The Distance grows

It had been two weeks since Kelly started dating Cherry, and with every passing day, Kiara could feel the distance between her and Kelly grow. It wasn't just the physical distance—though that was painfully obvious, especially in class where Cherry had claimed Kelly's attention. No, it was the emotional distance that stung the most. Kelly was slipping away from her in ways she couldn't explain, and the more she tried to reach out, the more he pulled away.

Kiara sat in the school courtyard during lunch, nibbling on her sandwich while watching Kelly and Cherry at a nearby table. The way they talked, the way they laughed it was like they had their own world now. And Kiara? She was still stuck in the old one, the one where it was just her and Kelly against the world.

"Hey, Kiara."

Kiara looked up, startled out of her thoughts. It was Samantha, a girl from her class who she'd gotten to know recently. Samantha had always been friendly toward Kiara, but today, she seemed to be studying her with a new interest.

"Oh, hey, Samantha," Kiara replied, sitting up straighter. She forced a smile, even though her mind was still half with Kelly.Samantha sat down beside her, glancing over at Kelly and Cherry. "So, I noticed something… You and Kelly haven't been hanging out as much lately."

Kiara sighed, pushing her sandwich aside. "Yeah, things have changed," she said, trying to keep her tone neutral, though she knew Samantha could tell that something more was going on.

"I figured," Samantha said. "You've been kind of distant too. Is everything okay between you two? I mean, I thought you guys were like… inseparable before."

Kiara's heart twisted. She didn't know how to explain the mess that had become her relationship with Kelly. "It's complicated," she said softly. "He's dating Cherry now. And… I guess I'm just trying to figure out where I fit in."

Samantha nodded sympathetically. "I get it. It's tough when one of your best friends starts dating someone. Things change. But you know, you've got to remember, he's still your friend. It might feel different now, but maybe you just need to give it some time."

Kiara appreciated Samantha's words, but they didn't bring her much comfort. Time. Time had never been something she was good at waiting for.

That afternoon, during the last period of the day, Kiara found herself walking toward the gym for P.E. She had hoped to avoid Kelly, but somehow, she ended up right behind him. He was with Cherry, of course, laughing and talking, oblivious to Kiara's presence. It made her feel small and invisible, like she didn't matter anymore.

As they entered the gym, Kiara took a deep breath and tried to shake off the knot in her stomach. But as she stood by the bleachers waiting for class to begin, Cherry came over to her with a mischievous smile.

Kiara, hey! Cherry said in her usual sugary tone. "You know, Kelly and I were talking, and he said you two used to be really close. You must be feeling lonely with him not spending as much time with you these days."

Kiara stiffened, her chest tightening. What are you trying to say?

Cherry giggled, twirling her hair around her finger. "Oh, nothing. I just thought it was funny how you were his best friend before, and now he's with me. But hey, don't worry. You'll always have a spot in his life… just not as much of a spot as you had before."

Kiara's fists clenched at her sides, but she kept her voice calm. "Don't flatter yourself, Cherry. I'm not jealous."

Cherry smirked, clearly not believing her. We'll see, won't we? Kiara bit her tongue to keep from snapping at her. She wasn't going to let Cherry get to her. Not this time.

But as the class went on, and as she was forced to watch Kelly and Cherry interact, Kiara couldn't help but feel the jealousy creeping back in, stronger than ever. She didn't want to lose him, but it felt like that was exactly what was happening. And deep down, Kiara knew it wasn't just about being pushed aside by Kelly. It was about the fact that he was moving on, and she wasn't.

End of Chapter 5