𝐂𝐡𝐩𝐭 𝟐𝟖

My chest felt heavy, and a dull headache was beginning to form. Frustration toward Kamala burned inside me, yet despite everything, I still loved her more than anyone. The distance between us hurt more than I could put into words. She was trying to reach out, I knew that—but trusting her again scared me. I didn't want to fight for her love or feel like I had to share her with someone else.

Needing comfort, I picked up my phone and dialed Riah—my safe haven, my best friend, the one person I could always confide in, no matter what.

The call connected instantly, accompanied by the rustling of her bags in the background.

Riah: I'm on my way. You don't have to say it. I'm coming.

Of course she knew. She always did.

Fifteen minutes later, a soft knock echoed through the room. I slipped on my slippers and made my way to the door. There stood Riah, holding my favorite ice cream and a blanket. A small smile tugged at my lips before I could stop it—she knew me better than I knew myself.

Without a word, she pulled me into a hug, and a single tear slipped down my cheek. My life felt emptier without Kamala around. I missed her—her kisses, her scent, the way she would reassure me, promising everything would be okay. Now, those moments were nothing more than distant memories.

"Why don't we sit while you tell me what's on your mind?" Riah gestured toward the couch.

I curled up, hugging my knees to my chest, trying to hold in the emotions threatening to spill over.

"I just miss her so much, Riah. It's been two months, and I feel like I'm drowning. I just... I miss her."

Riah took my hand, her grip warm and steady. "I know, Lura. I know how much you love Kamala. Have you two been talking at all?"

"She still texts me every day. I see the messages, but I don't always respond. I'm scared of letting my guard down again."

Riah stood, grabbing a tissue box from the counter. "Here, wipe those tears," she said gently, handing me a tissue. "How's Kamala holding up?"

Kamala. Even just hearing her name brought me comfort.

"I've been avoiding her at school—leaving early or rushing out the moment class ends. But she's hurting too, I can see it. She's more tense, more distant, even meaner. But every time she looks at me, Ri..." My voice trailed off. "Her eyes... they hold so much sadness and regret. It breaks my heart every time, so I just avoid it."

Silence. A heavy, lingering silence.

I glanced at Riah and caught the shimmer of unshed tears in her eyes.

"Shit. Are you okay, Ri?" I moved closer, concern replacing my own sorrow.

She sniffled, trying to cover it up, but I had already seen the tears fall.

"I'm okay," she said softly. "I've just never seen you this in love before, Lura. It's different. You two need each other, and staying apart like this... it's not helping either of you."

She grabbed a tissue from the box, dabbing at her own tears. My best friend rarely cried, and when she did, it made me feel even worse.

"I have to call my mom, but I'll be right back," she said, standing up.

"Take your time," I murmured, leaning back against the couch, nodding in quiet understanding.

Riah's Pov ⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

I slipped out the door, glancing around to make sure I was out of earshot. With a deep breath, I grabbed my phone and dialed a number, pressing the screen harder than necessary.

It rang. And rang. No answer.

Lady, you've got one more chance to pick up this damn phone.

I redialed, impatience creeping into my chest. The ringing seemed endless, stretching time unbearably—until finally, a click.

"Hello? Who is this?" a voice asked on the other end.

I didn't waste a second. "Listen, I'm gonna make this short and sweet because I don't play games."

"Excuse me?" The voice sharpened with confusion.

I let out a low chuckle. "You're excused, Professor. This is Riah. You know... Allura's best friend."

Silence. Then a sharp inhale, as if she was scrambling to compose herself.

"Well, hello, Riah," she said, her voice careful. "What can I help you with? And how did you get my number?"

"None of that matters right now," I shot back. "What does matter is that my best friend is in there crying her fucking eyes out over you. I don't know what your plan is to fix this, but you better figure it out—and fast."

She let out a sigh of frustration, but I didn't care.

"You don't even know what's going on," she snapped. "You can't just accuse me of something without knowing the full story."

"Oh, but I do know," I shot back. "You obviously did something pretty fucked up if Allura is crying over it. And, just so you know, I know exactly what it is."

I let a smirk slip into my voice, adding, "By the way, I'm the one who suggested she sleep with Maya."

Silence.

I had said it with just a little too much confidence—just enough to make sure she felt every ounce of remorse she deserved.

"Why the hell would you tell her to do something like that?!" Her voice was louder now, angrier than I'd ever heard it.

"Because you deserved it," I snapped back. "Allura was nothing but good to you, and you broke her trust. You needed a taste of your own medicine for once. You don't like how it feels when it's you, do you? Like I said—fix this shit now before I really have to get involved."

She scoffed. "You don't think I miss my baby? I think about her every single day when I wake up. She doesn't even stay after class to talk to me anymore. Do you know what that feels like? I want nothing more than to have her back, but she won't return my calls. So don't act like I'm not trying."

I pressed the phone harder to my ear, my frustration bubbling over.

"Well, I mean you did cheat on her, Kamala. What did you expect? You two are down bad for each other, so you need to go harder to win her trust back. The only reason I'm even giving you advice is because Allura loves you, and I've never seen her act this way over anyone. She misses you."

Silence. I couldn't see her, but I knew I hit a nerve. She was crying. Kamala—crying. Something I'd never heard before.

"She misses me?" Her voice was softer now, vulnerable.

"Of course she does, idiot. She talks about your ass all day. That's why you need to hurry the fuck up and fix this mess you made."

She took a shaky breath. "You're right. But... what about her space? I don't want to push her into something she's not ready for."

"Kamala, she doesn't actually want space. She wants you. She's just scared to trust you again."

A pause. I could practically hear the gears turning in her head.

"Okay," she finally said, exhaling deeply. "I'm gonna fix this."

I let out a breath. Thank God.

I hesitated before speaking again. "Since I've got you on the phone... what did you say to your sister about... you know what?"

She let out a low chuckle. "You are so nosy, you know that?"

"I've been told. But go on."

"Well, let's just say we got into a figh—"

I jumped up, jogging a small lap around the driveway before hopping onto the hood of Allura's car. "Bitchhh—my bad, my bad, that slipped out," I said, covering my mouth as I caught myself.

"Alright now, Riah. I'm still your professor," she warned, though I could hear the amusement in her voice.

I tried—really tried—to hold in my laugh, but I failed miserably. "Sorry, I forgot about that for a second. So when you say a fight... do you mean physical or verbal?"

"A physical one."

I gasped. Professor Harris fighting? I'd pay good money to see that.

"So... who won, if you don't mind me asking?"

She laughed, but her voice took on a firm edge. "I don't play about my baby, so I'll let you guess."

"Damn, so you whooped her like that?"

She only hummed in approval.

I was flabbergasted. There was no way I just heard that.

"I'll leave it to your imagination. Goodnight, Riah."

The call ended, and I just sat there, mouth practically on the floor.

Wait until I tell Lura about this shit.

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Riah got fed up and gave Kamala a call. She lowkey put her in her place all while getting the tea. We love a supportive bestie 🧚🏽 Riah doesn't play about Lura and neither does Kamala. 😖 tbh none of them do

It's really giving Team Edward vs. Team Jacob.