Chapter 9

Ariella

We wandered through the stores, laughter bubbling between us as we picked out clothes—not for anyone else, but entirely for me. It felt freeing, like peeling off a layer of expectations I’d carried for far too long.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear green before,” Stella said, holding up a flowy emerald dress. “You should try this—it’s bold, like you.”

I grinned, taking the dress from her. “Bold? Since when am I bold?”

“Since now,” she said with a wink. “Come on, new you, new vibes. Let’s go.”

By the time we left the store, my bags were filled with clothes in colors and styles I’d never dared to try before—rich blues, deep greens, daring reds. No more pink, no more pretending to like things because someone else did. This was all for me, and it felt amazing.

Next, we treated ourselves to manicures and pedicures at Stella’s favorite salon. As we sat side by side in the cushy chairs, our feet soaking in warm water, Stella turned to me with a teasing smile.

“You’re glowing,” she said, her eyes sparkling. “I think this Damien-free mission is working wonders already.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “It’s not a mission—it’s just me finally figuring out who I want to be.”

“Well, I love this version of you,” she said, squeezing my hand.

Afterwards, we headed to a cozy little café downtown, the kind with soft jazz playing in the background and the smell of freshly brewed coffee lingering in the air. We found a corner booth, ordered our drinks, and split a decadent slice of chocolate cake, all while chatting about everything and nothing.

Stella pulled out her phone at one point, snapping a quick selfie of us laughing together. “This one’s going on Instagram,” she said, her fingers already flying over the keyboard.

“Oh no,” I groaned, though I couldn’t help but smile.

“Too late,” she said, turning the screen to show me the caption: Out with my beautiful girl!  #bestfriendgoals

I rolled my eyes, but my heart felt warm. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you love me for it,” she shot back with a grin.

By the time we left the café, I felt lighter than I had in months. It wasn’t just about the clothes or the pampering—it was about rediscovering myself and realizing that I didn’t have to fit into anyone else’s expectations. With Stella by my side, I felt ready to take on the world, one step at a time.

As we strolled out of the café, arms full of shopping bags and cheeks still slightly pink from laughing so much, I turned to Stella, a grin tugging at my lips.

“You know,” I began, my tone playful, “if you were a guy—or if I wasn’t straight—I’d totally date you.”

Stella burst into laughter, the kind that made people on the street glance our way. “Oh, Ariella,” she said, shaking her head. “That might be the sweetest, weirdest compliment I’ve ever gotten.”

“I mean it!” I insisted, laughing along with her. “You’re patient, hilarious, you always know what to say… and let’s be honest, you’re gorgeous. Who wouldn’t want to date you?”

She smirked, flipping her hair dramatically. “Well, I am a total catch.” Then, nudging me with her elbow, she added, “But let’s be real—you’d never be able to handle me.”

“Please,” I said, rolling my eyes. “You’d be lucky to have me.”

“Oh, absolutely,” she teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’d get to deal with all your overthinking and mood swings. Sign me up!”

I stuck my tongue out at her, but the warmth between us was undeniable. She slung an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close as we walked down the street.

“Honestly,” Stella said, her tone softer now, “I don’t need to date you. You’re my person, Ari. And that’s enough.”

I smiled, leaning into her slightly. “You’re my person too.”

It was one of those moments that felt like it didn’t need to end. Just two best friends, teasing and laughing, knowing that no matter what, they had each other’s backs.

Stella pulled up to my house and parked, the soft hum of the engine fading into the quiet evening. I gathered my bags, feeling a mixture of excitement and calm after the day we’d spent together.

As I opened the car door, she leaned over, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “Don’t forget to model one of those new outfits tomorrow,” she teased.

“Only if you promise to stop posting photos of me looking like I’m your trophy bestie,” I shot back, grinning.

“Not a chance,” she said with a wink. “I need everyone to know how fabulous my girl is.”

We both laughed, and then she stepped out of the car too, meeting me on the sidewalk. Without saying a word, we pulled each other into a warm hug. It wasn’t one of those quick, polite hugs—it was the kind that said everything we didn’t need to say out loud.

“See you tomorrow at college,” she said, pulling back just enough to look me in the eye. Her smile was bright and full of reassurance, the kind that made everything feel just a little bit easier.

“Tomorrow,” I echoed, nodding. “Thanks for today, Stell. I really needed it.”

“Anytime, Ari,” she said, giving my arm a light squeeze. “Now go inside and get some rest. Big day tomorrow.”

I watched as she slid back into her car, the engine purring to life. She gave me one last wave through the window, her smile lingering even as she drove off down the street.

Standing there, I couldn’t help but smile too. It wasn’t just the shopping or the café or the laughs—it was Stella. She had this way of making everything feel a little more manageable, a little less overwhelming.

With a deep breath, I turned and headed inside, ready to face whatever tomorrow might bring.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***