The sun was setting, and a soft breeze was blowing through the city, gently making Rena and Madison shiver as they walked. After passing through the lively and noisy streets, they finally reached the quiet little building where Rena had been living for a year with her aunt, Rose.
Rose was Rena's mother's younger sister, but she was far from the typical "aunt" figure. In her thirties, Rose was full of energy. She worked as a fitness coach, leading fitness, climbing, and even boxing classes. Always upbeat and full of life, she had a magnetic presence that drew people to her. In addition to her work, she loved going on getaways far from the city, often alone, to hike or climb in remote areas. These little trips intrigued Rena, who often wondered what her aunt was looking for so far away. But every time she dared to ask, Rose would dodge the question with a mysterious smile, as if it were a well-kept secret.
Entering the apartment, Rena immediately felt the familiar warmth. Rose had a knack for making spaces feel welcoming. The interior was bright, with little touches of decor carefully chosen. Although they had only been living together for a year, Rose had managed to create a space that felt full of life and security.
— Do you see the time?! Madison exclaimed as she entered Rena's room. We're gonna be late if you keep dragging your feet like this!
— Oh, come on, relax, Rena replied, rolling her eyes. They can wait, right?
Madison gave her an exaggerated look of indignation before throwing her bag on the bed.
— It's not them I'm worried about, it's you! Have you seen that dress? We need to make sure everything's perfect before we leave.
Rena laughed softly and began searching her closet for shoes. Meanwhile, Madison sat down on the bed and started the conversation.
— So, talk to me about Lucas, she said, her tone becoming a bit more curious. I thought he was gonna ask you to be his date. Seriously, why did he pick me? I don't get it.
Rena looked up, surprised by her friend's comment.
— Lucas? Why would he ask me? she asked, a little embarrassed.
Madison shrugged.
— Well, it's obvious, right? He's always staring at you. Not just like a normal look, but like he's trying to read your mind or something. It's kinda creepy.
Rena bit her lip, thinking. She, too, had noticed Lucas's intense gaze, but she had never known how to interpret it. Was it interest? Curiosity? Something else?
— I don't know, Maddie… Maybe he's just… weird. She tried to downplay it, but the blush on her cheeks betrayed her discomfort. And hey, it's great that he picked you, right? You're always saying he's cute.
Madison burst out laughing.
— True, he's not bad looking, but it's weird that he picked me when he spends all his time staring at you. Anyway, we'll see tonight. Maybe he'll finally open up and say what he's thinking.
She paused, her smile turning more mischievous.
— By the way, Derek? she asked, raising an eyebrow. He asked you to be his date, right?
Rena rolled her eyes.
— Ugh, Derek… she sighed. That guy annoys me. He just doesn't get that I'm not interested.
Madison burst out laughing.
— Don't worry, I've got it covered. I talked to him for you. He's good. He's gonna be your date tonight.
Rena looked at her, wide-eyed.
— What?! You spoke to him on my behalf?!
— Of course! I couldn't let him keep bothering you like that! Madison said, smoothing her dress. Anyway, Derek and Lucas are picking us up, so we'll have to deal with them. But at least you're safe tonight!
Rena shook her head, a mix of mild exasperation and a smile.
— You never stop surprising me, Maddie.
Before Rena could say anything more, the bedroom door opened slowly, and Rose entered. She was wearing casual clothes, her hair tied up in a high ponytail, and she had that warm, signature smile.
— Wow, you two look incredible, she said as she walked in. I'm gonna have to put a sign on the door saying, "Beware, two goddesses reside here."
Madison burst out laughing, while Rena shook her head, smiling but slightly embarrassed.
Rose walked over to Rena, her expression softening.
— You look amazing, honey. But wait, something's missing. She searched her pocket and pulled out a delicate bracelet. Here, put this on. It belonged to your mom.
The bracelet was beautiful, with blue and silver stones that seemed to capture the light in a mystical way. Rena looked at it with a certain apprehension, as if this simple piece of jewelry carried the weight of her past.
— I… thank you, Rose, she murmured, touched.
Rose gently placed her hand on Rena's shoulder, her gaze serious but tender.
— Don't lose it, okay? This bracelet is special. And it will protect you, no matter what happens.
Rena frowned slightly, intrigued. This wasn't the first time Rose had said something that seemed to have a deeper meaning, but she knew pressing her wouldn't get her anywhere.
— I'll be careful, I promise, she finally replied.
Rose smiled, satisfied, and turned to Madison.
— And you, Maddie, make sure she has fun tonight. No drama, okay?
— Don't worry, I've got it covered, Madison laughed. She's gonna have the best night of her life, I promise.
After a final glance in the mirror, the girls headed downstairs. When they entered the living room, they found themselves face-to-face with Derek and Lucas. The two boys were there, impeccably dressed, but their reactions couldn't have been more different.
Derek, true to form, immediately stood up, his gaze full of admiration for Rena. Lucas, on the other hand, stayed seated, but his gaze was intense, almost piercing. He was staring at Rena like he was trying to solve a mystery.
Rena felt an odd tension rising inside her. She didn't know why, but Lucas's stare unsettled her more than she wanted to admit.
— So, gentlemen, Madison said, breaking the silence, we made an effort for you, huh. Are you impressed or what?
Derek quickly responded, a big smile on his face.
— Impressed? That's an understatement. You both look amazing.
Lucas, on the other hand, didn't say anything, simply maintaining that intense gaze on Rena. She looked away, unsettled. Tonight, she could feel something was going to change, though she couldn't quite say what.