Chapter 7: Catch-ups

I was sitting in my room, scrolling through my phone when my best friend Alex burst through the door, her fiery red hair in a messy bun and a mischievous grin on her face.

“So spill it, Kiara. What’s going on with you and Luke Reed?” Alex asked, plopping down on my bed next to me.

I looked up, surprised by the sudden interrogation. I had to be careful with how I answered her questions. Alex had always been unpredictable, so I decided to go with the innocent route. “What do you mean? Nothing’s going on.”

“Don’t give me that,” Alex said, nudging my shoulder. “I saw the pictures online of you two on your date. I can't believe you kept this from me, Kiara Jones!”

I couldn’t hold in my laughter. “I’m sorry! I was waiting for the right time, and it never came. Forgive me?”

She stared at me with her eyes narrowed for a few seconds before her expression softened. “Of course, I forgive you, you loser. But only because you looked hot in that backless dress.”

“I was going to call you to ask what to wear, but I was way too nervous,” I admitted.

“Clearly, you didn’t have to call me. You looked gorgeous Kia,” she said, sitting up and facing me. “I totally understand the nerves too. He’s Luke freaking Reed! He is basically a celebrity!”

I groaned, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment. I hadn’t even thought about the fact that Luke was a famous CEO, and now I felt like the whole world knew about our date. Evidently, they did.

“I didn’t know,” I admitted, feeling a little foolish. “I mean, I knew he was successful and all, but I didn’t realize how big of a deal he was.”

Alex rolled her emerald eyes. “Typical Kia, always living under a rock. So, how was the date?”

I smiled, the memory of our time together filling me with joy. “It was amazing, Alex. He’s so sweet and thoughtful, and we had so much fun together.”

Alex grinned. “I knew it! You’re totally into him.”

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. “Maybe a little.”

“More than a little, I’d say,” Alex teased.

Alex laughed. “But don’t worry, you guys looked cute together.”

I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Luke. “He’s really sweet,” I said. “And funny too.”

Alex leaned forward, her eyes lighting up. “Ooh, funny? I didn’t expect that from a CEO.”

I shrugged. “I know, right? He’s so different from what I imagined.”

Alex grinned. “I’m happy for you, Kiara. You deserve a guy like him.”

I felt a warm feeling spread through my chest at Alex’s words. Our friendship had been going strong since middle school. We met in seventh grade when we were assigned to be lab partners in science class, and we had been inseparable ever since.

Despite our different personalities, we balanced each other out perfectly. I was quiet and introspective, preferring the comfort of a good book to a wild party. Alex, on the other hand, was outgoing and vivacious, always eager to try new things and meet new people.

But despite our differences, we had a bond that couldn’t be broken. We shared everything with each other, from our deepest fears to our most embarrassing moments. We laughed together, cried together, and supported each other through thick and thin.

As we grew older, our friendship only grew stronger. Even though she was off at college we made sure to stay in touch, texting and calling each other regularly. And now, as young adults navigating our way through life, we were still each other’s biggest cheerleaders, always there to lend a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on.

“If he ever does anything to hurt you, he’ll have me to answer to,” Alex said, her fiery hair bouncing as she spoke.

I looked at her with amusement and surprise at her sudden outburst. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, I can see how happy he makes you, and I just don’t want to see you get hurt,” Alex explained, her tone serious.

I felt wave of gratitude wash over me. I knew Alex had my back, but hearing her express her concern for my well-being in such a direct way was touching.

“Thank you, Alex,” I said placing a hand on my best friend’s arm. “I know you’re looking out for me, but I think Luke is a good guy. I trust him.”

Alex nodded, still looking a but skeptical. “Okay, just promise me you’ll be careful.”

“I will,” I promised her.

After the conversation about Luke, Alex and I spent some time catching up on her personal life. She shared her recent dating experiences, complaining about how hard it was to find a decent guy. I listened sympathetically.

As we finished our conversation, Alex jumped from the couch, a mischievous glint in her eye. “You know what we should do? Let’s watch ‘Twilight’! We haven’t watched it in ages!”

I laughed, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me. “Sure, why not? I haven’t seen it in forever.”

As we settled in to watch the movie, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the story and my own life. I couldn’t believe how quickly I had fallen for Luke, just like the characters in ‘Twilight’.

But unlike the fictional couple, Luke and I were dealing with real-world obstacles and challenges. The paparazzi photos were just the beginning, and I knew there would be more to come as our relationship progressed.

As I snuggled closer to Alex on the couch, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of apprehension mixed with excitement about what the further held. I was grateful to have Alex by my side as I navigated this new world of love and potential fame.