Black Magic

Chapter 3: Judgement

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room.

Eleanor, still groggy from sleep, was jolted awake by Astrid's excited voice. Astrid stood at the edge of Eleanor's bed, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Eleanor, guess what?" Astrid exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. "Aiden gave me a love letter last night! I can't believe it!"

Eleanor let out a tired sigh, propping herself up on her elbows. "Astrid, I've told you before, I don't like Aiden. I don't understand why you're infatuated with him."

Undeterred by Eleanor's lack of enthusiasm, Astrid bounced on the balls of her feet. "But Eleanor, this is different! Aiden poured his heart into this letter. I'm nervous to read it, and I need your support."

Eleanor's expression hardened, annoyance etching deep lines on her face. "Astrid... He's not good for you. He's manipulative and selfish. I can't stand by and watch you get hurt. I know men like that!"

Astrid's enthusiasm waned, replaced by a stubborn determination.

She grabbed Eleanor's hand, her eyes pleading. "Please, Eleanor, just this once. Read the letter with me. I need you by my side. We've been through everything together."

Eleanor yanked her hand away, frustration evident in her voice. "Fine, give me the letter. But don't expect me to be impressed by his vocabulary, words, spellings, or handwriting."

Reluctantly, Astrid handed over the letter, her fingers trembling with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

Eleanor unfolded the parchment, her eyes scanning the words meticulously. She scoffed, scoffed again, and then let out a mocking laugh.

"Astrid, this is laughable!" Eleanor exclaimed, her voice dripping with disdain. "His vocabulary is mediocre at best, and the spelling mistakes are appalling. How can you be charmed by someone who can't even write a proper love letter?"

Astrid's face flushed with a mix of frustration and defense. "It's not about the technicalities, Eleanor. It's about the sentiment, about the heart behind the words. Aiden poured his emotions into this letter, and that matters."

Eleanor shook her head in disbelief, a tinge of anger coloring her voice. "Sentiment won't put food on the table, Astrid. Aiden is a poor man. He can't provide for you, and he certainly can't give you the life you deserve."

Rolling her eyes, Astrid retorted, "Love isn't about money, Eleanor. It's about connection and understanding. Aiden makes me happy, and that's all that matters."

Eleanor's frustration reached its peak, and she snapped, "Well, if you're so determined to pursue this, then go ahead. But don't expect me to support it. I won't stand by and watch you settle for someone who can't give you the life you deserve."

Astrid's shoulders slumped, hurt evident in her eyes. She clutched the letter tightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just because Aiden doesn't have wealth doesn't mean he's worthless. I thought you would understand, Eleanor."

With those words, Astrid turned and left the room, leaving Eleanor to grapple with her own conflicting emotions.

The divide between the two friends seemed wider than ever, their differing perspectives on love and what truly mattered casting a shadow on their bond.