Reconciled

Sia's POV

When Annabelle left the room, I broke.

I cried—no, I wept—until it felt like I'd emptied every part of me. All the unshed tears I kept inside while she was here, I let them out now. Thirty minutes passed with nothing but my own sobs echoing against the walls. And not once did she come back. Not once did I hear the sound of her footsteps returning.

But the worst part? I wanted her to.

Even after I told her to leave, even after the fury and the pain and the heartache I still needed her beside me. God, I hated that I still wanted her so badly. My heart was mad, hurt, bruised—but still hers.

Twenty more minutes passed before there was a knock at the door.

Annabelle? Is that you? I shouted, hope clawing its way into my voice.

I opened the door—and there she was.

I didn't wait. I threw my arms around her like I was afraid she'd disappear. I held her tight, breath catching, and whispered, I'm sorry, before pulling her inside, slamming the door shut behind us. I kissed her.

I kissed her like it was the only way I could survive. Like if I poured every piece of my sorrow and longing into her lips, she might understand just how broken I'd been without her. My hands moved from her neck, slowly down the shape of her body, needing to feel she was real, here.

Anna wrapped her arms around my waist and we stumbled onto the couch. I landed on her lap, lips still locked, our touches growing deeper, desperate.

But she wasn't responding the way I wanted. Not fully.

I pulled back just enough to tug at my shirt, my breathing heavy. But Anna stopped me.

Her hands steadied me by my hips, her breath just as uneven as mine. Her eyes searched mine, soft and full of emotion. She touched my face like I was something precious.

Why did you say sorry? she whispered. I'm the one who's sorry.

I'm sorry for acting like a mad girlfriend, Anna.

But she interrupted, gently. No. You weren't mad. You were right. Her thumbs brushed my cheek, and her voice cracked with raw honesty. I was at fault. And I'm here to say it. Even if you don't believe so, I still would. I'm sorry, Sia. I really, really mean it.

There it was—truth. In her touch. In her voice. In the way she looked at me like I was the only one that mattered.

And somehow, even though I'd cried a river not an hour ago, I felt... free. Like her apology, her presence, was undoing every knot in my chest.

I let out a shaky breath, trying to hold myself together. I may seem naive for acting like this, I said, my voice beginning to crumble, but... I forgive you, Annabelle. I really want to…

My words caught on the way my heart was breaking—quietly, slowly—because I loved her so much, and yet... something deep inside me was unraveling.

And I didn't know how to stop it.

I'm sorry if I've been an irresponsible girlfriend this whole trip. I'm sorry if I keep ending up on the side that hurts you, Annabelle said, her voice low and remorseful.

I silenced her gently with a finger pressed to her lips. Shhh… I forgive you. No more words. Just stay here, with me. Enjoy my company… my body. My voice came out in a husky whisper as I slowly pulled off my shirt, revealing the soft lace of my bra underneath.

I exhaled with a smile, heart thudding. You're being kind of aggressive this trip, Sia.

Her eyes glinted mischievously.

But I like it, I added softly.

Just then—knock knock knock.

We both froze. I stifled a laugh. I'll l get it. Put something on before someone sees you half-naked.

Sia rolled her eyes playfully as she slipped her shirt back on, chuckling under her breath.

I opened the door.

Hey, Tom greeted. We're heading to the beach. Up for a dive?

From the bed, Sia called out, Who's coming!?

Almost everyone,Tom replied. So get changed and pack your stuff. Let's go!

Tom flashed an okay hand sign—subtle, quick, and just for me. He was checking if Sia and I had patched things up. Of course he knew, word travels fast in our circle. I gave a small nod, patting his shoulder lightly before he walked off with an understanding smile.

Soon enough, we were all gathered near the dock. The breeze was fresh against our skin, and the sea shimmered. Boats lined the shore, bobbing gently in the tide.

How many people can get in one boat? I asked, shielding my eyes with one hand.

Probably ten, maybe a bit more, Eduardo answered, casually adjusting his cap.

People began climbing into the boats. Let's hop in, guys! Jean called, already leading the way as she stepped up first, her energy pulling others along behind her.

I'm part of that ten,a voice rang beside me—Kelly. She smirked as she passed. Jane followed beside her and gave me a soft hello, with her eyes on me .

Once aboard, we arranged ourselves—six on one side, five on the other. I sat between Jane and Sia. Sia's hand found mine without needing to ask, grounding me as the boat began slicing through the waves toward the diving point.

As the boat rocked gently, Sia gestured toward a girl seated across from us. This is my classmate and friend, Chelse.

Chelse gave a small wave.

Hi, I said, offering a polite smile. I'm Annabelle. Sia's girlfriend you probably already know that.

Chelse chuckled. Yeah, she tells.

And Tom, who's this? Your baby boy?

Tom leaned closer and whispered, raising an eyebrow in mock uncertainty. He's mine.

You've got a whole lot to tell, then, Jean teased, already catching on to the tone of the joke.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the boat, Matthew had his shades on, but it was clear where his attention was. His eyes were fixed on one of the seniors—James—who, in turn, seemed to be glued to Jane like a walking, talking CCTV camera.

What is this, a full-on pedophile situation?Matthew muttered, turning his face back toward the sea, the glint of his sunglasses catching the sun.

I couldn't help but laugh. Jean burst out too, slapping her thigh.

Hey, Matthew—manners, Eduardo called out, half amused, half serious.

No, I'm seriously asking, Matthew said, holding up his hands like he was just pointing out facts.

Well, Chelse cut in with a smirk, James has always been mad for girls, but I didn't know he had a thing for Grade Nines.

She looked straight at the senior across from us, waiting for his reaction, her eyebrow arched like she already knew what he'd say—or wouldn't.

Hey, none of your guys' business, James finally spoke. Everyone here's got a pair. Why do you think I'm here? It's Jane.

And there's no pedo thing going on if she doesn't reject me, he added smugly.

Kelly burst out laughing loud and sarcastic. Oh, stop it, senior. You're way too delusional. That's not how it works.

Her laughter echoed a bit too long, catching the attention of everyone on the boat.

I didn't meant it for chaos, i was just merely asking. Matthew said.

Enough, sia cut in firmly, her voice calm but commanding. A senior and a junior going at it isn't going to get us anywhere. Just drop it.

Silence settled like a mist. Then, as if on cue, the boat gently slowed to a stop.

We're here, Tom said, standing up and stretching. The salty air hit us with a cool breeze as the engine quieted.

The group began moving, reaching for the water gear. Everyone strapped on their oxygen masks and adjusted their goggles, excitement slowly replacing the earlier tension.

I looked over at Sia who was securing her gear, and she caught my eye.

I held up both my hand on Sia's face and kisses her forehead, you okay? are you ready?, then Sia replied with a nod and we both jump together into the water along with the others.

As soon as we dove into the water, the ocean enveloped us like a secret dream. Light spilled through the surface in soft, golden shafts, dancing across the coral floor below. The deeper we swam, the more vibrant everything became.

Schools of silver fish darted between branches of coral like flickering stars, while sea anemones swayed with the current, brushing against curious fingers. Sea turtle gliding peacefully by, Jane and Kelly were holding hands, kicking in sync, their silhouettes outlined by shafts of sunlight. Jean were further ahead, spinning slowly in the water, pretending to be astronauts in space, while Tom is with the guy and even kissed underwater. We all swam through together, laughter caught in our eyes behind the glass of our goggles. Bubbles trailed behind us like laughter made visible.