•<Autumn>•

               Can't you see that I'm the one
                     Who understands you?
    Been here all along, so why can't you see?
                        You belong with me
                                          •
                               Taylor Swift
                           •<>•

                                •<<<>>>•

As I blend the sauce, I find myself revisiting the events from a few days ago. Contemplating the next question to ask him, a fog of uncertainty shrouds my thoughts. It's the final chance that I have to ask him anything and I'm still uncertain about the most important thing I want to know about him. Several questions are swirling within and I'm worried that they may come off as unnecessary and perhaps out of line.

The first question I can think of is if he likes me. I've noticed a slight difference in him these past couple of days. The way he looks at me or partially smiles at me, the way he speaks to me, and the twinkle in his eyes when he says my name. The change is quite subtle hence I can't jump to conclusions just yet.

"Okay, I'm done flattening out the dough," Keyara says as she walks over to the sink to rinse her hands.

When she returns, we both start spreading the sauce on the dough before adding some toppings to it.

"Can you imagine if we went on Masterchef?" she speaks enthusiastically, "We'd sweep the board."

"Yeah," I reply, "We'd be so good that Gordon Ramsay would be too stunned to speak."

"Most certainly." She chuckles, "We should apply for the next season."

"On it," I respond with a witty remark as I pull my lips into a smile.

Shortly after, the door opens and our jaws drop the moment we see Autumn walk in. She looks different than when she left and Keyara and I glance at each other before shifting our eyes back to her.

"You got bangs?" I raise an inquisitive eyebrow while keeping my bewildered gaze fixed on her.

"Mmm hmm." She responds and proceeds to take off her jacket and hangs it on the court rack.

When she said she was going to the hair salon, I didn't think she'd come back a different person, I mean not that she doesn't look good but she's never liked them as far I know.

"So...what do you think of my new hairstyle?" She grins, striking a pose that allows us to admire her beauty, and her smile radiates as brilliantly as her sterling gray eyes.

"You look gorgeous," Keyara replies, "However, you've taken us by surprise 'cause you've always voiced out how you don't like bangs."

"Well, surprise-surprise," she responds with great enthusiasm, punctuating her words with jazz hands and a beaming smile, "I told you I'm trying new things."

She then picks up her handbag from the couch and approaches us, "You guys are making pizza?! Wait for me, let me freshen up real quick." she says as she grabs a slice of pineapple and joyfully hurries off to her room.

Leaving us speechless, it takes us a while to recover from the big surprise that Autumn just threw on us.

"Is it just me, or is there something else going on with Autumn?" Keyara's forehead creases with furrows, her expression reflecting pure bewilderment. "At first it was the red lipstick, and now this. Not to mention her weight loss, have you noticed it too?"

Now that she's brought it up, I can't help but voice my opinion. "I've noticed her weight loss as well and I don't want to make a big deal out of it, but her getting a new hairstyle and wearing red lipstick that she's suddenly developed interest in? I don't know Key." I shrug my shoulders, "Maybe she's trying something different like she said."

"Yeah but," she gently strokes her chin like she's thinking about something, "How do you explain her throwing up? I overheard her throwing up a few times last week, shouldn't that be a cause for concern?"

"The last time I spoke to her about it she told me it was food poisoning, so I don't know. I don't have the answers you're looking for." I convey.

Out of the blue, she releases a gasp that compels me to swiftly turn my head in her direction, "What? What is it?" I question her with desperation and curiosity laced in my voice.

"Can she be?" She pauses, her mouth is moving but no words are coming out of it. It's almost as if something is hitched in her throat and she's struggling to get the words out, "Can she be," She looks around then leans in and whispers, "Pregnant?"

My heart momentarily ceases its beat, and I gaze at her, utterly perplexed. I don't know what to make of this, sure, she's changed quite a lot these past couple of weeks but is that enough reason to conclude that she's pregnant?

Suddenly, her door swings wide open, and once more, her radiant smile fills the room.

She exudes happiness and a carefree spirit, and despite the uncertainty surrounding her transformation, I can't deny that I find it rather endearing. Witnessing her joy, whether it's through her weight loss, consistent use of red lipstick, or her new bangs, brings me joy as well. I'm happy if she's content with her new look.

After we've finished our kitchen shenanigans and popped the pizza in the oven, we all collapse on the couch, and spend the remainder of the day goofing around.

     •<<<>>>•

Walking down the school hallway, my friends and I chat while enjoying our snacks. Before long, our attention is drawn to Brandon and his group of friends as they descend the stairs — causing us to halt and watch them approach, their faces adorned with broad smiles.

Upon reaching us, Autumn steps toward Brandon, stopping just a foot away. They engage in a conversation, but the words are too faint to decipher. It continues for a while, and it seems as though Autumn is earnestly discussing something with him.

This causes Key and I to exchange glances, then refocus on the couple, who now appear to be in what looks like a disagreement. Shortly thereafter, Aero, Brandon's ex, places a hand on his chest and another on his wrist — gently pushing him away from Autumn, followed by the rest of the group as they slowly turn around to join the two.

"I'm sorry." She redirects her attention to Autumn, who's been left standing alone. Her deep, dark brown eyes gaze intensely as she curves her bright, matte red lips into a swift mischievous smile — her eyes narrowing and her brows gently furrowing beneath the shadow of her dusky bangs. "But, we have somewhere we need to be. This can wait, right?" She smirks.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go." With a shrug of his shoulders, Brandon utters, his apologetic expression exuding genuine sincerity, "I'll call you as soon as I'm done with my football practice, okay?" His steps gradually distance him from us as Aero persistently tugs him by the wrist — slowly and impatiently pulling him away from Autumn.

Watching her standing there all alone and even though her back's turned to us, I can tell just how hurting she is about what just happened.

"Are you okay?" I inquire — my voice carrying a blend of concern and sadness as I cautiously take a few steps closer to her.

When she turns to meet my gaze, she adorns a smile on her face, though her words offer reassurance, her eyes convey a different story. Behind those bright blue eyes, I glimpse the concealed pain lurking beneath that smile despite trying to conceal it.

"Autumn?" Keyara steps in, "What's going on?"

"Nothing." She quickly defends herself as she avoids making eye contact with Keyara.

"It doesn't seem like it." Key raises a quizzical eyebrow at her, her slow pace matching the unhurried rhythm of her sentences as if she's meticulously crafting them, "Aero? Are-" she swallows, "Are you trying to look like her?"

Autumn's eyes widen in surprise as she quickly shifts her gaze to Keyara the moment she mentions Aero's name, "Why would I try to look like her?" She scoffs, "Why would I want to be like her?"

"Because you ki-inda look like her right now," Key says slowly and cautiously through her teeth, "Bright Matte red lipstick, light bangs, isn't it obvious?" She shrugs her shoulders.

Noticing how many similarities are there between the two, I agree with Keyara a hundred percent. Autumn has changed a lot lately and it wouldn't be a surprise if what Key is saying is true. I've not known her longer than Key has but if I'm being honest, the Autumn that's standing in front of me right now is different from the one I've always known.

"What is going on?" She creases her eyebrows as she hesitatesly places her hand on Autumn's shoulder for comfort.

As Autumn instinctively withdraws, Keyara quickly pulls back her hand, her previously concerned golden-brown eyes now appearing even more somber.

"Nothing, I told you already," she replies as her eyes flicker between the lines on the floor.

"You know you can talk to us about anything, right?" Keyara presses.

"Yeah, like you do," Autumn replies with a hint of sarcasm woven into her sentence, adding in it a scoff that ends with an eye roll.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Key takes a step back, her expression slowly morphing into a state of confusion and anger.

"You know what I'm talking about, always trying to be that listening ear and be everybody's problem solver and yet you can't fix yours let alone talk about your problems."

"Autumn," Keyara warns, however, this doesn't stop Autumn from speaking her mind.

As the uncomfortable tension continues to intensify with each passing second, I can't shake the feeling that this conversation won't end well.

"You know what?" Autumn lets out a soft, composed chuckle, her voice carrying both tranquility and a touch of bitterness, "Before you start looking into other people's problems, why don't you look at yours first, hmmm? Fix your issues with your family first before coming to me trying to be the godmother in my not-so-perfect Cinderella story."

Keyara shakes her head incredulously, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, wearing an expression that conveys her anger.

"You've crossed the line, Autumn. That was unnecessary," Keyara states firmly before striding away.

Once Keyara disappears into the crowd and is no longer within our sight, I shift my attention to Autumn who seems entirely indifferent to the entire situation.

"What?!" Her tone escalates to a higher pitch, conveying defensiveness, "Don't look at me like that, she started it," she speaks and then storms off — leaving me utterly alone and so torn apart.

     •<<<>>>•

Days have come and gone and still, the girls are mad at each other. Neither of them has spoken to each other, and I've been the messenger this entire time. The atmosphere in this apartment has completely changed and I'm broken down about it. I've tried several times to get them to talk to each other, but regardless of what I do, my efforts are as useless as tits on a boar hog.

With Brandon's football game starting in just a few hours, the need to resolve whatever's going on tenses, desperation takes hold of me, and at this point, I'll do anything to get them to start talking to each other.

Pacing around in my bedroom, I go over every single detail I have to carry out. This plan has to be perfect, or else, it will go down the drain.

I can do this.

Upon taking a deep breath, I let out a scream, but it goes unnoticed by the girls. Clearing my throat, I open my mouth and try again, however, this time, I let out a sharp cry for help, and in New York time, they all come bolting into my room like The Flash.

"Are you okay?" they ask in unison with concern laced in their voices.

I'm sitting on my bed, rocking back and forth while I clutch my stomach for dear life. I crumple my forehead, my head shaking a little in disagreement as fake sobs escape my slightly parted lips. "No, I'm not." I cry, "My stomach hurts."

"But why?" Key takes a step closer while looking at me with a concerned expression in her eyes, "Are you on your period?"

"No." I shake my head.

"Could it be food poisoning?" her face is growing more concerned with every second that goes by.

"No, I don't know what's happening. I was walking to my closet then suddenly, I-I," My now watery eyes flicker between my sheets, "I felt this sharp pain in my stomach, and it hasn't gone away since. Ouch." Positioning myself in a fetal state, I hug my stomach tighter and let out a fake soft cry, "It hurts so much, it hurts so damn much."

"Perhaps we should take you to the hospital," Autumn steps in.

Sitting beside me, their hands stroke my back gently, their motions are slow and comforting.

"Going to the hospital won't be of help," I reply.

"What other option do we have, Mal?" Key laments, "How else are we supposed to help you if you don't want to go to the hospital?"

Pulling myself up, I pin my hair behind my ear and sniffle a little. "You want to know what will make me feel better?" I lift my head up slowly, and shift my eyes between the two disconcerted faces, "You two," I add, and their expressions grow more perplexed.

"Look at what is happening to us right now." I dart my tongue out to wet my lips, "You two are acting childish and I can't believe I'm saying this," I chuckle softly as I press my palm on my forehead to display how silly this is, "I had to pretend to be sick just to get you two to be in the same room."

"So you lied to us?" Autumn inquires, her previously disconcerted expression now transforming into one of irritation, "Yeah I'm out of here." In a display of frustration, she raises her hands in the air, and as she's on the verge of exiting my room, I hastily jump out of my bed and dash toward the door.

After locking the door, tucking the keys in my pants, and pinning myself against it, I take a deep breath and say, "You're not going anywhere until we resolve this." My breaths come in labored gasps as my chest rises and falls intensely.

"Mal what the fuck?!" Keyara stands up, her voice laced with anger, "Seriously? You think this is helping?"

"It was either this or," I breathe heavily in between the words. Gosh, I've never moved that fast in a while, "Or nothing at all. I couldn't stand seeing my best friends being mad at each other." Shaking my head a little, I add, "I can't stand seeing you two fight, we're supposed to stick together through thick and thin and not," I swallow hard, "And not distance ourselves every time we have a disagreement."

After I'm done speaking, the room goes silent, everything is still including our bodies. The anger that filled this room has dissipated and is now replaced with uncertainty and silence.

"Now," I dig the keys out of my pants and hold them firmly, "I'll go out and leave you two here to talk this out, and when I come back, this place better be brimming with laughter from every angle in this room. Capeesh?"

Without waiting for a reply, I carefully unlock the door and lock it immediately after I get out. Standing behind the door, I hear nothing but silence until Autumn says something.

"Some privacy will do if you're going to leave us here to pull each other's hair! We know you're standing behind the door!" Autumn exclaims with a hint of frustration woven into her voice.

Busted!

"Okay! I'm heading out now!" I raise my hands in the air as a gesture of surrender, "But I meant it when I said that this place should better be brimming with laughter! Or else you'll feel my wrath this time!"

As I step out of the apartment, the only thing I can hope for is that my plan works.

                                   •<<<>>>•

Hours into getting ready for the game and I'm still not even close to finishing dressing up. Hearing giggles and steps walking back and forth from the other side of the door, I pull my lips into a smile. I'm glad my plan worked. Seeing them reconcile and laugh like before was like a splash of color I needed in this space that was swiftly turning gray.

When I'm finally done, I join the girls that have been impatiently waiting for me and after taking a few pictures, we head out. The car is blasting with music, and happiness saturates the atmosphere as it always should, as it's supposed to be.

Upon spending minutes looking for seats, we're finally settled, and Keyara immediately pulls out candies from her bag and hands them to us.

Not long after, whistles start blowing, drums start playing, and so are the trumpets and tubas that are being played by the school band, shortly after, the school mascot from another college makes an appearance. Despite the moonwalk and some tricks he's doing, only a few cheers can be heard from all angles until our school mascot steals the show the second he bolts in.

Glancing at Autumn, I can tell straight away just how impatient she is. She keeps looking around, hoping to see Brandon walk in alongside his teammates.

When the cheerleaders are done doing their thing, the cheers only get louder especially when the music starts playing. This place is louder than a Justin Bieber concert and it's not even the final game.

Flags are being waved around, and as soon as confetti shoots up from all angles, the guys bolt in with their helmets on and the crowd goes insane.

Thank goodness we managed to get the front-row seats 'cause, with the way the game is going at the moment, I would have hated watching it from afar or on a screen.

                                  •<<<>>>•
Hours into the game and it's still a tie between the two teams. Anxiety is way over the roof especially when the other team attempts to score repeatedly. Glancing at the time, five more minutes are left till the game is over. Tensions are high, hearts are frozen in time, mouths are agape and our eyes are fixed on the game. It's like nervously and anxiously watching a ticking time bomb being deactivated before it blows up in a second. This is so nerve-racking, so tormenting it's starting to turn my insides upside down, I might throw up.

When our team takes the ball, time slows down and all I can hear is my heart resonating inside my chest, making that lub-dub sound that's louder than a snare drum. Words can't describe how I'm feeling at this moment but all I know is, this place is about to go wild if our school doesn't win. Everything is in slow motion until we hear the whistle blow, confetti bursts into a display of beautiful colors, the crowd is cheering and so is our team. We won!

People are jumping up and down, people are running in and out of the field, hugging the players, and lifting them up in victory. As I envelop the girls in a warm embrace, we bounce with enthusiasm like children playing in a muddy puddle.

"We did it! We won!" Keyara exclaims, her voice is a little hoarse from all the screaming but so is mine and I guess everybody else in here. It's such a wild and unforgettable game. I'm not a sports fan but this one was incredible.

Moving away from the crowd, we follow Autumn who's following Brandon to congratulate him. Key and I come to a halt and we watch her walk up to Brandon who's surrounded by his friends including his ex-girlfriend, Aero. Just as she's about to reach them, she stops immediately she sees Brandon lean into Aero, their faces are barely touching and it looks like they're about to kiss.

Immediately, Autumn runs off and Brandon follows immediately he notices her presence. Feeling the need to be there for her, we follow the couple and land in the gym that thankfully is empty, well, sort of.

She's in a state of anger and starts screaming at him the moment she stops running. Tears are pouring from her eyes, and this causes my heart to shatter into a million pieces.

"How could you?!" She yells at him. "After all I've done for you, this is how you repay me?" She sniffles — anger and disappointment are etched on her face.

Brandon is standing a distance away from her, he's taking slow steps toward her, cautiously begging her to hear him out while reaching out his hand, hoping she'll accept it and listen.

"Don't come near me!" She warns as she takes a step back, her arms are up in defense, and her face is now smudged from all the makeup and tears.

"Baby I swear it's not-"

"I said don't come near me!" She roars, prompting him to halt.

"I swear to God if you come any closer I'll do something we'll both regret." She cries.

"Leave!" Keyara steps into the couple's argument as she walks past him and stands in between the couple, and I follow behind.

"Keyara, stay out of this," he says to her while casting a glance in her direction, "We can handle this without your intervention."

"Does she look like she's okay to you? Does she look like she wants to talk to you? Leave her alone." Anger furrows my eyebrows while also coursing through my veins and quickening my heartbeat.

He made a grave mistake when he hurt Autumn, and now he'll have to face our anger. We got synergy, if anyone hurts one of us, they hurt all of us and we'll come at them at all costs. Because that's what best friends do, that's what we do, we stick up for each other.

"Autumn please," he pleads, "Can we talk? Alone? I can explain, alright?"

"She doesn't want to see you, don't you get it!" Key exclaims with a voice filled with frustration and anger, "Leave before I turn this place into a crime scene." She roars.

Casting one final glance at Autumn, who continues to sob uncontrollably, he reluctantly nods. Just as he begins to turn and make his way out, a loud thud resonates. We swiftly turn to see what caused that sound, and immediately I see Autumn lying motionless on the floor, my heart plunges into the pit of my stomach.

"Autumn!" Brandon calls out, his voice laced with panic, as he rushes past us and drops to his knees, his hands now cradling her back.

"Autumn!" I cry.

What happened?

Despite trying to wake her up, she's still, and pale. The thought of losing her fills me with dread, seeing her motionless, pale body is scaring the shit out of me and I can't even wake her up.

I keep holding onto the little ray of hope that she's alright but looking at her, I can't help but fear for the worst.

        AN

Another lengthy chapter, as usual. I apologize that this keeps happening. I'm genuinely doing my best to keep these chapters short. I hope you understand.

✨I'd like to get to know you briefly but you can skip this question if you want to.

This may sound silly but, have you ever made pizza? And if so, how did it turn out? Good or bad? (I haven't )

Secondly, what's your favorite sport?✨
                                    ***
Thank you so much for getting this far, much appreciated. Don't forget to vote, comment and share. It'd be nice to hear from you and your honest opinions/thoughts about the story.
                           🧡🤎