Page 16 of Our Little Moments

But I’ll keep trying. I’ll always keep trying.

Stella

I wish I could have what they have.

That’s all that’s been running through my head since Adrian and his sisters came over. The teasing, the caring, helping each other out . . . It’s all so beautiful to see. And so different from what I’m used to. Derek’s the only one that’s ever helped me with trainingfor the tournaments. He’s the only person who’s ever stood by me, but even then, it’s different. Our bond was built on training, on tournaments, on pushing each other to win. Not on quiet moments, understanding, or shared laughter.

I glance down at my phone.

Still no messages.

I hate how often I’ve been checking it. I hate how much my dad’s last message still lingers in my chest. And I hate how some part of me keeps hoping for more words like that.

I slide the phone into my pocket and look up—just in time to catch Adrian’s smile.

It lights up the entire street.

His eyes slide over to mine and now I’m submerged in a dense, green forest. The noise, the burning sun, the people . . . everything drifts away for a second as the air comes alive with electricity.

The moment breaks when Jay laughs loudly, and I turn away, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.

I murmur quick goodbyes to the group, but my mind is already miles away.

Derek’s the only friend I’ve kept through the years, and I realize now that, even if I wasn’t alone, I’ve felt lonely for so, so many years.

Chapter 7

Stella

When I close the door behind me, I hesitate, clutching my phone tightly. What if he laughs at me? What if he thinks I’m being ridiculous? Worse . . . what if he’s hurt that I don’t think we’re close enough? What if he wishes I’d told him I needed him more?

The questions whirl in my mind, making my hands shake, but I take a deep breath and press “Call” before I lose my nerve.

Derek picks up on the second ring, and my heart cracks a little when I hear his voice.

“Hey, Stella. I didn’t expect you to call so soon. Is everything okay?”

No. Nothing is alright anymore.

“Hey,” I reply, hating that my voice shakes a little.Come on, Stella!“I just wanted to say that I’m grateful to have you as a friend. I . . . wish I’d said it more. I don’t think I’ve told you enough how much you mean to me.”

He stays silent, and I wait for him to laugh at me.Where is all this coming from? I’ve known you for eight years. What’s going on with you?

Or for him to sigh.We’re just training partners. It’s not that serious.

Instead, he replies quietly, “You’re changing.”

Everything pauses. I just told him I was grateful to have him in my life andthisis his reply? What am I supposed to do with “You’re changing”?

I blink, completely thrown off. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He chuckles, and I realize how much I missed that sound. He doesn’t laugh nearly enough.

“It means you’ve always been stubborn as hell,” he replies with a laugh. “But right now . . . I don’t know. You sound lighter. Like you’re finally able to breathe.”

He pauses, and I consider his words. I do feel a lot calmer here. A lot more at peace.

But I don’t thinkIchanged.

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