Page 67 of August and the Night

We chat about Lily's new relationship and catch up on each other's lives, the night grows late. We eventually settle into my bedroom, both of us wearing pajamas and ready for some much-needed rest.

Lying side by side in bed, we share a comfortable silence. The weight of the past seems to melt away in the presence of our friendship. I reach out, pulling Lily into a gentle embrace, and she nestles against me with a contented sigh.

"Remember Oliver?" Lily's voice is a soft whisper.

I look at her, my heart full of affection. "Yeah?"

"He just disappeared. Like, completely."

A sense of satisfaction surges through me, a reminder that we have both moved beyond the hurt of the past. "Good riddance."

Lily chuckles softly, her fingers intertwining with mine. "Yeah, exactly."

“Do you know that father’s in jail?” I ask her hesitantly, and she nods.

“Good riddance.” It's her turn to say, and I smile brightly.

“Yeah, exactly!”

52

Layla

The morning sunlight creeps through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room as Lily and I slowly stir awake. As consciousness returns, another sensation accompanies it—the unmistakable scent of flowers. Confusion furrows my brow as I glance around, trying to discern the source of the fragrant aroma.

Lily and I exchange puzzled looks, then share a silent understanding. Slipping out of bed, we follow our noses, curiosity guiding our steps as we make our way toward the living room.

And there, our eyes widen in awe and disbelief. My entire apartment is transformed into a fragrant garden, an assortment of roses and flowers covering every available surface. It's like stepping into a dream, the delicate petals and vibrant colors creating a breathtaking spectacle.

"What on earth?" Lily whispers, her voice filled with equal parts astonishment and amusement.

On top of each bouquet lay a note, and as I begin to read them aloud, the sentiments expressed range from sweet to apologetic.

"You are even prettier than these flowers." "Please forgive me, little dove." "Best of luck for today." "How lucky I am to have a genius for a love."

I turn to Lily, my voice tinged with incredulity, I ask the question that has been bothering me since the first note. "How could August possibly get into my apartment?"

Lily's response is a mischievous smile, her eyes dancing with secret knowledge. She shrugs playfully, refusing to divulge more. I can't help but roll my eyes, exasperated by her cryptic response.

"Wait, you let him in?!" I exclaim, my disbelief giving way to a mixture of annoyance and amusement.

Lily nods with a knowing grin before pushing me gently toward the bathroom. "Come on, Layla. Shower time. We have a big day ahead. I need to get you ready for your thesis."

I huff in protest, still wrapped up in the mystery of the flowers and notes, but Lily's determined demeanor leaves no room for argument. I sigh in resignation, realizing that I won't get any more answers out of her at that moment.

I step into the shower, the warm water washes away my confusion and leaves me with a sense of wonder. I can't help but feel start to soften. August's actions are puzzling and infuriating, but they also stir something within me that I haven't been trying to deny for so long- I still love him. I close my eyes as water mingles with my tears.

I knew I can’t forgive him, but I want to so badly. I thought a month would be enough for me to forget him, but he is making things so much more complicated. I step out of the shower and wipe my tears. As I reach for a towel, the bathroom door swings open and Lily bursts in, her eyes filled with determination. Before I can even react, she's already helping me into my dress, adjusting the fabric to fit perfectly.

"Come on, Layla, we don't have much time," Lily says with a grin, her hands moving deftly to fasten the dress and zip it up.

She works on my dress, her efficient hands move to my hair, her fingers weaving strands into an intricate bun. She then guides me to the vanity, expertly applying makeup that highlights my features. I marvel at her skill, her fingers working with a grace and confidence that I've always admired.

Once my makeup is done, Lily quickly puts the finishing touches on her own appearance. Within no time, we're both ready, stepping out of the apartment and locking the door behind us.

We descend the stairs and I'm surprised to find August waiting for me, a cup of coffee and a box of donuts in his hands. His presence catches me off guard, and all the emotions I'm trying to bottle up threaten to spill out.

"I know you well enough to know you didn't eat from the nerves. Please eat before presenting," he says softly, his gaze holding a hint of concern.

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