𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓾𝓼
ᵀʰᵉ ⁿⁱᵍʰᵗ ʷᵉ ᵐᵉᵗ

DECEMBER 19 2024

The house was filled with the warmth of the holiday season.

Christmas decorations were carefully placed around the living room, and the scent of cinnamon candles and fresh pine filled the air.

Aurelie was sitting on the couch, scrolling through her phone when it buzzed with a notification.

She smiled as she saw Walker's name flash across the screen.

"Walker," she whispered to herself, her heart fluttering a little at the thought of him.

It had been just a day since they last talked, and the anticipation of hearing his voice again sent a wave of warmth through her.

Just as she was about to answer, her younger sister, Violet, barged into the room with a giant grin plastered across her face.

"You know, you're texting him way more than you're texting me these days," Sienna teased, leaning against the door frame, her arms crossed over her chest.

Aurelie rolled her eyes, holding up a finger to her lips. "Shh. I'm on the phone."

Sienna raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. So, you're just gonna pretend you're not totally smitten with him?" She couldn't hide the grin that spread across her face.

Aurelie groaned, her cheeks turning pink. "It's not like that. Can you just let me talk to him?"

"Oh, don't worry," Sienna said, making her way to the couch and sitting down next to Aurelie. "I'm just gonna enjoy the show. It's not every day I get to see my big sister all lovesick."

Aurelie was about to reply when her twin brother, Aidan, walked in, taking one look at them and immediately snorting with laughter. "Oh great. Is Walker calling again? Let me guess, you're gonna get all mushy while I'm here to witness it?"

"I'm not going to be mushy!" Aurelie protested, her hand now covering her face in embarrassment.

Aidan plopped down on the armrest of the couch, grinning widely. "Sure you're not. You two have been texting like nonstop. I'm just waiting for you to burst into song about how perfect he is."

Before Aurelie could respond, the phone rang again. She quickly pressed the answer button, trying to ignore the teasing from her siblings. "Hello?" she said, her voice warm, though she was fighting back a smile.

"Hey, you," came Walker's voice from the other end.

Her heart skipped a beat. "Hey, Walker," she said, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies in her stomach.

"Oh, no, it's definitely happening now," Aidan muttered under his breath, earning a playful shove from Sienna.

Aurelie couldn't help but laugh quietly, trying to focus on the conversation. "How's everything going?"

"Same old, same old. Just missing our movie nights," Walker replied, his voice light but sincere. "You still planning on coming over tomorrow?"

"Of course," Aurelie said, glancing at her siblings with a mock glare. "I wouldn't miss it."

"Good," Walker replied with a smile in his voice. "I'll make sure to have the popcorn ready this time."

Aurelie smiled, feeling her heart warm at the thought. "You better," she teased.

Meanwhile, Aidan and Sienna were trying their hardest to hold in their laughter. They both exchanged knowing glances and began whispering among themselves, clearly enjoying the scene.

"You still have the same smile when you talk about him," Sienna commented, her voice way too loud for Aurelie's comfort. She quickly shot her sister a glare, but the smile she tried to suppress tugged at the corners of her lips anyway. "Sienna, can you not?"

"Oops, did I say that out loud?" Sienna teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Aidan leaned in, a grin plastered across his face. "I think you did. You know, I never thought I'd see the day when you'd turn into a sappy mess. Walker really has got you, huh?"

Aurelie pressed her hand to her forehead, exasperated. "I am not a sappy mess," she muttered. "You guys are impossible."

She was about to try to focus again on Walker when her mom, Jackie, entered the room with a knowing look. "Is that Walker again?"

Aurelie's groan was the perfect response to her mom's teasing tone. "Yes, Mom. He called. Is that okay?"

"Of course, sweetie," Jackie replied, sitting on the chair across from them. "But I have to say, I noticed that little glow you've got when you talk about him. It's hard to miss."

Sienna grinned wider at her mom's comment. "See? I told you!"

Aidan snorted with laughter. "Aurelie's practically glowing. It's like you two are in some teen romance movie."

"I swear, you're all impossible," Aurelie said, trying to ignore the blush spreading across her cheeks. "Can I just talk to Walker without being interrogated for once?"

Jackie raised her hands in mock surrender. "I'm just saying, you deserve someone who makes you smile like that. And if Walker is that guy, I'm happy for you."

Aurelie felt her heart flutter, her mom's words a little more genuine than the playful teasing. "Thanks, Mom. But seriously, can I have five minutes of peace?"

"Go ahead," Jackie replied, smiling warmly. "But we'll be right here, watching you."

Aurelie rolled her eyes as she turned her attention back to the phone. Walker's voice came through, and it was as if she could finally take a breath again.

"I'm glad you're coming tomorrow," Walker said, his tone light but affectionate. "It feels like forever since we last hung out."

Aurelie smiled softly, her heart swelling at the sound of his voice. "I know. I'm really looking forward to it."

"Well, I'll make sure the popcorn's extra buttery this time, just for you."

Aurelie laughed, the tension easing. "You better. I'm going to hold you to it."

"Deal," Walker replied, his voice warm. "Anyway, I'll let you get back to your... very lively family. I just wanted to check in."

"You're lucky I'm not totally embarrassed right now," Aurelie joked, glancing at her siblings who were still looking at her with wide grins.

"I'll take it as a win," Walker said with a laugh. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Definitely. I'll be there."

After they hung up, Aurelie let out a sigh of relief and looked up to find her family all watching her with smug expressions. "You guys are the worst," she muttered, but she couldn't suppress her smile.

Jackie leaned forward, her eyes twinkling. "You know we're just looking out for you, right?"

Sienna dramatically sighed and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. We know. But seriously, you two are adorable together. Just admit it already."

Aurelie threw her hands up in defeat. "Fine! Happy now?"

"Very," Aidan said with a smirk, crossing his arms as he leaned back. "You're welcome."

Aurelie laughed, shaking her head. "You guys are impossible, but I love you."

"I think Walker's starting to rub off on you," Violet said teasingly.

Aurelie paused, a warm smile spreading across her face. She knew, deep down, that her family meant well. They were teasing her because they cared—and because they could tell how much Walker meant to her.

As the night went on, she couldn't help but replay her conversation with him over and over in her mind. It felt so right, the way he understood her, the way they fit together. It was more than just a friendship—it was something more, something that felt like it had always been there, even if they hadn't realized it yet.

And tomorrow, when they hung out again, maybe she'd start to really understand what this feeling was. But for now, Aurelie felt content, knowing that whatever came next, she had Walker by her side.

— THE SECRET OF US —