Parallel Plays | P.B & C.C

10. red wine supernova. SAVANNAH

Or the way she'd smirk whenever she caught me staring at her, like she knew something I hadn't quite figured out yet.

Or the way, even now, I kind of want to text her.

Not for anything important. Not because I need anything.

Just because.

I pull my phone from the nightstand, staring at the blank screen for a moment before typing out a quick message.

Me: Riley just left. Pretty sure she thinks I've lost my mind.

Paige's response is instant.

Paige: I mean, I've been thinking that for a while, so not really news to me.

I snort, shaking my head as I stretch out on my bed, ice pack still pressed to the back of my head.

Me: Good to know where we stand.

Paige: I'd say sorry, but I'm really not.

It's easy. Effortless, even.

I don't have to overthink what I say with Paige. I don't have to measure every word the way I do with Riley, making sure I don't sound weak or unsure.

With Paige, I just am.

And that scares me more than I want to admit.

Tension & Unspoken Words

I don't know how long I lay there, staring at my phone, overthinking every little thing, but the next time it buzzes, I expect it to be Paige again.

It's not.

It's Riley.

Riley: We need to talk.

Three words.

Not a question. A statement.

I swallow hard, sitting up, my stomach twisting uncomfortably.

I don't know what she wants to say, but I have a feeling it's not going to be easy to hear.

A Confrontation Waiting to Happen

Riley doesn't wait for me to respond. She just shows up.

There's a knock at my door, sharp and deliberate.

I hesitate for half a second before pulling it open.

She's standing there, arms crossed, jaw tight, eyes sharp in that way that tells me she's already made up her mind about something.

But her flight? She left? Why was she back?

"Riley—"

"Why didn't you tell me?" She spoke so sternly. I'm almost nervous to reply

I knew this was coming, but hearing it still makes my stomach sink.

My head starts throbbing. I can't stress out or cause any anxiety that'll cause my head more pain.

The room starts spinning.

I let out a slow breath, stepping back to let her in. She walks past me, turning to face me with expectation written all over her.

"I don't know," I admit. "I just... didn't."

"That's not an answer, Savannah." Her voice is calm, but there's an edge to it. "You always tell me everything. And then suddenly, you don't?"

Savannah? Oh she was so mad.

I don't say anything, because I don't know what to say.

The room still spins