Unspoken Words

Kiara lay on her bed that night, staring up at the ceiling, her mind racing. She couldn't stop thinking about the conversation with Kelly. His words had echoed in her head over and over: "I don't want to hurt her feelings," "I'm not sure if I'm ready for a relationship with her." It wasn't much to go on, but Kiara couldn't help feeling like there was more behind those words. There had to be.

Her thoughts swirled with frustration. She had agreed to help Kelly, but instead of feeling good about it, she felt worse. Why did it hurt so much?

She closed her eyes, trying to push the thoughts away, but it was impossible. Kelly had always been her best friend. They'd shared everything. She had been the one person who truly understood him, who didn't want anything more than his friendship. Or so she had thought.

Now, it felt like she was on the outside of his world, looking in.

She rolled over onto her side and glanced at her phone. No messages. No calls. The silence in her room was deafening. She could've messaged Kelly, but what would she even say? "Hey, just wanted to check if you're okay?" Or maybe something like, "Are you sure you're not interested in Cherry after all?"

Kiara didn't know how to navigate these new feelings.

Her twin brother, Kaden, knocked on the door before pushing it open. "Kiara, you still up?"

Kiara sat up, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just... thinking."

Kaden raised an eyebrow. "About Kelly?" He stepped into her room, sitting at the edge of her bed.

She nodded, trying to ignore the lump forming in her throat. "I don't know what's happening, Kaden. It feels like everything is changing between us."

Kaden's expression softened. "You're talking about his new relationship, right?"

"Yeah," Kiara sighed. "It's just... I don't know. I keep thinking about how close we used to be. And now? Now I feel like I don't even know him anymore."

Kaden studied her for a moment, then said, "You're not the only one who feels weird about it. Everyone's noticed how much Kelly's changed. And you... you don't need to tell me, Kiara, but I can see it. You've always liked him, haven't you?"

Kiara froze, her heart skipping a beat. "I—what?"

Kaden smiled, though it wasn't a teasing smile. It was one of understanding. "Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. I've seen the way you look at him."

She opened her mouth, wanting to protest, but she couldn't. He was right. She had tried to keep it hidden, even from herself, but she couldn't deny it any longer.

"I didn't know it was love at first, but now? I'm starting to realize it," she confessed quietly.

Kaden shrugged. "It's obvious, Kiara. You've always had his back. Always been there for him. But maybe you've also been holding onto him because... well, because you didn't realize you were in love with him."

Kiara closed her eyes, feeling the weight of her brother's words settle deep within her. "I don't know what to do, Kaden. I feel like if I tell him, everything will change. I can't lose him."

Kaden chuckled softly. "Don't be afraid to tell him how you feel. But also, don't expect everything to go the way you hope. Relationships change. People change. And sometimes, it's for the better."

Kiara opened her eyes, meeting her brother's gaze. He was right in some ways. The whole situation was a mess, and maybe she couldn't hold on to the past forever. Maybe Kelly had moved on, and she was the one still stuck in the old version of their friendship. But it didn't make it hurt any less.

The next day at school, Kiara walked into the cafeteria, her thoughts still a jumble. She kept hoping things would feel normal again, like they had before Cherry came into the picture. She scanned the tables for Kelly and finally spotted him sitting at the table with his friends. And, of course, Cherry was sitting right next to him, laughing and talking like she had every right to be there.

Kiara's heart sank, but she told herself to keep it together. She didn't want to be dramatic. She didn't want to make Kelly feel guilty. But it was hard when everything in her screamed that she should be the one sitting next to him.

She walked over to the table and sat down across from Kelly. "Hey," she greeted, keeping her voice casual, though it was hard to mask the bitterness she felt.

Kelly looked up, his face lighting up when he saw her. "Kiara! What's up?"

Kiara smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Not much. Just wanted to hang out, you know?"

Cherry, who had been talking to Kelly, interrupted with a small laugh. "Aww, isn't this cute? Best friends back together again?" Her tone was syrupy sweet, but Kiara could tell it wasn't entirely friendly.

Kelly looked uncomfortable, as though he didn't know how to handle the situation. "We're just friends, Cherry."

Kiara's eyes flicked between Kelly and Cherry. She could feel the jealousy building, but she kept her focus on Kelly. "Yeah, just friends," she said, her voice steady but cool. "I just wanted to check in with you."

Kelly gave her a small smile. "I'm good. Just... busy with everything." He glanced at Cherry, then back to Kiara. "But hey, we should hang out later. Like old times?"

Kiara's stomach twisted. *Like old times*—did he even realize what he was saying?

"Sure," Kiara said, forcing a smile. "I'd like that".

End of Chapter 4