"I bet these memories,
follow you around."

[POV: Nova]

AS THE CAR APPROACHED THE HOME WHERE Steven's graduation party was happening, a knot tightened in my stomach, radiating nervousness throughout my body. The mere thought of seeing him again after our painful breakup sent a wave of uncertainty crashing over me. How would he react? Would the wounds still feel fresh for both of us?

Glancing away from the window, I looked at the passenger seats and caught a glimpse of Ethan and Pearl, I was still shocked over how long they have been there for me throughout all of this.

Their presence in that moment was a balm to my anxious soul, reassuring me that I wouldn't have to face this encounter alone. Their smiles offered unwavering support, a quiet understanding that provided comfort amidst the swirling emotions within me.

Ethan, with his calming presence, reached out a hand and gently squeezed mine.

Ethan: "You got this, Nova. We're here for you, every step of the way." -he said, his voice filled with assurance.

I smiled back at the boy and stared at Pearl who was now looking at me, her reassuring gaze filled with empathy, chiming in.

Pearl: "Remember, Nova. You're stronger than you think. And no matter what happens tonight, we'll be right beside you."

Their words cascaded over me like a warm embrace, giving me the courage to face the uncertainties that lay ahead. Though my heart still fluttered with trepidation, I found solace in the unwavering support of my friends. Their unwavering belief in me and their willingness to stand by my side gave me the confidence to brave the storm of emotions awaiting me at the party.

Nova: "Thank you guys, you are both truly the best."

Pearl: "Of course, we are always going to be here for you." -she mentioned, flashing at smile at Ethan and then to me,

As the car came to a stop, I took a deep breath, reminding myself that this encounter was an opportunity for closure, for healing. I knew that seeing Steven again would be challenging, but with the presence of Ethan and Pearl, I felt a renewed sense of strength.

I headed out of the car quickly and was startled by the sound of music already playing. It came from the back part of the home, I didn't knew who the house belonged to but it was totally not Taylor or Laurel's home.

My eyes darted to the window of Ethan's car and then I started to carefully look at my outfit. I decided to wear the short black jumpsuit I had found on mom's drawers. A tall ponytail accompanying the look, and lastly, some black high heel boots to top it off.

Ethan: "Te ves hermosa."

I frowned my eyebrows and smiled, slightly turning to see Ethan and Pearl behind me. I crossed my arms and chuckled, stepping closer to the pair.

Nova: "I know what that means."

Ethan: "Oh yeah?"

Nova: "You look beautiful." -I replied, flashing him a smile.

Ethan: "Thank you."

I rolled my eyes while smiling over his small joke, nudging his arm later on.

Ethan: "No, but genuinely, you look beautiful. Don't start worrying about the way you dressed or anything like that."

Nova: "I just feel like it's too much."

Pearl: "It's perfect, Nova." -she reassured, grabbing my hand and interlacing our fingers together.

I smiled at the girl over her sweet gesture, looking back at the street behind us.

Nova: "I hope Jeremiah or Conrad show up, I'm sure Steven would like that." -I said, seeing the girl nodding in acknowledgment.

Pearl: "Did you called or text them?"

Nova: "We are not talking currently."

Pearl: "Oh." -she mumbled, a surprised look covering her face.

Nova: "Long story, I'll tell you later."

Ethan: "Well, let's go then."

With my friends flanking me, a united front against the unknown, we walked towards the entrance of the party. Each step was buoyed by their unwavering support, their silent promise to be there no matter what. Their encouragement exuded a sense of calm within me, reminding me that in their presence, I wasn't alone.

As we entered the party, the space seemed to buzz with excitement and congratulations. Amongst the unfamiliar faces, I was able to spot Belly. Nerves ate me up instantly, I hadn't seen her since that day.

Mom's funeral.

I swallowed saliva quickly, looking back at Ethan who instantly stared at me with worry.

Nova: "Maybe we should leave." -I spoke, practically screaming over the loud music inside the house.

Ethan: "What? But we just got here."

Nova: "I don't know...it's starting to get worse, my nerves, you know?"

Ethan: "You both have been texting each other, what's the worst that can happen?"

Then it hit me...I lied and I believed my lie.

Does that make sense?

Nova: "About that...Belly wasn't the one that invited me here."

His eyes widened by my comment, making me take a deep breath as I stared at him.

Ethan: "Then who the hell did?" -he quickly asked, exchanging a worried glance with Pearl who listened to our conversation attentively.

Nova: "It was Taylor...she doesn't know about my fight with Belly, though."

Ethan: "Oh shit."

I glanced back at the direction I saw Belly before, but she was no longer there. I assumed she had already headed to the back part of the house since that's where everyone was going.

Pearl: "What if you talk to her?"

Nova: "I genuinely don't think I can." -I spoke with a trembling tone, moving my a strand of hair away from my face.

Pearl: "Nova, before we left the house you said you wanted this night to be about healing. Maybe this is your chance to heal with Belly, don't you think so?"

Nova: "Do you know the reason why we fought?" -I questioned, frowning my eyebrows her way.

She then glanced at Ethan, receiving an awkward nod from the boy right after. Then, she stared at me, moving her head side to side.

Flashback.

I sat among the mourners, my heart heavy with grief and mind clouded with sorrow. The day was supposed to be about bidding our beloved mother farewell, a time for solace and remembrance. Yet, fate seemed determined to strip away any semblance of peace from this already somber occasion.

As the eulogies wove through the air, my attention was unexpectedly drawn to a raised voice nearby. It was the familiar voice of Conrad, engaging in a heated argument with, Belly.

My heart sank further at the realization that this was occurring during our own mother's funeral. How could they? How could they tarnish this moment of mourning with their personal disputes?

I strained to make out the words amidst the sobs and whispers that surrounded me, my ears ringing with their escalating voices. Conrad's voice, filled with anger and frustration, pierced the silence like a thunderclap. Belly's voice, a mixture of defiance and hurt, lashed back with equal force. The argument intensified, their emotions colliding like crashing waves against the rocks.

With every word exchanged, a wave of anger began to swell within me. I was angry at Belly for allowing this argument to consume her on such an important day. Didn't she understand the significance of the moment? Of the unity we needed to project as a family?

As the argument subsided and the air settled, my indignation took a hold of me. Disregarding the whispers of disapproval around me, I rose from my seat, determination etched into my features.

I reached the hallway where the argument had happened, spotting Conrad just standing there completely still. I turned him around, hitting his chest suddenly.

Nova: "Why the hell would you guys argue today? Today, really? Couldn't it wait until tomorrow or some other day?" -I snapped, trying my best to whisper.

Conrad's eyes darted around the space without staring into mine, I grabbed his chin and forced him to look at me.

Nova: "I asked you a question."

Conrad: "She started it, not me." -he replied, no other word leaving his lips.

I watched him walk away then, realizing Laurel was already staring our way with disappointment. I sighed and looked towards the exit door, on the distance I spotted Belly walking off so I followed.

Continuing to follow Belly, I made sure my footsteps were purposeful and fueled by righteous anger.

I found Belly standing alone, a fragile figure amidst the solemnity of the beach house grounds. I approached her, my eyes fixed, my voice laced with scorn.

Nova: "How could you?" -I demanded, my voice carrying the weight of my disappointment.

Belly: "Nova?"

Nova: "Of all the days, why did you choose to unleash your fury on the day of my mother's funeral?"

Belly's eyes, brimming with tears, met my fiery gaze. Guilt flickered across her face, mingling with her pain.

Belly: "I didn't mean for it to happen." -she whispered, her voice quivering.

Nova: "You've got to be shitting me, Belly."

Belly: "Look, emotions got the better of us, and Conrad and I lost sight of what was happening around us."

As my initial anger faded, a flicker of frustration reignited within me. I still couldn't fathom how Belly could dismiss the significance of my mother's funeral so easily. It wasn't enough for me to simply console her. No, I needed to express my disappointment and confront Belly directly about the impact of the argument.

Taking a step back from her, my voice grew firm, my then eyes locking onto Belly's.

Nova: "I appreciate that emotions can run high during difficult times, but that still doesn't excuse the timing of your argument."- I stated, my words laced with a mix of accusation and disbelief.

I watched a tear falling from Belly's eyes, her hands also shaking uncontrollably.

Nova: "Look, I know your relationship with Conrad hasn't been going well because of what happened with Jeremiah. But today was supposed to be a day to honor and remember my mother, not to let petty squabbles tear us apart."

Belly's gaze dropped to the ground, shame etched across her face.

Belly: "Nova, I never intended for things to escalate like they did." -she confessed softly, her voice barely audible.

Nova: "Then what exactly made you react the way you did?"

Belly: "I was hurt and frustrated, and I let my emotions get the best of me...I'm sorry." -she repeated, crossing her arms.

Still feeling the weight of disappointment, I couldn't easily release my protectiveness.

Nova: "Sorry isn't enough, Belly. This funeral was a sacred moment, a chance for all of us to come together as a family and pay our respects. But instead, you and Conrad turned it into a battleground."

Tears welled up in Belly's eyes, her voice trembling under the weight of guilt.

Belly: "I didn't mean to dishonor Susannah's memory, Nova. Please believe me." -she implored, her vulnerability shining through.

Belly: "I love Conrad, and we both just lost someone dear to us. The pain overwhelmed us, and we let it spill over into our words and actions. But I promise, I will do everything I can to make it right."

Nova: "You always say that, Belly! But look at what you did, you ruined my siblings bond, our bond! Just...cause you couldn't pick one?"

Belly: "It's not like that."

Nova: "It's exactly like that." -I snapped, pointing my finger at her.

The girl closed her eyes shut after my words, covering her face while bawling onto them. My anger softened, replaced with a glimmer of regret. I knew that grief had a way of distorting people's actions and reactions, and I couldn't deny the sincerity in Belly's plea for forgiveness. But what she had done was still unforgivable. But, I couldn't let today turn into a worse day. Taking a deep breath, I reached out and gently squeezed Belly's hand.

Nova: "I want to believe you, Belly." -I said, my voice now filled with a mixture of compassion and caution.

Nova: "But you need to understand the lasting impact of your actions. The hurt you caused cannot be undone with a simple apology. We all deserve closure and the chance to grieve in peace."

Belly nodded, more tears streaming down her face as she absorbed my words.

Belly: "I hear you, Nova. I truly do. I promise to make it up to everyone and ensure that something like this never happens again. Susannah's memory deserves better."

As the gravity of our conversation settled upon us, I walked away from, Belly.

End of flashback.

Pearl: "You are kidding, right?"

The girl asked with widened eyes after I explained everything to her. Ethan only looked at the both of us awkwardly, listening to our conversation.

Nova: "I treated her so wrong but she also did, I just don't know how a conversation between us would go again."

Pearl: "Let's just got outside and figure what to do once she sees you." -she requested, receiving a glare from me.

Ethan: "Uh, babe...I don't think that's a good idea."

Pearl: "It totally is." -she mentioned, pulling me and the boy towards the door that led to the backyard.

And as we reached the outsides where the loud music played uncontrollably, I looked at my surroundings in search for any familiar faces.

Ethan: "Okay, here's the plan...I'm going to go head over to the drink section and get some for you both. I'm not drinking today cause I'm unfortunately driving, so drink as much as you want for me."

I nodded in agreement and watched him disappear through the large crowd of people partying around. Pearl looked around curiously, smiling instantly once she spotted a stage where a band was currently singing.

Pearl: "Let's go over there, Nova."

Nova: "Absolutely not." -I commented, crossing my arms nervously.

Pearl: "What? Why not?"

Nova: "Cause...what if he's there."

Pearl: "Then, you show up and congratulate him. He doesn't hate you, Nova. He understands what happened, okay?"

Nova: "I don't think he does." -I mentioned, looking around the backyard as I heard shouting.

Pearl: "Yes, he does."

She grabbed my arm and interlaced it around mine, walking alongside me towards the stage quickly. And in that moment, as I looked around...I spotted Steven.

His gaze locked with mine. Time seemed to stand still for a moment, the weight of our history palpable in the air. Uncertainty still lingered, but knowing that Pearl was by my side filled me with a newfound courage.

Nova: "Oh my, God." -I mumbled, stopping my tracks completely which made Pearl almost fall over my sudden stop.

Pearl: "What's wrong?"

She asked which made me move my arm quickly so she could look ahead. That's when she noticed, nerves instantly flashing on her face this time.

Pearl: "Oh, wow."

Steven's expression softened as he approached me, his eyes betraying a mix of emotions.

Nova: "Hey, Steven." -I nervously spoke, smiling his way.

Steven: "Hey, beautiful."

His greeting instantly stung my heart as I remembered all the memories from when he would say that nickname to me, that totally cliche nickname.

Pearl: "Want me to leave you two alone?" -the girl asked awkwardly, receiving a nod later on from Steven.

I tried stopping her but she ran off quickly without allowing me to stop her. As I sighed and glanced back at Steven, without a word, he reached out and gently touched my arm, a subtle gesture that spoke volumes. It was a silent acknowledgment of our shared pain and a small confirmation that we were both healing.

Steven: "How are you doing? I haven't heard from you in some time." -he spoke, nervously smiling my way.

Nova: "I've been doing better, I guess. Today I went to Cousins and searched for some stuff mom left home for me."

Steven: "How's the house doing?"

Nova: "Good, Dad's been taking good care of it." -I replied, moving my hands around anxiously.

Steven: "And the boys...are they okay?"

Silence was all that I could let out, I was taken aback by the sudden question. How were my brothers doing actually? I didn't know the answer to that at all. You see, Conrad was at college and didn't budge to text or call me. Then, there's Jeremiah...he's weird sometimes. He can be in a good mood with me at times but other times completely distant.

Nova: "They are fine, I'm guessing they are busy and can't show up unfortunately." -I lied, trying to sound as truthful as possible.

Steven's expression gave away that he knew I was lying, but he didn't say anything about it.

Nova: "How about Laurel and Belly, are they okay?"

Steven: "They are doing better, some days are better than others for them."

Nova: "Yeah, I get it." -I replied, staring directly at his eyes for a while.

I watched how his eyes darted to my neck, then his hand reached for the spot he was staring at. I glanced down and watched his finger wrapping itself around the cord of my necklace.

The necklace he gave me.

Steven: "You still wear it." -he whispered, a surprised tone leaving his lips.

Nova: "Of course I do."

He smiled faintly, glancing at my eyes this time. I wanted to jump into his arms and give him a tight hug, but for some odd reason I couldn't push myself to do so.

Steven: "I still fucking love you."

He said as he read what my necklace had written, I only smiled by the way he said it.

Nova: "Do you actually?"

Steven: "What?" -he quickly asked, frowning his eyebrows.

Nova: "Do you still fuckin-"

Steven: "Yes."

I chuckled by his quick reply, seeing how he also laughed. My hand reached for his, holding onto it tightly.

Nova: "I still do too, always."

As the night progressed, the initial tension began to ease, replaced by a tentative ease between Steven and me. It was far from perfect, but we were taking small steps towards closure, towards finding our own paths forward.

And through it all, I couldn't help but be grateful for the unwavering support of Ethan and Pearl.

Their continuous reassurance had brought comfort, strength, and a reminder that, no matter what would come next, I had a solid foundation of love and friendship to lean on.

[End of chapter]

Sofia's notes:

New chapter out!! AHHHHH!!! Everyone cheer please 😭

I tried my best in being quick with posting the next chapter, so I hope you are all proud of me 🤭 next chapter will be a very juicy one btw, so GET READY.

ALSO!! sorry if this chapter has writing errors, sooner or later I'll try to edit whatever error I'm able to find. Remember English is not my first language, so there's probably a lot of writing errors in there.

That's it, see you all soon!! Don't forget to vote and please don't be a silent reader 🫶🏼

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