous. The sight of him waiting for her brought a wide smile to her face, and she quickened her pace.

When she reached him, she didn't hesitate. Alison wrapped her arms around Eli's neck and kissed him deeply. The kiss was soft, yet full of the emotions she'd been holding back for so long. When they finally pulled apart, Alison looked up at him, her eyes bright with affection.

"I love you, Eli Moskowitz," she said, her voice steady and sincere. "I've loved you since the moment I met you at the car wash."

Eli blinked, momentarily stunned by her confession, but then a slow, joyful grin spread across his face. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, holding it out to her. "I was gonna give you this and tell you I love you, but you beat me to it."

Alison's eyes sparkled with delight as she took the box. "I kinda had a feeling," she admitted with a smirk.

Eli gave her a playful look. "Oh yeah? How'd you know?"

"Girl intuition," Alison teased, her smirk turning into a soft smile as she opened the box.

Inside was a beautiful necklace with a delicate symbol pendant that shimmered in the soft light. Alison's breath caught in her throat as she lifted it out of the box, the weight of Eli's love and thoughtfulness making her heart swell.

"It's perfect," she whispered, looking up at him with eyes full of gratitude and love.

Eli gently took the necklace from her hands and fastened it around her neck, his fingers brushing against her skin. "I'm glad you like it," he murmured, his voice tender.

Alison touched the pendant, feeling the cool metal against her fingertips, and then leaned in to kiss him again, her heart full. "I love you," she whispered against his lips.

"I love you too, Ali," Eli replied, pulling her close, his arms wrapping around her securely.

In that moment, everything felt right. The future they had both glimpsed in their visions seemed more possible than ever, and as they stood together on Alison's doorstep, they knew that whatever came next, they would face it together.

ASH SPEAKS!

i love this chapter but no robby sadly💔💔BUT ALI AND ELI FINALLY SAID I LOVE YOUUU
also if you didnt notice robby and clems first ily was in the chapter that robby asked clem out for prom🤭

YALL ARE NOT READY FOR THE NEXT CHAPTERSSSS