𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓾𝓼

ᴹⁱᵈⁿⁱᵍʰᵗ ᶜᵃʳ ʳⁱᵈᵉˢ

The night was cool and clear as Mia's car sped down the nearly empty streets. The moon cast a soft glow over the city, reflecting off the pavement as they drove aimlessly, just enjoying the freedom of the open road. Mia was in the driver's seat, with Gracie next to her, both of them engrossed in a conversation that Aurelie only half-listened to.

Aurelie sat in the back, her forehead resting against the cool glass of the window. The world outside blurred past her, the lights of the city streaking by like memories slipping away. She'd always loved midnight car rides—the way they made her feel like she was floating in a dream, disconnected from everything yet deeply in tune with her own thoughts.

As Gracie and Mia chatted in the front, their voices blended with the low hum of the car engine, creating a comforting background noise. Aurelie's mind, however, was miles away, wandering through memories of late-night conversations, stolen glances, and the way Walker's smile seemed to light up any room.

She thought back to how he had pushed her on the swing just a few days ago, the way he laughed when she teased him, and the way he always seemed to know exactly how to make her feel better when she was stressed.

They had always been close, sharing a bond built on trust and an unspoken understanding. But lately, something had shifted.

She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was a new tension in the air between them—a tension that made her heart race in a way she hadn't noticed before.

As the car sped through the empty streets, Aurelie realized with startling clarity what had been lingering in the back of her mind for some time now. It wasn't just friendship anymore. It hadn't been for a while.

She liked Walker—really liked him.

The realization hit her like a wave, washing over her and leaving her breathless.

She wasn't sure when it had happened, but somewhere along the way, her feelings for Walker had grown into something more. Something deeper.

Mia's laughter broke through her thoughts, pulling her back to the present.

She looked up, watching as her cousin and Gracie joked around, their faces lit up by the dashboard lights.

They were her best friends, the ones she could always count on to be there for her, no matter what. If anyone could help her figure out what to do next, it was them.

Taking a deep breath, Aurelie decided to speak up before she lost her nerve. "Guys," she said, her voice a little shaky. Mia and Gracie paused their conversation and glanced back at her, sensing the seriousness in her tone.

"What's up, Aurelie?" Mia asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

Aurelie hesitated for just a moment, then blurted out, "I like Walker."

There was a beat of silence as her words hung in the air, the gravity of her confession sinking in. Then, Mia and Gracie exchanged knowing looks, their faces breaking into wide grins.

Gracie turned around in her seat to face Aurelie, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Finally! I was wondering when you were going to admit it."

Mia laughed, shaking her head. "About time, babes. We've been waiting for you to realize what's been obvious to us for ages."

Aurelie felt a mix of relief and embarrassment. "You guys knew?"

"Of course we did," Gracie said, reaching back to give Aurelie's hand a reassuring squeeze. "You two are practically made for each other. We've seen the way you look at him, the way he looks at you. It was just a matter of time."

Mia nodded, her voice gentle. "It's okay to have these feelings, Aurelie. You deserve to be happy, and if Walker's the one who makes you happy, then go for it. We're here to support you no matter what."

Aurelie smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest at their words. "Thanks, guys. I really needed to hear that."

Mia grinned, her eyes twinkling in the rearview mirror. "Now, the real question is—what are you going to do about it?"

Aurelie bit her lip, thinking about the possibilities. She wasn't sure what would happen next, but with Mia and Gracie by her side, she knew she could figure it out. For now, just admitting her feelings was a big enough step.

As the car continued to glide through the quiet streets, Aurelie felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Maybe this was just the beginning of something new, something that could turn into something beautiful. And for the first time, she was ready to embrace it.

Mia turned up the volume on the stereo, filling the car with the soothing tones of a late-night playlist. Gracie leaned back in her seat, a contented smile on her face, while Aurelie gazed out the window, the city lights reflecting in her eyes.

As they drove through the sleeping city, Aurelie's thoughts danced between excitement and nervousness. Admitting her feelings was a huge step, but what came next? Would she tell Walker? Should she wait and see how things played out? The possibilities spun in her mind, making her both anxious and thrilled.

Gracie's voice cut through her thoughts, soft but insistent. "You know, Aurelie, whatever happens, just remember to be true to yourself. Walker's a great guy, but you've got to do what feels right for you."

Mia nodded in agreement, her voice steady and supportive. "Yeah, don't rush into anything just because it feels like the next step. Take your time. We'll be here for you, no matter what."

Aurelie felt a swell of gratitude for the two of them. She knew that whatever happened next, she wouldn't be facing it alone. "Thanks, guys," she said softly, a smile tugging at her lips. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Mia glanced at her in the rearview mirror, her eyes warm. "You'll never have to find out, cuz."

The rest of the drive passed in a comfortable silence, each of them lost in their own thoughts. But for Aurelie, it wasn't the silence of uncertainty anymore. It was a quiet, hopeful anticipation of what was to come. And as they finally pulled up to the apartment, Aurelie knew one thing for sure—she was ready to see where this journey with Walker would lead.

As they parked and started to head inside, Gracie looped her arm through Aurelie's, a teasing smile on her face. "So, about this Walker thing...when's the big confession?"

Aurelie laughed, rolling her eyes playfully. "One step at a time, Gracie."

Mia joined in, draping an arm around Aurelie's shoulders. "We'll be here to help with every single step."

As they entered the apartment, the night air cool against their skin, Aurelie couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement. With her best friends by her side and a newfound clarity in her heart, she was ready for whatever came next. And maybe, just maybe, she was ready to tell Walker how she really felt.

— THE SECRET OF US —