Tessa Mitchell stood at the edge of the bustling sidewalk. A wave of people were flowing past her as she clutched tightly to the strap of her worn leather messenger bag. Los Ayer, the sprawling city of shimmering historical buildings and vibrant street art, loomed ahead, its glassy skyline were reflecting the sunset’s golden hue. This was her new home, bright, chaotic, and just a little intimidating. She had moved here from a small town where everyone knew each other’s names and the biggest event was the annual county fair. In Los Ayer, Tessa felt like a tiny fish tossed into a vast ocean. Her was heart racing with both excitement and anxiety. She had always dreamed of the bright lights and the breathtaking diversity of a city this vibrant, but now that she was here, those dreams felt just out of reach. With a deep breath, she adjusted the frayed cuffs of her favorite sweater and took her first step down the street. Tessa had already planned her day. Today, she would explore the eclectic neighborhood of Silver Heights nearby and perhaps even find a café where she could sit with a book and contemplate her next move. As she walked, the sounds of the city enveloped her. The rhythmic thrum of music from a nearby street performer, laughter spilling from outdoor diners, and the distant sirens signaling the constant pulse of urban life. She stopped to watch a street artist as he transformed a blank wall into a canvas of swirling colors. Captivated, Tessa hardly noticed the time passing. "Hey! You've got a great eye!" A voice pulled her from her reverie. Tessa turned to see a girl about her age, with bright red hair and a camera slung around her neck, smiling warmly. "I'm Jade. You just moved here, right?" Tessa nodded sheepishly, surprised that someone had noticed her amidst the happy chaos. "Yeah, I'm Tessa."
"Want to join me? I'm about to meet with my friend Selena to go on a quest for the city's best coffee." Jade grinned, pulling out a little notebook filled with scribbled notes and doodles. "And later I will need a partner in crime." Feeling that familiar flutter of butterflies in her stomach, half nervous, half excited, Tessa agreed. The two girls walked together, Jade eagerly pointing out murals she loved, local shops with character, and the best vantage points for photos. Within moments, they arrived at a small, colorful café called "Gato Espacial" nestled in a vibrant alley decorated with hanging plants and fairy lights. The aroma of rich coffee mingled with the sweet scent of pastries, making Tessa’s mouth water. They settled at a table outside, and Jade ordered them each a pumpkin spice matcha latte and a slice of orange cheesecake. "Do you always talk to strangers?" Tessa asked, curious about her new friend. Jade shrugged with a spark in her eyes. "Every stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet. Plus, everyone has a story." Over lattes and laughter, Tessa opened up about her move and told her what's her story. She missed her hometown, but she craved adventure. Jade listened intently, and when Tessa finished, she said with a wink, "Then you're in the right place." As the sun set and painted the sky in shades of pink and orange, Tessa felt warmth spreading in her chest. This city, with all its noise and unpredictability, was slowly transforming from an intimidating labyrinth into a canvas waiting for her strokes. "Let's check out a gallery tomorrow," Jade proposed and her eyes were lighting up. "I have a feeling there's a lot you'd love about this city."
"Yes! I'd love that," Tessa replied. A genuine smile was stretching across her face. As the evening deepened, Tessa realized that she was no longer just the new girl in Los Ayer. She was beginning to weave herself into the city's tapestry. With Jade and her adventurous spirit by her side, the big city felt a little smaller, a little friendlier, and infinitely more promising. In the heart of Los Ayer, amidst the eclectic charm and pulsating energy, Tessa Mitchell was blossoming, ready to write her story in this vibrant new chapter of her life.
On a crisp Saturday morning, Tessa and Jade decided to explore the city's art gallery. The vibrant streets buzzed with life as they made their way through the bustling crowd. Anticipation was bubbling in the air. They both had a passion for art. Tessa was drawn to the emotional depth of contemporary pieces, while Jade had a penchant for the vivid colors and styles of impressionism. As they entered the gallery, they sniffed the smell of fresh paint mingled with the aroma of distant coffee from the café inside. The walls were adorned with striking canvases, each telling its own story. The girls wandered from one exhibit to another, lost in conversation about their interpretations of the art. "I can't believe how powerful this piece is," Tessa said, gesturing to an enormous canvas splashed with bold reds and deep blues. "It's almost as if it’s crying out for attention. Blue is my favorite color." Jade nodded, but her attention was captured by a smaller painting nearby. "But look at this one! So delicate and filled with light," she replied, tilting her head. "It's like a breath of freshness in the midst of chaos." They continued to chat, losing track of time, when suddenly Jade bumped into someone, almost spilling her iced coffee. "Oof! Sorry!" she said, looking up in surprise. "Oh, no worries! It’s all good," came a familiar voice. Tessa turned around as a wave of recognition washed over her. It was Dorian, a tall, lanky guy from school, his black hair was slightly tousled as if he'd just rolled out of bed. He was a bit of an enigma, always keeping to himself but surprisingly witty once you engaged him in conversation. "Wow, Jade! Fancy seeing you here," he said, flashing a lopsided grin. "Dorian! What are you doing here?" Tessa exclaimed, genuinely surprised. They had shared a few classes, but he’d never seemed particularly interested in the same things she was. "I just thought I’d check it out. I love art, especially surrealism," he replied, glancing around the gallery. Jade raised an eyebrow. "Surrealism? That’s unexpected. You usually seem more… I don’t know, focused?" Dorian shrugged, his expression was turning thoughtful. "I guess I like things that make you think. Art can do that, don’t you think? Challenge perceptions?" The conversation flowed easily, and before long, they found themselves standing in front of a stunning surrealistic piece, an enormous clock melting over a barren landscape. Tessa couldn't help but admire the way Dorian analyzed the artwork, the lines of curiosity evident on his face. "What do you think it represents?" he asked, his eyes were twinkling with intrigue. "The fluidity of time?" Jade suggested, crossing her arms. "Or maybe the pressure we feel about deadlines and life, like they just drip away." Dorian nodded appreciatively. "That's a good point. It's like nothing is permanent." Tessa felt a warmth spread through her chest because the way Dorian spoke about art was captivating. It was amazing how much depth there was in him. "Hey, why don't we grab a coffee from that café and keep talking? My name is Tessa, by the way, I just moved to this city a week ago." she suggested and introduced herself, feeling a sense of sudden daringness. "Sure! My full name is Dorian Stuart." Dorian replied and Tessa noticed a glint of excitement in his eyes. "I'd love to get to know you and catch up with Jade." Dorian said. As they made their way to the café, Jade and Tessa exchanged glances that spoke volumes. They both felt the subtle shift between them and Dorian. It was noticed in the way conversations sparked effortlessly. It was beautiful in a way that felt almost surreal itself. At the café, they grabbed coffee and settled at a small table outside, where the city hummed around them. They spoke of art, life choices, and everything in between, weaving each other's stories together. Tessa was surprised by how easy it felt to open up to Dorian, shyly sharing her dreams of becoming an artist and fill her sketchbook with more ideas. And as the sun began to set, casting golden hues across the city, Tessa realized that what had started as a casual outing to the gallery had blossomed into something unexpected and exhilarating. In that moment, she felt a connection to Dorian that hinted at potential friendship. When they finally parted ways, Tessa and Jade walked through the streets, arm in arm, giddy with excitement. "You were totally vibing with him! He's cute, isn't he? But mystery is his middle name." Jade teased, nudging Tessa playfully. "Maybe. Maybe not. He opened up to us a lot," Tessa replied with a coy smile. The thrill of possibilities were dancing in her mind. As they left the gallery and turned onto a quieter street, she glanced back towards the bustling art world they had left behind, feeling grateful for the serendipity that had led them to Dorian that day and with each step, she couldn’t help but wonder what their next adventure would bring.
The bell rang, signaling the end of sixth period, and students flooded the hallway with a mix of laughter and the shuffle of sneakers. Tessa leaned against her locker. Her textbooks was clutched tightly to her chest as she waited for Jade to emerge from the chemistry lab, but sadly she realized that Jade wasn't at school. Dorian emerged from the classroom instead. She could feel the familiar flutter of nerves in her stomach. As the door swung open, Dorian stepped out, brushing his dark hair back from his forehead with an easy smile. He was charming, with an effortless confidence that made the mundane hallway feel electric. "Hey there, I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me!" he teased, flashing her a bright grin that made her cheeks warm. "Forgot about you? How can I forget? You left me and Jade quite impressed last time we saw you.” Tessa replied, trying to sound casual but failing miserably. "It's just that I… got a little lost in thought and forgot where I put the paper on which I wrote down your number." She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and bit her lip, hoping she didn't look too flustered. "Oh really? Lost in thoughts about what?" Dorian raised an eyebrow playfully, leaning against the locker next to hers. "Or perhaps lost in thoughts about a certain person?" His teasing tone sent her heart racing. "Maybe a bit," Tessa admitted, her gaze dropping to the linoleum floor. "But can you blame me? You are quite a catch." She looked up just in time to catch the amused sparkle in his blue eyes. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Tessa," he replied, his voice lowering slightly. "But let's see if we can make it a bit more scientific. How about we perform our own little experiment? You skipped the class, didn't you?"
"An experiment?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. "What kind of experiment are we talking about?" Dorian stepped closer and the air between them started to crackle with an undeniable energy. "A social chemistry experiment. Let's test the theory of attraction by finding out how many times we can make each other laugh in the next five minutes." Tessa laughed and the sound echoed n the bustling hallway. "I like that idea! But how do we keep track?"
"We'll take turns telling embarrassing stories," he proposed with a smirk. "Whoever gets the other to laugh first wins. The loser has to buy the winner a drink at the café after school."
"Deal!" she agreed. Her competitive spirit was igniting.
"I'll go first," he said, leaning back against the locker and crossing his arms. "So, picture this: I was in the eighth grade and thought I'd show off my ‘impeccable’ skateboarding skills to impress a girl." He paused for a dramatic effect. His eyes were twinkling with mischief. "Let's just say I ended up in the bushes, and let's not even talk about the squirrel that decided to make a nest in my backpack. People who I hang out with never let me live that down." Tessa erupted into laughter, covering her mouth with her hand. "That's amazing! You've got to tell me more about the squirrel!"
"Okay, okay, your turn!" Dorian urged, clearly enjoying the moment of connection between them. Tessa took a deep breath, trying to think of the most embarrassing story she could muster. "Alright, so last summer, I tried baking cupcakes for my mom's birthday, right? I thought I could impress her with my culinary skills…" Dorian leaned in a bit closer. His eyes were wide with anticipation. "And?" She grinned mischievously. "Let's just say I mistook salt for sugar and we ended up with the world's saltiest cupcakes. Her face was priceless when she took a bite!"
"Oh man! That's epic." Dorian doubled over, laughter was escaping him in waves. "Salted cupcakes, I might have to try that someday!" As the minutes passed, they continued to share stories, laughter was spilling out into the hallway, and the world around them faded away. It felt as though no one else existed in that moment, just the two of them and the undeniable chemistry that buzzed in the air. Finally, Dorian said, "Okay, I clearly lost that round. Those cupcakes were a game changer. So, what's your drink of choice at the café?" Tessa grinned, her heart racing. "You mean to tell me I get to choose?"
"Absolutely. It's part of the experiment,"he replied, pretending to be serious. "And besides, skating into bushes and baking disasters. I owe you big time!" As they walked side by side, Tessa's heart swelled with a mix of excitement and warmth. In that hallway, amidst the chaos of high school, she realized that perhaps the real chemistry had nothing to do with beakers and periodic tables, it was about moments like this. Moments filled with laughter, connection, and the promise of something more.
The small café was a cozy refuge from the autumn chill, its windows fogged up with warmth and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wrapping around Dorian and Tessa. They sat at a corner table, the low hum of chatter creating a comfortable backdrop for their conversation. "So, do you want to know how I became a lone wolf?" Dorian asked and a smirk was playing on his lips as he stirred his hot chocolate. Tessa, sitting across from him, leaned in with wide eyes and curiosity was lighting up her face. "Absolutely! You've been so mysterious." She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Dorian took a sip of his drink, letting the sweet warmth settle in before he began his tale. "Okay, but it's not just about being alone, there's a whole backstory. Picture this: I was your typical teenage boy, eager to fit in and I mean really eager. I tried joining clubs, making friends, you name it." Tessa leaned closer and her expression was shifting to one of intrigue. "What happened?" He chuckled softly. "Well, in my quest for acceptance, I found myself in the most unexpected place. Drama Club. I thought, I'll be a star and everyone will love me! Spoiler alert: I wasn't a star. I couldn't even remember my lines." Tessa laughed picturing Dorian fumbling on stage. "What did you do?" Dorian waved his hand dismissively. "It wasn't just about the bad acting. There was this group of popular kids who were also in the club. They were all about theatrics, but not the kind that included kindness. They thrived on drama and I mean real drama. They started picking on me, making fun of my attempts."
"Wow, that's harsh," Tessa sympathized, knitting her brow. "Yeah, it sucked, but instead of confronting them, I decided to retreat. I stopped going to the club and hid in the library instead. That's where I discovered my love for stories. I read everything I could get my hands on." He paused. There was a faraway look in his eyes. "Books didn't judge. They welcomed me into their worlds, where I could be anyone I wanted." Tessa's gaze softened. "So, that's when you turned into a lone wolf?"
"Pretty much. I kept my head down, immersed in my books. The more I read, the more I felt comfortable being by myself. I liked wandering the empty hallways during lunch or curling up in quiet corners of the library with a novel. I started to feel like I was in control of my own story."
"That sounds… a bit lonely, though," Tessa said quietly. "Didn't you ever want to connect with anyone?" Dorian shrugged, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Sure, but I didn't see the point. All I knew was that I was happier with fictional friends than with the real ones who didn't understand me."
"What changed?" Tessa pushed slightly and her eyes were searching his. Dorian leaned back in his chair. His smile was fading as he thought about his answer. "It wasn't an overnight change. It was gradual. I started noticing the few people who respected my space. Like you. We exchanged glances amd that was enough for me to feel comfortable around you." Tessa's cheeks flushed slightly, remembering the day they met vividly. "I didn't want to be alone when I moved here either."
"Exactly," Dorian continued. His voice was warm. "I realized that maybe being a lone wolf wasn't about pushing everyone away. It was about finding the right people to be around, people who understood the value of solitude, but still wanted to connect."
"Wow," Tessa said softly, digesting what he had shared. "So, Dorian, the lone wolf, isn't actually so alone anymore?" He chuckled. A glimmer of mischief was in his eye. "Not anymore. But I'll always keep a little of that wolfish spirit. It's what makes me, well, me."
"Here's to being a lone wolf, at least sometimes," Tessa raised her coffee cup. The steam was curling in the air like their shared secrets. "And to the connections we find along the way," Dorian clinked his hot chocolate against her cup, both of them were smiling and the café around them filled with light and warmth. In that moment, amidst the laughter and stories, they found a shared understanding forging an unlikely bond.
Dorian and Tessa strolled hand in hand, the remnants of coffee was still warming their hearts on that afternoon. Sunlight filtered through the trees, creating dappled patterns on the forest floor. Their casual banter accompanied the gentle rustling of leaves, making the world around them feel alive and inviting. "We should explore a little," Dorian suggested, winking at Tessa. "It's not every day we have a chance to just wander after a date."
"I'm in," she replied with a smile. They ventured deeper into the woods, each step taking them further from the familiar scent of coffee and pastries and deeper into an air thick with the whispers of nature. As they walked, the sunlight began to fade. It was replaced by the haunting shadows of the encroaching trees. Dorian almost suggested turning back when they stumbled upon a clearing. In the center stood a girl with dark black hair. She wore a long, flowing cloak that seemed to dance with the wind. Tessa squinted, unsure if they should approach or simply observe.
"Who do you think she is?" Tessa whispered. Her eyes were wide with intrigue. Dorian shrugged. "Tessa, this is a girl that goes to our school, but she should be sick at home. Let’s see what she's up to." The girl, she soon learned, was Selena Castillo. As they watched, she murmured soft incantations in a language they couldn’t grasp. Dorian chuckled nervously, a part of him thinking she became just some quirky forest dweller, but Tessa felt a shiver down her spine; there was something otherworldly about Selena. Suddenly, a low crackling filled the air, drawing their gazes to an old wooden log lying at Selena's feet. To their astonishment, wisps of flame flickered to life as she waved her hand and the log ignited as if the fire had been summoned from the very earth itself. "Okay, she's definitely not just a hiker," Dorian remarked. His voice was losing its playful edge. They exchanged alarmed glances. What they were witnessing was surreal and almost magical. "Should we… talk to her?" Tessa whispered, her eyes fixed on the witch. But Dorian instinctively stepped back, urging caution. "I don't think that's a good idea. What if she's dangerous? Or... you know, a real witch?" Tessa took a small step forward. "But I don’t even know her! We could just ask…" Before she could finish, Selena turned slightly, revealing a face that was ethereal yet fierce. Her eyes, like pools of midnight, seemed to search the woods for something or someone. It was as if she could sense their presence, however distant. "Do you see them?" she spoke, her voice was enchanting, almost melodic. "They're coming through the veil." Dorian and Tessa exchanged another wide eyed glance. Who was she talking to? They looked around, but there was no one but the two of them and the witch. Selena leaned closer to the flames, her hands dancing over the fire, and murmured more incantations. Her voice was a blend of urgency and reverence. The fire grew higher, swirling as it consumed the log, casting flickering shadows that danced along the forest. A wave of warmth washed over Dorian and Tessa. It was inviting yet unnerving. "Should we get out of here?" Dorian whispered urgently as the fire grew more intense, but Tessa, with a newfound resolve, replied, "No, let's stay for just a moment longer." What they saw next trilled through the very marrow of their bones. Shapes began to emerge from the fire, ephemeral figures that swirled in and out of existence, a whirlwind of color and light, taking on shadowy forms that flickered and twisted like dreams on the edge of waking. "See? They are here," Selena declared, her voice rising above the crackling blaze, "and they shall help guide you." At that proclamation, she turned her gaze towards them, sensing their awe and fear. In an impulse, Tessa stepped forward. "What are you doing? What are they?" Selena smiled. It was a knowing and warm expression. "They are lost, and they help me build a bridge between worlds, but tonight, they wish to speak to you." The air around them thickened and it was charged with an energy that made Dorian’s heart race. Tessa took another step forward, even as Dorian felt rooted to the spot, his feet were unwilling to betray his instincts. "Why us?" Tessa asked. Her voice was steady despite the surreal atmosphere. "Because," Selena answered, "you are seekers of truth and the woods have whispered your names." Before Dorian could protest, the flames danced closer and he felt an inexplicable pull. What did it mean to seek truth? What was it that they truly desired? As the shapes around the fire began to form clearer outlines fragments of dreams and echoes of the past, Dorian hesitated, and then, in an unexpected surge of bravery, stepped beside Tessa. Together, they faced the fire. In that moment, the world shifted. The woods transformed from a place of ordinary adventure into a gateway of possibilities wrought with the echoes of magic, whispers of fate, and the glances of unseen allies, all waiting with stories untold. And so, Tessa and Dorian stood not as mere observers, but as participants in a reality woven with threads of the extraordinary, led by a witch who turned their mundane afternoon into an adventure marked by mystery, courage, and the unfurling of destinies yet to unfold.
"I actually know you from childhood, right?" Dorian asked Selena. "I am Jade's best friend, but I didn't know you ever noticed me among all the other girls in school." Selena replied. "How did you met Jade Luna Mayers?" Tessa asked Selena. "Tessa, come sit by the fire," Selena said, her emerald eyes were sparkling with mischief. "I want to share with you the story of how I met my best friend, Jade." Tessa shuffled closer. Her eyes were wide with excitement. She loved hearing stories about Jade, a talented artist whose adventures were woven into the very fabric of the magical world of Los Ayer. Selena settled on the ground. Her long brown hair was cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of night. "It all began on a night much like this one," Selena started. Her voice was soft and melodic. "The moon was a glowing crescent, casting silvery light over the enchanted forest that surrounded me." Selena remembered that night vividly. She was gathering night blooming jasmine for a potion. Her fingers were deftly plucking the delicate flowers. The cool breeze whispered around her and she felt the familiar pull of magic in the air, but as she bent to collect her bounty, a loud crack echoed through the woods. Startled, Selena turned to see a flurry of shadows darting between the trees. She squinted, straining to see who or what was making such a ruckus. Suddenly, a figure burst into the clearing, tripping over a gnarled root and landing unceremoniously at her feet. "Are you alright?" Selena gasped, helping the figure to her feet. To her surprise, she found herself staring at a girl with wild, red hair that seemed to reflect the moonlight itself. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with mischief and a playful smirk danced on her lips. "I'm fine, I'm fine! Just thought I saw a moonbeam and got a bit carried away," the girl laughed, brushing leaves off her cloak. "I'm Jade Luna Mayers, by the way. What's a witch like you doing in the woods at this hour?" Selena couldn’t help but smile. "You know that I'm a witch? How did you find out?" Selena asked Jade. "You just have that vibe. That's all." Jade said and Selena continued explaining herself, "I'm just collecting jasmine for a potion. And what about you? Chasing moonbeams?"
"Something like that," Jade replied. "More like exploring the woods and trying to catch the magical creature lurking about. I swear I saw something. Some glimmering shadow!" Her excitement was contagious. In that moment, Selena felt an instant connection. They were two wild spirits drawn together by the magic of the night. "I could use a hand with my potion. Jasmine can be tricky," Selena offered. Her heart was brimming with the thrill of camaraderie. Jade's face lit up like the stars above. "Count me in! I've always wanted to learn some witchcraft." As they prepared the potion together, blending petals and whispering incantations, they shared stories of their dreams and desires, the mysteries of the forest, and the strange occurrences that happened under the moonlight. Laughter mingled with magic, wrapping around them like a warm cloak. When the potion was finally complete, a swirling iridescent mist rose from the cauldron, illuminating their faces with a kaleidoscope of colors. They shared a triumphant cheer and their friendship solidified in that magical moment. "From that day on, Jade and I became inseparable," Selena continued. A fond smile was crossing her lips. "We explored every inch of the forest, brewed countless potions and even got into a little trouble with the council of witches. She had a reckless spirit that matched my own and I knew I had found my kindred soul." Tessa's eyes sparkled with awe, envisioning the wild adventures of her mentor and her spirited friend. "Do you want to be friends with me and Dorian?" Tessa asked. Her voice was brimming with curiosity. Selena chuckled. “Oh, I'll be honored to be your friend. Jade told me all about you two.” As the fire crackled and the first stars began to twinkle outside the cottage, Selena and Tessa sat in the glow of friendship and magic, knowing that new adventures awaited just around the corner and in the whisper of the wind, the their connection to Jade Luna Mayers loomed, ready to step back into their lives like a familiar melody, always weaving their destinies together. "What did she told you about me? Jade doesn't know me that well, but we were in kindergarden together, then I was home schooled for a while and now we go to the same high school, but I hang out only with Tessa at the moment." Dorian finally spoke up. Dorian had spent countless evenings trying to decipher her feelings toward him, only for her to slip away without warning. When Selena had mentioned Jade in passing, Dorian's curiosity ignited. "Can I ask you something?" he said, trying to keep his tone light. "Of course," she replied. "What do you want to know?"
"What did Jade tell you about me?" His voice was steady, but inside he felt a knot tighten. He had hesitated to ask but had been wrestling with the question. Selena paused, her expression was shifting from playful to pensive. She gave him a slight nod and glanced around to ensure no one was within earshot. "You can't take it too seriously, Dorian. Jade has always been a bit… dramatic." Dorian raised an eyebrow, urging her to continue. "Yeah, dramatic. But what did she say?"
"She mentioned that you were… different from the others," Selena started slowly, trying to choose her words. "She thought you were sweet, and honestly, it seemed like she really liked you."
"Did she say that?" His heart raced, this was a glimmer of hope he hadn't expected. Selena shifted her weight and her eyes were narrowing slightly. "Not in so many words, but she alluded to it. She looked at you differently than she did with anyone else." She hesitated again before adding, "But then she said something about she doesn't feel that way anymore after seeing you with Tessa." Dorian felt the familiar weight of disappointment settle in his chest. He swallowed hard, feeling the chill of uncertainty wash over him. "What do you think she meant by that?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Selena studied him. Her gaze was thoughtful. "You know Jade. She's adventurous, but also a bit of a wanderer. I think she was afraid of what a real relationship would mean for her. She's not the type to settle down and you met someone who is different."
"Great," he replied bitterly, running a hand through his hair. "So she likes me but doesn't want anything serious?" Selena frowned sensing his frustration. "That's not a definitive no, Dorian. Sometimes people need time to figure out what they want. Maybe… maybe you should talk to her when she gets back to school." Dorian shook his head. "I don't even know when that will be. She could be gone for months. And if she's scared, I can't just push her."
"Maybe not push, but maybe plant a seed?" Selena suggested gently. "Let her know you're open to talking. Sometimes people just need a little nudge." He looked at her and wondered if he had the courage to reach out to Jade when she returned. "What if she doesn't come back? What if I never see her again?" Selena stepped closer. Her voice was unwavering. "Don't wait for the perfect moment because those rarely happen." Dorian nodded, the weight of uncertainty was still heavy, but somehow a little lighter under Selena's encouragement. He felt a surge of clarity now. He realized that the true fear wasn't about what Jade wanted, it was about what he wanted and he wanted to give it a chance. "Thanks, Selena. I'll think about it," he said, straightening his shoulders. "There's always a chance, right?"
"Always," Selena smiled. As they shared a soft laugh, Dorian felt the tension ease just a bit. It was a small step, but in the grand scheme of things, it was one he desperately needed to take. The possibilities were still there, waiting like the last rays of the setting sun, and he wasn't going to let them slip away without a fight. "Dorian, you hold my hand and go on dates with me while your heart belongs to Jade. I just realized that now." Tessa was disappointed in him. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm just confused by my feelings towards both of you." Dorian admited. "Oh, I see. So, you do have feelings for me, but you still love her." Tessa felt like it's time to call it a night and go home because she didn't feel comfortable talking to Dorian anymore. "I'm sorry Tessa, but I don't think it can work out between us." Dorian apologized. "I don't want to hurt Jade anyway." Tessa said and started walking away. "Wait, can I at least walk you home to know that you safely got there?" Dorian asked. "I'll do it, don't worry about it and go home to get some sleep. I'll keep her safe." Selena told Dorian.
"What's the name of your street?" Selena asked Tessa. "Sapphire Row." Tessa said quietly. "I live in Ayer Passage, that's only a few blocks away from your street." Selena smiled, then asked, "Are you feeling okay, Tessa?"
"I will be eventually. I really liked Dorian so much that it made me blind to see his connection with Jade." Tessa admited. "Jade doesn't want a relationship. She made it clear to him before when she dumped his friend Aquine because he was too clingy and jealous. Dorian always secretly hoped that she will one day notice him instead and realize how much he loves her. That's all I know about their little love triangle. Aqui was badly hurt by that breakup and he found comfort in some model girl from boarding school in Spain, but he will never forgive Dorian if he steals his first love." Selena sighed. "Wow, that's complicated. How did I even get involved with such mess. He seemed so nice and kind at first." Tessa said and Selena noticed tears in her eyes. "Don't shed a tear for that boy. He will always remain elusive for girls who like him and want what he can't have. Jade wouldn't hurt you with dating him either and I think that you should know that."
