In those few minutes up there on the balcony felt light and easy, like we were in our own little world.
When the five minutes were up, we headed back downstairs, and there were Tom and Jean, finally showing themselves.
What are you guys riding to the park? Sia asked.
We're just... I started, but before I could finish, Tom jumped in, smiling way too wide.
We don't have anything to ride, actually, Sia, he said.
I turned to him, narrowing my eyes. He just shot me a fake innocent smile, signaling for me to just go along with it.
Well then, all three of you can ride along in the car with me, Sia said, smiling. Well, of course I'm not the one driving. I don't know how to yet, haha. But I have a driver who'll take us there, so... let's go?
We drove to the park, our car blending in with the line of others carrying students.
When we arrived, everyone naturally split into their own groups, wandering off to find the rides that looked the most fun.
But Sia stayed with the three of us.
Hey, Sia! Let's ride the Viking together, a guy suddenly called out to her.
I blinked. I didn't even recognize him—was he even from our school?
Um... yeah, Van, I'll tag along with you later, okay? Sia said politely, giving the guy a quick blink and a small smile, softening the rejection.
Anna, me and Tom are going to ride the Viking, I know you hate that ride, so just stay here... then Jean whispered leaning close to me with a teasing smile and said, with Sia, your love, she added, grinning mischievously before dragging Tom away.
Well, yeah, looks like I got ditched by them for the second time, I said with a light laugh.
Sia laughed along with me, her smile just as easy.
Wanna grab some drinks? I asked, smiling at her.
She nodded with an even bigger smile, eyes sparkling.
As we walked farther away, just out of sight from the others, our hands found each other naturally, like it was the most normal thing in the world and we kept walking, fingers laced together.
We sat together on a bench, and I handed her the drink I had ordered.
I've had a crush on you for a long time... did you even know that? I confess all of a sudden, cheeks burning red.
Sia giggled. I figured. You're just way too obvious, she teased, and I watched as a soft blush spread across her cheeks too.
We smiled at each other, caught in this warm, shy moment.
I thought I'd get rejected, honestly, I said with a nervous laugh.
Sia gave my hand a gentle squeeze. I don't even know when I started falling for you, she said softly. But when you kissed me earlier, back at my house... I just knew. I knew I had feelings for you too.
She looked right into my eyes, still holding my hand like she didn't want to let go.
How do we even tell Jean and Tom about us dating? We both started laughing, imagining their reactions.
Sia chuckled beside me, resting her head on my shoulder. I can't believe we started dating on the exact same day as my birthday, she said, her voice soft, a smile tugging at her lips as she gazed out at the park, the rides spinning and laughter filling the air.
I smiled, soaking in the moment.
Isn't that your new classmate? Sia asked, breaking the peaceful silence.
Huh? Where? I responded, turning to look in the direction she was pointing.
Then I saw him Matthew Salvatore standing a good distance away, his sharp gaze locked onto me. His expression was unreadable, almost like he was scrutinizing everything.
That's him. And we should probably leave.
We quickly moved out of his line of sight, both of us feeling the weight of his gaze.
Sia broke the tension with a laugh, squeezing my hand. Isn't this fun? The only person who knows about us is the transferee, she teased, and then, to my surprise, she hugged me tightly.
I just want you to know, Annabelle, that I have nothing to fear, whether people know about us or not. Her words were filled with warmth and certainty, making my heart pound with happiness.
Let's go back to them now, I said to Sia. They might be wondering why we suddenly disappeared.
"I know, right? Let's go," Sia agreed, smiling as we headed back.
As soon as we reached the group, Tom raised an eyebrow at us. "Where have you two been, huh?
Jean stifled a chuckle behind her hand, giving me a teasing look.
Before I could even come up with an excuse, the guy from earlier—the one who had asked Sia to ride with him—appeared in front of us, his energy loud and playful. Without hesitation, he put his hand on Sia's shoulder.
There you are! I've been looking for you! he said with an exaggerated pout. Did you ditch me or something?
He laughed, and Sia laughed along with him. They seem look close, watching them, a weird feeling stirred inside me.
Sia then gently touched my wrist, leaning close with that soft, reassuring voice of hers.
I'll be back, it'll be quick. Don't worry, she said, flashing me a beautiful, calming smile before walking away with the guy.
Jean immediately laughed, nudging me with her elbow.
What was that about? she teased.
Getting physical now, huh? Tom added, both of them grinning at me, waiting for my answer.
Are you two... together now or something?Jean asked, eyes wide with excitement.
I scratched the back of my neck shyly. Yeah... it actually happened way back at Sia's house, I admitted.
Really?! they both shouted, jumping up and down before pulling me into a big, excited group hug.
Are we still riding in Sia's car? Jean asked me.
I don't know yet, I said. But you two are okay with taking a taxi if she can't, right?
Yeah, of course, they both nodded.
As more people slowly disappeared, Sia appeared in front of us with her usual warm smile.
Should we go now, guys? Sia said.
I lightly touched her shoulder, leaning in a little.
Are you sure? You must be tired. You can just go home, really. It would be a hassle to drop us off one by one.
Sia shook her head immediately.
No, of course not. I'm fine, she insisted with a firm but gentle voice.
It's late — I'm not leaving you three to roam the streets.
I looked at her, seeing how serious she was, and just nodded, ending the topic there.
After Tom and Jean were dropped off at their houses, we finally arrived at mine.
Goodnight, Anna, Sia said softly.
I leaned in and hugged her.
Happy birthday again, Sia. Goodnight.
I gently touched her face, feeling the warmth of her tired smile, she leaned into my touch slightly, and for a moment, everything felt still and perfect.
With a deep breath, I stepped out of the car, giving her one last smile before closing the door.