A fresh start

VIOLET

The morning sun filtered through my curtains, casting soft rays on the floor as I sat at the edge of my bed,the events of yesterday replaying in my mind.

My conversation with Luke, the way we’d finally settled things… We’d decided to give him another chance. Not because we’d forgotten what he did, but because, deep down, I believed people could change. Things would never be the same between us—not after everything—but Ashley and I agreed to start small. I wasn't sure what that looked like yet, but today, we were taking the first step, starting with just hanging out together, celebrating our graduation. A small attempt at reconciliation.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and padded to the bathroom. The tiles were cool beneath my feet, and the sound of water hitting the porcelain tub filled the small space as I turned on the shower.

As the warm water cascaded over me, my thoughts drifted to Ryan. Things had been... complicated since our parents returned.Their presence had brought a certain weight back into our lives, a reminder of the roles we were supposed to play.

All I’d managed to get from him since yesterday was a fleeting kiss in the car, stolen glances across the room, winks that made my heart race, and a barrage of texts that I’d read and reread until I could recite them from memory.

And then, there was last night.

My lips tingled at the memory of his midnight visit. He’d snuck into my room, his expression soft yet mischievous as he whispered his congratulations. The kiss we shared was slow, lingering, and filled with unspoken promises. I missed him already—his touch, his voice, the way he could make me feel like the center of his world with just a look.It made my heart ache with longing.

I turned off the shower and stepped out, wrapping myself in my towel towel. As I returned to my room, the ache of missing him settled deep in my chest. It was a strange longing, one that I wasn’t sure how to fully articulate.

I stood in front of my closet, rummaging through my clothes until I found something casual, something that didn’t scream, I’m still figuring everything out, but also wasn’t too stiff. I settled on a pair of light-washed jeans and a simple white blouse with delicate lace trim along the sleeves. A soft beige cardigan hung loosely over my shoulders, and I slipped on my favorite pair of white sneakers. It was effortless but comfortable—exactly what I needed today.

I grabbed my bag and slung it over my shoulder, ready to leave, but as I stepped into the hallway, I hesitated. My gaze drifted to Ryan’s door. For a moment, I considered knocking, just to see him, to feel that magnetic pull again. But before I could act on the impulse, my mom’s voice rang out from downstairs.

“Violet, is that you?”

“Shit,” I mumbled under my breath, reluctantly turning away from Ryan’s door. I made my way downstairs, the warm smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air.

My mom greeted me with an enthusiastic hug as soon as I stepped into the kitchen. “Oh, you’re heading out?” she asked, eyeing my outfit approvingly. “I made breakfast”

The sight of the table set with pancakes, scrambled eggs, and a tray of those cookies made my stomach twist with guilt. Ashley had already called me twice, and I knew I was running late. But the pride in my mom’s eyes and the effort she’d put into making this morning special stopped me from brushing her off.

“Thanks, Mom,” I said, smiling as I grabbed a plate. “But I’m kind of in a rush.”

Her face softened, but she stepped aside to let me serve myself. “At least take a few cookies to go, then. You’ll need your energy for celebrating today.”

I couldn’t help but laugh softly as I grabbed a couple and tucked them into a napkin. “Alright, I will. Thanks, Mom.”

She hugged me again, tighter this time. “I’m so proud of you, Violet. Have fun today, okay?”

Her words lingered as I headed out the door, my bag slung over my shoulder and Ashley’s persistent texts flashing on my phone. My heart felt a little lighter as I stepped into the car.

As I slid into the driver’s seat, it struck me how long it had been since I last drove. Ryan had always insisted on driving me around, his reasoning a mix of protectiveness and his subtle need to be in control. But today, I needed the independence—no matter how small the gesture felt.

Starting the engine, I eased out of the driveway, the hum of the car filling the quiet air.

The diner came into view sooner than I expected, its retro sign flickering in the sunlight. I pulled into the lot and parked the car, exhaling deeply as I turned off the engine.

"Not bad, Violet," I muttered to myself, grabbing my bag and stepping out.

Inside, the place was buzzing with the low hum of conversation and the clinking of utensils against plates. My eyes scanned the room until they landed on Ashley and Luke, seated in a booth near the window. Ashley waved enthusiastically, her smile bright, while Luke offered a small nod, his expression a mix of relief and uncertainty.

“Finally!” Ashley exclaimed as I approached, sliding into the booth across from them. “I was starting to think you ditched us.”

“Traffic,” I lied with a grin, setting my bag down. “And Mom insisted on a last-minute breakfast. You know how she gets.”

Ashley rolled her eyes playfully. “Well, you’re here now. That’s what matters.”

Luke cleared his throat, shifting in his seat. “Hey, Violet,” he said softly. “Thanks for coming.”

There was an earnestness in his voice that made me pause. I glanced at him, taking in the faint shadows under his eyes and the nervous way he fidgeted with the edge of his sleeve. This wasn’t the same Luke I remembered.

“Of course,” I said finally. “This is a fresh start, right?”

His shoulders relaxed slightly, and he nodded. “Yeah. A fresh start.”

Ashley clapped her hands together, breaking the tension. “Okay, enough of the serious stuff. We’re celebrating today! Graduates of the year, finally free from the horrors of high school.”

Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn’t help but laugh along.

A waitress approached our table and we quickly placed our orders. As she walked away, Ashley leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“So, colleges,” she began,her gaze fixed on look.

Luke cleared his throat, a shy smile tugging at his lips. “Actually, I just got my acceptance letter days ago. I’ll be staying here in New York—NYU.”

“Luke!” Ashley practically squealed, throwing her arms around him in a quick hug. “That’s amazing! Congrats!”

“Yeah, congrats,” I added warmly. “NYU’s a big deal. You must be excited.”

“I am,” he admitted, his smile growing. “It’s a fresh start, you know? I feel like it’s exactly what I need.”

We talked more about our plan. I was able to forget the complexities of my life outside this diner.

Then my phone buzzed on the table, pulling my attention away. I picked it up, the screen lighting up with Ryan’s name.

"Left without a goodbye, huh? Guess I’m just supposed to sit here and watch you enjoy yourself with whoever you’re with. I see how it is. Don’t think you can get away from me that easily, though. When you’re done playing nice with your friends, I’ll make sure you make it up to me—big time. I’ve got plans for us, and trust me, you’ll be very sorry if you try to get out of it."

I bit my lip to hold back a laugh. The teasing jealousy in his tone was unmistakable, and it tugged at something warm inside me. A smile crept onto my lips as I quickly typed back a reply.

"Plans, huh? You’re really confident I’ll be making it up to you," I typed back, my fingers trembling slightly as I added a teasing wink emoji. "You might want to think twice about that. I’m not as easily swayed as you think, Ryan. But... I’ll play along for now. We’ll see how this goes."

My cheeks burned as I stared at the screen, imagining the smirk that was undoubtedly on his face as he typed that.

“What’s got you blushing?” Ashley teased, leaning over to peek at my phone. I quickly locked the screen, shaking my head.

“Nothing,” I said, a little too quickly.

Ashley raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Ryan, huh?”

My cheeks flushed even deeper, and I quickly glanced over at Luke, hoping he wouldn't notice. But of course, he did. His eyes met mine, and for a brief moment, he gave me a small, understanding smile.

"I'm happy for you... really," Luke said. There was no bitterness in his voice, just genuine warmth. My heart squeezed in response, and I returned the smile.

"Thank you," I whispered back

We sat there in the quiet for a moment, the hum of conversation around us fading and For a second, it felt like the distance between us—the weeks of awkwardness, of Luke's betrayal —didn’t exist.