The rain had stopped, and the sun had peeked out from behind the clouds, shining brightly in the morning. The ground was damp, and the air was thick with the scent of the storm. Cole was the first to wake up, stretching his sore limbs and yawning. He glanced down at Hollyn, who was still sleeping soundly. She looked peaceful, her brunette hair spread out around her, forming a halo in the morning light. Cole couldn't help but smile at the sight of her, feeling a warmth in his chest at the thought of being there for her during the storm. He carefully untangled himself from her, trying not to wake her, and unzipped the tent quietly to not wake her.

He crawled out of the tent, greeted by the fresh scent of rain-kissed earth and the gentle chirping of birds. The campsite was damp, but everything seemed to be intact despite the storm. He could see some tree limbs had fallen and a few branches littered the ground, but nothing major. And the campsite was fine as well, nothing seemed to be ruined or broken. They had folded up the chairs they brought and those wee leaned up against a nearby tree, so they hadn't fallen over. The cooler was still in place, and the picnic table was still sturdy. He breathed a sigh of relief, glad that everything was okay. He looked over at the firepit, which was drenched from the rain. He had a bad feeling they most likely wouldn't be getting a fire going today. He wasn't sure how long the wood would take to dry, and he didn't want to risk it.

"Good morning." Hollyn smiles, stepping out of the tent and zipping it up. She had changed out of her pajamas and had her hair in a messy bun. She had her hands on her hips as she glanced around the campsite. "I'm glad the tent survived the storm. It was intense."

"It was, and yeah, me too. I'm glad we didn't get flooded." Cole chuckled. He ran his hand through his messy blonde hair, trying to tame it. It was still early, and he hadn't had a chance to brush his hair.

"The storm was already a nightmare for me so I'm very glad we didn't get flooded." Hollyn said, sitting down on the picnic bench after setting down a dry towel since she saw the bench was wet. "We're really lucky the tent didn't leak. I would've cried if it did. We'd be forced to spend the night in our car."

"Yeah, that would have sucked." Cole agrees, taking a seat beside her. "How did you sleep? I was glad you finally fell asleep."

"I slept pretty well, thanks to you." Hollyn smiles, looking at him fondly. She had a lot on her mind, especially after the events from last night. "Do you want to talk about...You know...What happened at the fire?" She stammered. 

"I was wondering when you'd bring that up." Cole admits, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "Listen, Hollyn...About last night. I'm sorry if I made things awkward...It was just a heat in the moment kind of thing, right? It doesn't have to change anything. We can just pretend it didn't happen, and everything can go back to normal."

"Right." Hollyn agrees, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in her chest. "Of course. We can just forget about it. It was nothing."

Cole was filled with an ache he couldn't quite explain. He didn't like saying what he did, but he knew he had to say it. He was with Erin and sleeping around with other girls. He and Erin had an odd relationship but they made it work. But with Hollyn...Things were different. She was his best friend, and he couldn't risk ruining their friendship by getting into something complicated.

"So, we're good?" Cole asked, his tone hopeful. He didn't want to lose her, and he needed to know that things were okay between them.

"We're good." Hollyn nods, giving him a reassuring smile. She was hurting, but she didn't want him to know. She was his best friend and if she told him how she really felt, it would ruin everything. So, she had to let it go...At least for now. "You're my best friend, Coley. You're stuck with me."

Cole laughs and pulls her into a tight hug. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Holls."

She hugged him back, enjoying the feeling of his arms around her. But, there was a longing in her heart, and a sense of sadness that couldn't be explained. She felt a knot in her throat, and tears burned her eyes. She had never felt this way about someone before, and she didn't know how to handle it.

As they pulled apart, Hollyn takes a deep breath and composed herself, plastering a fake smile on her face. "So, what should we do today?"

"Well, since the fire is a no-go, I think we should head back into town and find a coffee shop or something." Cole suggests, glancing at the damp wood piled near the firepit. "I could really use some caffeine."

"Me too. I feel like I could sleep for a whole day. Should we pack up our things first? We have a long day of driving ahead of us." Hollyn asked, looking at the tent and their camping supplies.

"Sure. Let's get started." Cole nodded.

They spend the next hour packing up their things, getting ready for the road ahead. Then they went to the next town to find a coffee shop. They found a cozy little cafe and sat down at a table near the window, the sun shining brightly in the sky.

Despite the fact they said they were good, there was still a bit of awkward tension between them. Neither one of them spoke, unsure of what to say. But Hollyn couldn't stop thinking about the almost kiss and what had been said.

She sighed, stirring her coffee idly, watching the ripples form on the surface. She wished things could go back to the way they were, but she knew they couldn't. There was no way things could ever be the same after what happened. They were teetering on the edge of something new and dangerous, and neither of them knew what to do.

"This is weird, right?" Cole finally broke the silence, a frown tugging at his lips. He hated the awkward silence between them, and he wanted to get rid of the tension.

"Yeah, it's really weird." Hollyn agrees, glancing up at him. "I mean, we're best friends. This shouldn't be weird. It shouldn't feel awkward."

"I know. But, I don't know...There's something different about the air. Something's changed. I don't know how to describe it, but it feels like everything has shifted." Cole sighed, running his hand through his hair. He had never felt this way about anyone before, and he didn't know what to do.

"Maybe we're just overthinking things. Maybe we're just being silly." Hollyn shrugs, sipping her coffee. "I mean, nothing actually happened, right? So, there's nothing to worry about."

"Yeah, you're right. Nothing happened. It was just a heat in the moment type of thing." Cole nods, taking a sip of his coffee. He tried to push the feelings he had away, not wanting to explore the possibility of what could have been. "But, I don't want to lose you, Hollyn. You're my best friend."

"You won't. You won't ever lose me. I promise." Hollyn reassures him, giving him a warm smile. "I meant what I said, you're stuck with me. No matter what happens, I'm always going to be here for you."

"Same goes for you." He said without hesitation, and they exchanged a smile, a silent understanding passing between them.

Even if they couldn't be together, they would always be there for each other. No matter what.

Conversation came easily - which they were both very thankful for, as they waited for their meals they ordered. They chatted while they ate, making jokes and sharing stories. Things felt normal again, and it was a relief. They were finally back to their usual dynamic.

"I'm paying." Cole speaks up, stopping Hollyn from getting her wallet out. "No arguing."

Hollyn rolls her eyes, sighing in defeat. "Fine, fine." She replied, her lips curving up a bit.

Cole smirked in victory, and the waiter soon returned with their receipt. He paid the bill and left a tip, and they were off. They walked around town, exploring the quaint little shops. They talked as they walked, the awkward tension from earlier now long gone. They were back to their usual banter and jokes. They were both so relieved, and they were both glad that they were able to get past whatever had been lingering in the air.

But, despite their conversation, there was still a sense of longing. They had both pushed their feelings away, but they were still there, simmering just below the surface. They both wanted more, but they knew they couldn't have it. So, they did the only thing they could do...They ignored it. They pushed it aside, burying it deep down, refusing to let it consume them. They were best friends, and that was all they could ever be.

It was better that way. At least that's what they were telling themselves.

As the day drew to a close, they were soon on the road once more, heading home. Hollyn had turned on the music and sang along to the songs she knew, even managing to convince Cole to sing with her. They sang along to their favorite songs, the tension of the day melting away with each passing mile. They laughed and joked, enjoying each other's company as they drove through the winding roads.

They stopped at a gas station and bought snacks for the road on the way home, knowing they would be hungry on the drive. As the sun began to set, they were nearing home. They pulled into Cole's driveway, the familiar scent of freshly mowed grass filling their noses. The air was thick with the heat of the day, but there was a cool breeze, signaling the approaching evening.

"Here we are." Cole said, turning off the car. "Want me to help you with your things?" He asked, glancing over at her with a small smile.

"Nah, I can handle it." Hollyn shakes her head, returning his smile. "Thanks for inviting me along, Coley. It was a blast. Besides, you know..." She pauses, chuckling nervously. "The storm, I mean." She mumbled, glancing down.

"Yeah, the storm. But, despite the storm, it was still a great trip. I had a lot of fun with you." Cole agrees, his gaze softening. "I always have fun with you, Holly Berry." He teased, his tone affectionate.

"Me too, Coley." Hollyn smiles, her cheeks flushed. She opens the car door and stepped out, stretching her limbs. "Well, I'll see you around. Thanks again for inviting me. I'll text you later, okay?"

"Okay, sounds good. Have a good night, Holls." Cole smiled.

"You too." Hollyn smiled back before grabbing her things and heading inside. She was greeted by the dogs as she entered the house. She smiled at the three dogs, greeting them as she walked inside. Most of the lights were off, but the living room light was on.

"Hollyn, you're back!" Her father notices when she walked by the living room. She saw her parents sitting at the couch, watching a Hallmark movie, something the whole family loved. She always loved watching them with her parents. She had seen almost every single one at this point. "How was the trip?" He asked, grabbing the remote to pause the movie and focus his full attention on his daughter.

"It was good." Hollyn nods, setting her things down by the stairs. She walks over to the couch, sitting down next to her dad. She leaned against him, feeling exhausted from the trip. She was mentally and physically exhausted with everything that had happened. She smiles at seeing Kiwi get up from her mom's lap to cross over her dad's to curl up on her lap. She smiles at the cat and pets her, hearing the cat purr softly. "Aside from the storm, of course. But, we made the most of it." She noticed her mom somehow looked more weak than normal. She had bags under her eyes, and her skin seemed paler than usual. "Are you okay, mom?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Her mom nods, a weary smile on her lips. "Just a little tired. I'm glad you're back safe, honey."

"We were so worried, sweetie. When the weather forecast showed a severe thunderstorm, we were really nervous." Her dad explains, his tone filled with concern. "We're just glad you're home safe."

"I'm glad too." Hollyn smiled.

"How's Cole? Did you guys have a good time? Besides the storm happening." Carolyn questioned, glancing over at her daughter curiously while their three dogs came back to the living room. They all laid on the floor near Hollyn, happy that she was back and hoping to get attention from her since they missed her. She chuckled at them, giving each of them a few pets and scratches.

"Yeah, we did. I think things are a little awkward between us, but we're okay. We talked it out." Hollyn answered honestly. She didn't see any point in lying to her parents about what happen. She knew they would've figured out what happened sooner or later. They always had a knack for figuring out stuff like this.

"Oh?" Carolyn's eyebrows arches, her curiosity piqued. "Did something happen? Are you two alright?" She asked, her voice laced with concern.

Hollyn's cheeks burn at the memory and she looks down, suddenly finding her hands extremely interesting. She didn't want to meet her mother's gaze. "Yeah, um, we almost kissed."

"What?" Carolyn and James exclaim in surprise, causing Hollyn to flinch at the sudden raise of their voices. Carolyn and James didn't expect that to happen, though maybe they should've since their teenage daughter went camping with a teenage boy. They exchanged a glance, unsure of what to say.

"Yeah, but we talked it out...We're gonna pretend nothing happened. It was just a heat of the moment thing, so we're fine." Hollyn explains, trying to ignore the painful ache in her heart. "Besides, he's still with Erin. It was a dumb mistake, so we're okay now."

"Oh, Hollyn..." Carolyn sighed, frowning in sympathy.

"What's done is done." Hollyn shrugs. She didn't want to talk about it anymore. It just hurt more to talk about it. "I'm fine, I promise." She mumbles as she gently pushed Kiwi onto her dad's lap so she could get up. She felt tears sting her eyes and her throat was burning, and she knew she was moments away from bursting into tears. She was exhausted, and she needed to lie down. "I'm gonna go to bed. Good night."

"Hollyn-" Carolyn tried to stop her, but it was too late. Hollyn had already left, taking her things and running up the stairs. Carolyn shared a worried look with James, the two of them sighing in defeat. They hoped their daughter was alright, and they both felt bad for her.

Their pets watched Hollyn run up the stairs with concern. Lottie was the only one who followed her up the stairs, the dog hot on her trail. Lottie knew something was wrong with her human and was determined to find out what.

Once she got upstairs, Hollyn dropped her things and shut her bedroom door, leaning against it. She closed her eyes, willing the tears away. She refused to cry, especially over her best friend. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, but the tears started to fall. She slid down the door, sitting on the floor. Her chest ached and her heart felt heavy. She felt a painful knot in her throat and it burned, making it hard for her to breathe.

Lottie was standing at her side, sniffing her face and licking the tears that were rolling down her cheeks. The dog whined and rested her head on her lap, trying to comfort her.

"I'm such an idiot." Hollyn sniffles, hugging the dog. "Why did I have to develop a stupid crush on my best friend?" She mumbles, closing her eyes. "And why does he have to be taken and sleep with other girls?" She groaned, pulling away and wiping her tears.

She felt so pathetic and embarrassed. She didn't understand why she was so emotional. It wasn't the first time she had been rejected. She had her fair share of unrequited crushes, but this was different. This was Cole. Her best friend. And it hurt. It hurt so much, and she didn't know how to handle her emotions.

"Come on, girl. Let's go to bed." Hollyn spoke after a few moments, her voice hoarse. She sniffled and got up, grabbing her things. She set them on her bed and began unpacking things, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand.

She had a lot on her mind, and she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep. But, she had to try. She was so exhausted, and she needed rest. After she finished unpacking and doing her nightly routine, she climbed into bed when her phone suddenly buzzed with a new message.

coley💛
hey, holls, just wanted to say thanks again for this trip. it meant a lot to me. im sorry things got a bit awkward & weird between us at one point... i hope we can still be best friends. you're stuck with me lol so don't go getting any ideas ;)

Hollyn rolled her eyes at the message and couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped her lips. He was such a dork. But, it was one of the many things she loved about him.

holls💚
no problem and ofc we're still best friends, you dummy. you're stuck with me 24/7. im surprised we haven't gotten sick of each other yet.
but seriously, its no problem, im glad we could do this and i could help you take your mind off of homecoming & all that. im glad i could help.

coley💛
youre the best, holls.

holls💚
& dont u forget it lol

coley💛
how could i? you never let me 🤣

holls💚
exactly😄

coley💛
well, i guess im just lucky then, aren't i?

holls💚
very lucky! im gonna hit the hay, im exhausted. good night coley

coley💛
good night, holly berry

Hollyn smiled fondly at the messages and set her phone down. She turned on her side and curled up in her bed, hugging her pillow. She closed her eyes, letting her thoughts drift. She tried to think of something else, but all she could think about was Cole. And it hurt.

She tried not to dwell on it too much, but it was hard. She had always been attracted to him, but she never thought her feelings would develop into anything more. She had been wrong, and now she was suffering the consequences.

She sighed, pushing the thoughts away and tried to get some sleep. But, even as she drifted off, her thoughts lingered.

What if...?