Gianna sat on her bed, the soft pink comforter bunched around her like a protective cocoon. Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting delicate patterns on the hardwood floor. The room smelled faintly of vanilla, a scent her best friend, Mia, had insisted on for her birthday last month.
She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Today was supposed to be a normal Saturday, but her heart raced as she thought about meeting Ethan later. She wanted to believe in their relationship, but a nagging feeling tugged at her gut.
"G, you coming?" Mia called from the hallway, her voice breaking the spell of quiet.
"Yeah, just a second!" Gianna replied, forcing a smile as she grabbed her phone, checking for messages. Nothing from Ethan. A flash of worry crossed her mind, but she brushed it aside. He was probably just busy.
As she stepped into the hallway, the scent of coffee wafted through the air, pulling her toward the kitchen. Her mother, Sarah, stood at the counter, pouring a cup. Gianna paused, watching her. The lines on her mother's face seemed deeper today, shadows under her eyes hinting at sleepless nights.
"Morning, Mom," Gianna said, forcing cheer into her tone.
"Morning, sweetheart. You're off to see Ethan?" Sarah asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Yeah, just hanging out," Gianna replied, trying to keep the conversation light. She noticed her mother's gaze linger on her, a mix of love and worry. "It'll be fun!"
"Just be careful, okay? You know I worry," Sarah said softly.
"I will," Gianna promised, though her mind was already racing with thoughts of what might go wrong.
"Hey, Gianna, you coming or what?" Mia's voice interrupted again, more impatient this time.
"Yeah, I'm coming!" Gianna called back, giving her mother a quick hug. "Love you!"
"Love you too," Sarah replied, her eyes watching Gianna as she dashed out the door.
The sun hit Gianna's face as she stepped outside, a warm reminder of the life waiting for her beyond these walls. Mia was waiting by the car, tapping her foot.
"Let's go! I need coffee, and you need to tell me what's up with you and Ethan!" Mia exclaimed, her excitement contagious.
"Nothing much, just... I don't know," Gianna shrugged, trying to sound casual.
"C'mon, spill! You can't keep me in the dark," Mia pressed as they climbed into the car.
Gianna hesitated, the familiar pang of uncertainty gnawing at her. "I just... feel like something's off, you know? Like, I don't know if he's being totally honest with me."
Mia's expression softened. "G, if he's not treating you right, you don't have to put up with it. You deserve someone who makes you feel special."
"I know," Gianna said, her heart heavy. "But he's sweet sometimes. I just wish I could trust him."
As they drove through the bustling streets of New York, Gianna's thoughts were a jumble of uncertainty. She stared out the window, watching the city blur by, trying to shake off the feeling that things were slipping through her fingers.
"Gianna? Earth to Gianna!" Mia waved a hand in front of her face, snapping her back to reality.
"Sorry! Just lost in thought," Gianna admitted, forcing a laugh.
"You're always lost in thought! Let's just focus on our coffee date, okay?" Mia said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.