Chapter 11: XI

Chapter 11: Unspoken Tensions

The weekend was off to a promising start. The group had settled into the cabin quickly, the usual banter and laughter filling the air. Riley had spent the first hour unpacking, helping with small tasks, and letting herself relax into the comfortable atmosphere. It felt nice to take a break from the stress of school and just enjoy the moment.

Sam and Jordan were already planning the day’s activities, and Riley was looking forward to spending some time outdoors. There was talk of hiking, games, and, of course, food. Jordan, as always, was eager to grill something, while Sam had set his sights on setting up a mini basketball game by the lake.

Riley found herself slipping into the background, content to let the others take charge of the plans. Her mind was elsewhere, though—not on the activities ahead, but on the girl sitting across the room.

Elena.

Riley’s eyes couldn’t help but wander to her every so often. She tried to be subtle about it, keeping the gaze casual as she joined in conversations, but it was hard to ignore the way her heart seemed to flutter every time Elena spoke or laughed.

It wasn’t like Riley had expected things to change overnight. They’d barely spoken outside of their college project work, but she couldn’t help the pull she felt whenever Elena was nearby. There was something magnetic about the way Elena carried herself—her confidence, her kindness, her beauty—and it was all Riley could do to not let those feelings spill out.

But today, things felt different. With everyone settled in, and the distractions of the cabin pulling them away from the mundane, Riley was left with a nagging sense that things were about to shift.

---

Everyone had gathered outside for some fun after dinner. The air was cool and crisp, the fire pit crackling in the background as Sam and Jordan got a ball game going. Riley was in the middle of a quiet conversation with Maya near the edge of the yard when she noticed Elena, standing off to the side, gazing out over the lake.

For a brief moment, Riley stood frozen, watching the way Elena’s figure seemed to blend with the fading light of the evening, the soft colors of the sunset playing off her hair. She was beautiful in a way that seemed effortless, a sharp contrast to Riley’s growing sense of self-consciousness.

Maya, noticing Riley’s distracted expression, followed her gaze before turning her attention back to Riley with a grin.

“You’ve been looking at her all weekend, haven’t you?”

Riley’s face flushed instantly, and she quickly turned her gaze away from Elena. “What? No—I mean—what are you talking about?”

Maya raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “You’re not exactly subtle, Riley.”

Riley groaned, covering her face with her hands. “Okay, fine. I’m still getting used to this whole... whatever this is.”

Maya chuckled softly. “I get it. You’ve got a crush on her. And you’re scared to do anything about it.”

Riley looked at Maya, her expression a mix of embarrassment and frustration. “I wouldn’t call it a crush. I’m not—well, it’s just not... how I expected things to be.”

Maya leaned against the railing, studying Riley with a thoughtful expression. “You’re not the only one, you know. She’s not the same Elena from high school, either. But she still notices you.”

Riley’s heart skipped a beat. “Wait... what?”

Maya smiled softly, her voice quiet. “She’s not as open about it as you are, but she notices. Just trust me on that.”

Riley’s thoughts swirled. Elena noticed her? But how? Riley had been nothing more than a background character in high school, someone who never really had the courage to be noticed by anyone, let alone the most popular girl in school.

Before she could respond, Elena suddenly turned to them, her voice breaking through the moment.

“Hey, Maya, Riley, you guys coming to join the game?”

Riley’s heart leaped in her chest, and she tried to keep her voice steady as she replied, “Sure, we’ll be over in a minute.”

Maya winked at Riley as she straightened up, then walked toward the others, leaving Riley standing there, her pulse quickening.

---

The game was well underway when Riley finally joined. She was too shy to dive into the competitive energy that Sam and Jordan had already built up, but she found herself laughing and enjoying the camaraderie. The other players seemed to have no idea of the quiet war going on inside Riley, who had to constantly remind herself not to stare at Elena too much.

Elena, on the other hand, seemed completely at ease. Her laughter rang out over the group, her voice like a melody that Riley couldn’t stop listening to. And when Elena caught Riley’s eye, even for just a split second, Riley’s heart skipped.

Sam caught the glance and shot Riley a mischievous grin. “You know, you’re not fooling anyone.”

Riley turned to Sam, confused. “What are you talking about?”

“I mean, you and Elena,” Sam teased, giving her a pointed look. “Come on, it’s obvious. If you don’t make a move soon, I’m going to have to step in.”

Riley groaned and shoved Sam’s shoulder. “Seriously? You’re not helping.”

Sam laughed, raising his hands in surrender. “Just don’t wait too long. Life’s short.”

Riley shot him a half-hearted glare before turning her attention back to the game, trying to focus on anything but the overwhelming tension in the air.

As the game continued, Elena’s presence loomed large, and Riley couldn’t escape the magnetic pull between them. Every time their paths crossed, every accidental brush of shoulders, Riley’s heart raced. But she also knew that, for now, it was all one-sided. Elena had no idea of Riley’s feelings, just as Riley had no clue that Elena might have been watching her for a long time.

Riley had never thought she was the type to fall for someone so... effortlessly, so out of her reach. But here she was, on the edge of something she couldn’t quite define, unable to stop the feelings that bubbled up whenever Elena was near.

Later that evening, when the sun had set and the group was gathered around the fire pit, Riley found herself lost in thought again. Elena’s laughter, the way she seemed to brighten everything around her, kept replaying in Riley’s mind. And just when Riley thought she had a handle on her emotions, Elena’s gaze shifted toward her, locking eyes for a split second.

It was a brief moment—no words exchanged—but to Riley, it felt like the world had stopped for just an instant. There was something in Elena’s eyes, something unspoken but unmistakable.

But what did it mean?

Riley couldn’t tell. And she wasn’t sure she was ready to find out.