CHAPTER TWENTY – REUNION

The sound of the coffee machine hummed in the background, its rhythmic noise pulling Stella from the depths of her thoughts. She considered the admission Brandon had shared with her, wrestling with conflicting emotions. The upcoming online classes helped as a distraction, a reason to shift her focus from the wild feelings stirred by Brandon's secret.

As Stella prepared herself for the approaching lectures, she deliberated the significance of Brandon's trust. Should she feel thrilled that he confided in her, exposing his deepest pain and darkest secret? Or should anxiety cloud her emotions, considering the threatening path of revenge he had chosen? Mixed with these thoughts were her own feelings for Brandon—attraction and desire intertwining with concern.

Overwhelmed, she couldn't contain her emotions any longer and let out a frustrated scream. The sound echoed in the kitchen, a momentary release of pent-up tension. Fortunately, her parents had left for work early, blissfully unaware of their daughter's inner turmoil. Stella knew they were early raisers but going to work at five in the morning wasn't really a flex in her life. They did enjoy their life, they could just leave work any time they want and spend time with her, but mostly they preferred to work. Well Stella wasn't going to be the one to tell them to stop. They would stop when they want to.

The sudden ringing of the doorbell disrupted Stella's thought. Could it be the cleaning lady returning for something she forgot? Stella approached the door but hesitated. Could it possibly be another mysterious box? Warily, she checked the camera feed to see who stood at her doorstep.

"Oh my god!" Stella's enthusiastic voice exploded through the intercom. Stella's heart raced as she eagerly pressed the button to unlock the entrance, her impatience palpable. The elevator door opened, and there stood Bloom, radiating boundless energy and excitement.

"Oh my god, what is this? Did your parents become millionaires without you knowing? Of course, you would come here!" Bloom exclaimed, scanning the corridor for Stella's apartment. Stella, equally ecstatic, couldn't contain her joy.

"Oh my bella!" they both screamed simultaneously, embracing each other with joyful exclamations. Bloom's vibrant presence filled the space, momentarily overpowering the lingering shadows of Stella's recent emotional turmoil.

"I'm so, so, so sorry, Stell! I didn't want to be a bitch about the whole moving thing, but I was so sad. I couldn't control my feelings, to be honest," Bloom confessed, her voice sincere. Stella, still wrapped in their embrace, managed a smile through forming tears.

"I was so sad you girls turned your back on me," Stella admitted. The break in her voice vibrated with genuine hurt. Breaking the hug, Bloom looked into Stella's eyes, sincere regret etched on her face.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't a good friend. I came here just to say this. I knew saying this on the phone wouldn't fix the feeling we caused you," Bloom apologized. Stella nodded understandingly, her eyes reflecting a mix of forgiveness and gratitude. Taking a step back, she welcomed Bloom into her home.

Just as Stella was about to offer a tour, she heard Bloom squeal in delight and shock, rushing into the house. Stella couldn't help but smile at her friend's enthusiasm, closing the door behind them.

Stella and Bloom found themselves nestled in Stella's cozy reading corner, surrounded by books and the serene view offered by the expansive window. The emotional floodgates had opened, and Stella poured out her fears and insecurities about the mysterious gifts and her move to the city. Bloom listened with empathy, absorbing the weight of Stella's untold struggles.

"Why didn't you tell us, though?" Bloom finally asked, her eyes avoiding direct contact with Stella. She felt a pang of guilt for not understanding Stella's pain earlier. They should've understand there must be something to push Stella do it, since she really fought with her parents when they wanted to take Stella with them to the city. So they should have thought something happened to bring Stella down. Well, Flora did. She had tried to talk with girls but they were too disappointed, they didn't even talk to each other, let alone Stella. Bloom felt her eyes water, now it was her turn to cry some.

Stella raised her hand, signaling for Bloom to calm. "Enough, please. I'm fine now," she assured, placing her coffee mug on the table. She shifted closer to Bloom, who was wiping away a tear. "You probably saw how difficult it is to get into the residence; they're so careful," Stella explained, downplaying the security measures. She didn't want Bloom to think of her as someone entitled or spoiled. Bloom nodded her head, "I had to call your mom so the security would let me surprise you," she rolled her eyes but Stella giggled. "I guess my parents had informed them about the situation. They're being extra careful with me." her cheeks reddened. Bloom smiled at her friend, taking a small note when she gets back to Gardenia, she's going to punch herself for being a bad best friend.

"You're staying, right? Please stay!" Stella pleaded, her genuine desire for her friend's company shining through. The time apart had made her realize how much she missed her friends.

"I'm sorry, bells. I really have to go. My mom will be here in an hour or so," Bloom regretfully explained, checking the time on her phone. She diverted the conversation, eager to squeeze in as much catch-up time as possible.

"So, we don't have time to talk. Just tell me about Brandon," Bloom inquired, shifting the focus to Stella's intriguing encounter. Stella furrowed her brows, surprised. "How do you know about Brandon?! It just happened last night!"

Bloom shot up from her seat, her eyes wide. "What happened last night?" she exclaimed, prompting Stella to back away as Bloom wore a devilish expression.

"Nothing! We just talked! That's all, I swear!" Stella reassured, attempting to diffuse the tension. Bloom, however, had a mischievous grin and was ready to unleash another barrage of questions.

"You talked last night? On the phone? Don't dare tell me yes. I know you don't have his phone, or that he doesn't have yours!" Bloom's rapid-fire interrogation continued. 'Oh my god' thought Stella. This girl can talk.

Stella took a deep breath and carefully explained the events of the previous night, being selective about the details. "Oh so now you two not only ravish each other in front of us, but also in front of your parents and public? Atta girl atta my bella." Stella slapped Bloom on the arm meaning for her to stop talking. But Bloom was smirking and ready to shot another comment on her way.

"Did you two kiss already?"

"Oh my god, why are you doing this?" Stella took a book from her bookshelf and started to make herself some air. What is she going to do with her blush? Bloom's playful mocking shifted to a more serious demeanor.

"Do you like him? I mean, of course, you like him, but do you like-love him, or like-like him?" Bloom asked, her genuine concern shining through. Stella looked at her friend. Surprised that she did understand what Bloom meant, after all she was the one Stella was the closest. And she knew Bloom felt this way too. All the girls had equal love and respect for each other, but there is always that one girl who you feel the connection of the best best friend.

"I like-like him right now, but I'm pretty sure this is going to a phase where I'd like-love him," Stella confessed, honesty coloring her words.

Bloom nodded, realizing there was something else she needed to share with Stella. "Brandon reached out to me four days ago. He asked me about you and your whereabouts. I told him everything. After all I want him as my brother-in-law," she added with a teasing smile.

Stella rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "He really was so concerned. At first, he thought you were hiding from him, but I convinced him. So, don't worry."

"I really feel the tension, you know, I want to kiss him or him to kiss me every fucking time I see him."

"Aww, adorable." said Bloom, making her tongue rime with the word 'adorable'. Stella smiled, "I really feel a connection but also I'm too scared to do anything at all. I don't want to risk it and also... I don't want to rush anything because I don't really know him." Bloom changed her mood to more serious, it was her time to help, "You know, the same thing is happening to me with Sky. And, girl, we are so rushing," Bloom chuckled, revealing more than Stella expected. "Don't look at me like that! He wants it, I want it, so what's stopping us? Condom factory?"

Stella grimaced at the graphic detail. "You really did it?" she asked, shocked.

"What, like today? Bells, we're not animals. Why would we do it every day?" Bloom teased, earning an "Oh my god!" from Stella.

Changing the tone to a more serious one, Bloom shared a valuable piece of advice. "Anyway, what I want to say is, sometimes even though it feels like you're rushing, it's not like it. We all are moving depending on time, and everything we do is because its time had come. So if you're not going to take a step forward now, do you think there would be another time to do it? What if it's too late?"

Stella, taken aback by Bloom's unexpected wisdom, contemplated the truth in her words. Bloom urged her to take action, to seize the opportunity for happiness. Stella nodded, realizing that sometimes, waiting for the perfect moment might mean waiting forever.

"You're right, maybe I should take some action."

"Yes, you go and take actions," Bloom encouraged, sipping her coffee. Stella narrowed her eyes at her friend's sudden seriousness.

"Did you say those things so I won't judge you for having sex with a guy you just met?" Stella accused, feeling a playful need to deflect the attention.

Bloom took a breath and looked at Stella with mock hurt. "Yes, yes, that too."