Page 53 of Twisted Thorns

"Hey, Avie," Iris greets me, pulling me into a hug that's a little too enthusiastic. "You're going to be okay, you know that? Better off, really."

Her words sting, the implication clear. She never approved of Kieran, always saw him as a shadow lurking in my sunlit world. But she doesn't understand the magnetic pull he has on me, the undeniable connection that lingers even now.

"Thanks, Iris," I reply, my voice hollow. How can they see it as so black and white when my soul is painted in shades of him?

"Come on, Avalina, let the water wash away some of the hurt," Claire suggests again, gently steering me toward the bathroom and away from my sister.

With each step, I feel the weight of their love trying to anchor me back to reality. But as the steam from the shower begins to rise, all I can think of is the last time Kieran and I were enveloped in mist together, our bodies entwined, lost in a dance of desire and whispered promises. Now, I'm left swaying alone, grappling with a melody that has been abruptly silenced.

The tendrils of steam fade into the air, taking with them the ghost of his touch that I can still feel lingering on my skin. Water droplets cling to me like the remnants of a dream I'm not ready to wake from. Wrapped in a towel, the fabric rough against my tender heart, I step back into my room, where reality awaits.

"Better?" Claire's voice is soft, laced with concern as her eyes search mine for any sign of the girl she once knew.

I manage a nod, though it feels like lying. "A little."

"Come sit," she coaxes, patting the spot beside her on the bed, and I obey, the heaviness in my limbs making each movement an effort. The bed dips under our weight, and she hands me a new mug of tea, the scent of chamomile rising in the air, a subtle invitation to calm.

"Talk to me, Ava." Her hand finds mine, fingers gentle yet insistent.

"Every part of me just...aches, Claire." My voice is a mere whisper, betraying the turmoil within. "It's like he's still everywhere—his voice, his scent, the warmth of his skin..."

"Memories have a way of holding us hostage," she says, and I wonder how she can possibly understand this searing pain that threatens to consume me.

"Will it ever stop hurting?"

Claire's thumb strokes the back of my hand, a soothing rhythm that anchors me to the here and now. "It will," she assures me, her conviction a lifeline thrown into the turbulent sea of my sorrow. "But you have to give yourself permission to let go first."

"Letting go feels like losing him all over again," I admit, the confession pulling at the stitches of my wounded soul.

"I know," Claire sighs. "Which is why you need to focus on yourself right now. Take time to heal and find your own happiness again." Her lips curve into a soft smile. "I bet you'll feel better once you get back to work on Monday. Immerse yourself in books and let their stories inspire you."

"Do you really think that will help?" I ask doubtfully.

"It's worth a try," Claire insists. " Remember who you are, Avalina. Kieran was just a chapter in your story, not the whole book."

Her words are meant to heal, but they slice through the fog of my longing with the sharpness of truth. "What if I don't know how to start the next chapter?"

"Then we'll find it together." Claire's promise is fierce, an oath sworn by the steadfast heart of friendship. "You're not alone, Ava. You never have been."

Chapter 28

Avalina

The thrill of anticipation courses through my veins like a wild, untamed river. Claire has meticulously planned tonight—a girls' night out meant to lift my spirits and help me reclaim some semblance of normalcy. It has been weeks since that night, and although my heart is still sore, I know some time out with my friends will help me leave behind the shadows that haunt my steps.

As I stand before the full-length mirror in my bedroom, I can't help but feel a nervous energy skittering beneath my skin, as if tiny sparks were igniting my every nerve. I bite my lip, considering the outfit I'd chosen for tonight.

The plunging black satin dress clung to my curves, daringly short and revealing more than it concealed. The thought of stepping out in such an attire sends shivers down my spine, and yet, I crave the exhilaration of pushing my boundaries.

I take one last look at my reflection, noting how the dress accentuates my hourglass figure and makes my copper hair shimmer like molten caramel. With a determined nod, I slip into my strappy stilettos, feeling the delicious thrill of empowerment as the heels add inches to my height.

"Deep breaths, Avalina," I whisper to myself, trying to calm my racing heart. Anxiety crawls its way through me like the branches of a rambling blackberry, heedless of the prickling of its thorns. I turn away from the mirror, grab my purse, and step out of my apartment, ready to shake off the heavy weight that had gathered the past few weeks.

The moment I emerge from my apartment building, Claire's black convertible roars into view, headlights gleaming like twin orbs in the twilight. The car comes to a halt at the curb, and Claire bounds out of the driver's seat, her blonde waves bouncing with every step.

"Girl, you look absolutely stunning!" she exclaims, drawing me into a fierce hug as if we hadn't seen each other in years. "Tonight is going to be epic. I've planned everything to perfection, down to our very own VIP booth. You deserve nothing less than the best, Avie."

I feel a surge of gratitude for my friend's thoughtfulness. Smiling, I squeeze Claire's hand. "I can't wait, Claire. Thank you for this."

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