Their friendship blossomed in subtle but unmistakable ways. But nothing stayed private for long in Riverdale High, and soon, whispers about Ava and Emily began circulating. It started with classmates whispering and stealing glances whenever they walked by, followed by snickers from those who thought they knew their "secret."
One afternoon, as they left the art room, a group of boys blocked their path.
"Hey, lovebirds," one sneered, smirking. "Got any secrets you wanna share?"
Ava rolled her eyes, pulling Emily close as they pushed past. But later, when they were alone, she noticed Emily's hands were trembling.
"Are you okay?" Ava asked, her voice softer.
Emily forced a smile, but there was fear in her eyes. "I just… I worry what people will say. About us."
Ava sighed, a pang of guilt in her chest. She kne story unfold naturally over 50 chapters.
w her defiance came more easily than Emily's, who had grown up in a tightly-knit church community where judgment loomed at every corner.
"They can say whatever they want, Em," Ava said, trying to sound strong. "As long as we're real with each other, nothing else matters."
But Emily wasn't convinced. And despite Ava's reassuring words, doubt began to creep into both their minds, lingering like a shadow in the background.