Time flew after Ryan's graduation party, but the bond between Ella, Ava, and Ryan remained strong. They constantly checked up on each other through video calls, texts, and occasional outings. Though Ryan was now preparing for college, he never failed to send random jokes in their group chat, reminding them that he was still around.
Meanwhile, Ella's bond with Drevin deepened. He had become a regular customer at her parents' bakery, always buying bread—even when he didn't really need it.
One afternoon, Ella caught him buying another loaf.
"Drevin, you just bought bread yesterday. Do you seriously eat this much?"
Drevin smirked. "Maybe I just like coming here. The customer service is top-tier."
Ella rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile.
Drevin's Growing Presence in Ella's Life
Drevin had become a familiar face at Ella's family bakery. At first, her parents thought he was just another customer, but it didn't take long for them to notice a pattern. He always came when Ella was working, often buying bread he probably didn't need.
As Ella wrapped up his purchase, her mom leaned in and whispered, "That boy comes here a lot. Is he your friend?"
Ella hesitated before nodding. "Yeah, sort of."
Her dad raised an eyebrow. "Sort of?"
Drevin, overhearing, chuckled. "I'd like to think I'm more than 'sort of' a friend."
Ella shot him a look, but her mom smiled warmly. "Well, any friend of Ella's is welcome here. Have a seat. We just made some tea."
Drevin happily accepted, sitting at the small table in the corner. As they drank tea, he charmed Ella's parents effortlessly. He told them about his part-time job at the café, his dreams of running a business one day, and his admiration for their bakery.
"You make the best bread I've ever had," he said sincerely.
Ella's dad laughed. "Well, as long as you keep buying, we won't complain."
Ella watched the scene unfold, surprised by how naturally Drevin fit in.
As they left, her mom gave her a knowing look. "He seems like a nice boy."
Ella rolled her eyes. "Mom, please."
Her mom just smiled. "I'm just saying."
---
A Minor Rift Between Friends
One weekend, Ava invited Ella to go shopping with her.
"Ella, let's go shopping tomorrow! I need a new outfit, and you can help me choose," Ava said excitedly over the phone.
"Sounds great!" Ella agreed.
But on the day of the outing, her parents needed her help at the bakery.
When Ava called, her voice was filled with expectation. "I'm at the mall. Where are you?"
Ella sighed, guilt creeping into her voice. "Ava, I'm so sorry. My parents needed help at the bakery. I couldn't leave."
Ava went silent for a moment before responding. "Ella, this is the third time you've canceled on me because of the bakery. I get that you have responsibilities, but don't you think you deserve a break too?"
"I know, I know. I just—"
"Never mind," Ava interrupted, clearly upset. "I'll shop alone."
Ella felt terrible. That night, she texted, Ava.
Ella: Ava, I know you're mad at me, and you have every right to be. I'm really sorry. I should have managed my time better. I promise I'll make it up to you.
Ava didn't respond right away. When she finally did, her reply was short but firm.
Ava: Ice cream and karaoke. You're paying.
Ella laughed, relieved. Ella: Deal. But only if you sing first.
---
Making It Up to Ava
The next evening, Ella showed up at Ava's house with a tub of Ava's favorite ice cream—chocolate fudge brownie.
"You're lucky I like ice cream," Ava said, pretending to be mad.
"And you're lucky I like you enough to buy expensive ice cream," Ella teased.
Ava rolled her eyes but grabbed two spoons. They sat on her bed, eating straight from the tub.
"You know," Ava said after a moment, "I get that your family needs you. But you should let yourself have fun
Late-Night Study Sessions and Fun Escapes
As their final high school exams approached, studying became their top priority. Drevin, despite being in a different school, often joined Ella and Ava at the library.
Drevin groaned and pushed his textbook away. "I swear, if I read one more equation, my brain will melt."
Ava smirked. "Good thing you don't have much of a brain to begin with."
Drevin shot her a look. "Rude."
"You know," Drevin leaned back in his chair, stretching, "I never thought I'd spend my evenings stuck in a library."
Ava rolled her eyes. "Then why do you keep coming?"
Drevin grinned, glancing at Ella. "Maybe I just like the company."
Ella blushed but quickly looked away, pretending to focus on her notes.
Ella laughed. "Okay, let's take a break. Street food?"
"Now you're talking," Drevin said, already grabbing his jacket.
They walked through the busy streets, grabbing skewers of grilled meat and freshly baked pastries.
After long study hours, they found ways to unwind—buying street food.
"You know," Drevin said between bites, "I never actually told you why I work at the café."
Ava raised an eyebrow. "Because you like free coffee?"
Drevin chuckled. "No. My mom runs a small tailoring business, but things get tough sometimes. I wanted to help out, so I got a job."
Ella looked at him, admiration in her eyes. "That's really responsible of you."
Drevin shrugged. "It's just what I have to do."
They walked in comfortable silence for a moment before Ava suddenly grinned.
"You know what we need?"
"What?" Ella asked.
"A night out. Clubbing. Karaoke. Something fun."
Drevin smirked. "You just want an excuse to dress up."
Ava flipped her hair. "Obviously. So, are we doing it or not?"
Ella hesitated, but Drevin nudged her playfully. "Come on, Ella. Live a little."
Ella sighed dramatically. "Fine. But if I embarrass myself, it's on you guys."
Ava clapped her hands. "It's settled
At the club, music pulsed through the air as they danced and laughed. Ella and Drevin mostly stayed together, enjoying the lively atmosphere, but Ava, ever the social butterfly, moved effortlessly through the crowd.
Ava caught the attention of a guy at the bar. He was tall, with a confident smirk and an easygoing charm.
"You look like you're having fun," he said, sliding next to her.
Ava smirked. "I always do."
"Can I buy you a drink?" he asked.
"Only if you don't bore me," she teased.
They ended up talking for a while, and by the end of the night, he asked for her number. She hesitated for a second before handing it over.
Ella and Drevin watched from a distance.
"Should we be concerned?" Drevin joked.
Ella chuckled. "I don't think anyone could mess with Ava. She's too sharp for that."
Drevin glanced at Ella, a small smile playing on his lips. "You're pretty sharp too, you know."
Ella met his gaze, and for a brief moment, the music, the crowd, everything faded. There was something unspoken between them—something growing stronger.
But before she could process it, Ava returned, grinning. "Ladies and gentlemen, I just got asked out."
Ella laughed, shaking off whatever moment she had with Drevin. "Oh? And what did you say?"
Ava smirked. "I said... maybe."
Drevin shook his head. "Classic Ava."
They danced, laughed, and enjoyed the night, knowing that soon, school would be over, and things would change. But for now, they had each other, and that was enough.