************In Claudia's Bedroom************
"Martin!"
Claudia's eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned closer to Aimee, almost as if she were sharing a secret. "You remember Martin, right?" she asked, her voice bubbling with joy. "He's almost done with his thesis, and he's coming to visit his godparents here. And, of course, to see me.
Aimee arched an eyebrow, her lips curling into a teasing smile as she leaned back, crossing her arms casually. "Yes, you say his name almost every day," she replied, her tone playful, though her eyes glimmered with something more. "How could I forget?"
Claudia, completely oblivious to the undercurrent in Aimee's words, continued, her voice rising in excitement, barely able to contain her joy.
"He's been so busy with his thesis, but now he's finally coming back! I can't wait to see him again! And, Aimee, you know what's crazy? He's an only child just like me! He told me that already. And we—well, we both said we love each other. It feels like it's just meant to be." Her eyes gleamed, the passion in her words leaving no doubt about how deeply she felt for Martin.
And remember we met online?!" Claudia exclaimed, her hands flying in excitement. "On that dating app—Brimble or was it Thimble? I wasn't sure about it at first, but something about his profile just… it drew me in. And when we started talking, it was like we were meant to find each other!" Her voice was so full of happiness, so genuine, that Aimee couldn't help but soften a little at the sincerity.
As Claudia rambled on, Aimee found herself pulling back slightly, her arms still crossed as she listened. She was happy for her friend, of course, but something about Claudia's bubbling enthusiasm seemed to stir something else within her—a slight, almost imperceptible shift in her thoughts. And as Claudia continued, Aimee's lips curved into a small, knowing smile.
But then, without warning, Aimee interrupted her, her voice cutting through the excitement like a sharp wind. "What about your condition, Claudia? Did you tell him yet?"
The words hung in the air, heavy and almost too real for a moment. Claudia's face froze, her lips slowly losing their smile. The air between them thickened, the playful chatter fading into an uncomfortable silence. Aimee watched closely, noticing how Claudia's posture stiffened, her joy slipping away as if someone had pulled the thread of her happiness. The faintest flicker of concern crossed her face.
The words hung in the air for a moment. Claudia's face froze, the joy slipping from her expression like sand through fingers. Her eyes darkened as her lips pressed into a thin line. For a moment, she said nothing, and the silence between them felt thick with unspoken things.
Claudia's voice, when it finally came, was quieter, softer. "No, I didn't tell him," she admitted, her gaze dropping to the floor for a second before she met Aimee's eyes again. There was a sadness in her face that hadn't been there a moment ago, something vulnerable, something raw. "I haven't been able to. I'm not sure how to. What if it... changes things between us?" Her voice breaking
Well, you'll have to tell him eventually," Aimee said, her voice soft but firm. "It's better if he hears it from you. You don't want to keep something like that hidden, right?" She could feel the faintest twinge of something in her own chest as she spoke, but she quickly pushed it aside.
Claudia nodded slowly, her gaze still distant. "I know. But I just... I don't know how he'll react. It's a lot to take in."
Aimee leaned in slightly, her tone softening as she spoke to Claudia, who was still clearly weighed down by uncertainty. "If he truly loves you like he says," Aimee said gently, "then it shouldn't be a problem. You're beautiful, Claudia, intelligent, and any man would be lucky to be with you.
Claudia's eyes softened at Aimee's words, though the doubt still lingered beneath the surface. "But what if... what if it changes how he feels?" she asked quietly, her voice wavering. "I don't want him to pity me."
Well, I'm sure you two will work it out," Aimee said, her voice smooth. "And when the time comes to tell him, just remember—you've got everything he could ever want.
As the two ladies chatted and laughed, their conversation shifting from Martin to their memories of childhood and old inside jokes, Aimee wandered over to Claudia's closet. She knew the mansion inside and out, having spent so many hours here over the years. Today, though, as she sifted through the elegant rows of gowns, she couldn't help but feel a certain... possessiveness. Each piece of clothing, each luxurious fabric, seemed like a reminder of the life Claudia had—a life Aimee had long envied.
After a moment of searching, her fingers brushed against a sleek black body-con gown. It was just the kind of dress that always caught her eye—a little daring, with a sharp silhouette that made a statement. She held it up, eyeing it with a mix of approval and a small, calculating smile.
"This one's cute," Aimee said, turning toward Claudia with the dress in hand. "You should totally wear it."
Claudia glanced over and chuckled lightly, shaking her head. "You know I'm not much for anything that short. It's... a bit too bold for my style."
Aimee's smile grew, her eyes glinting with something that was almost playful but carried a more subtle edge. "Well, that's true, but honestly, with your leg..." she trailed off, her gaze shifting to Claudia's limp, which she'd seen so often but chose to never mention directly. "It might be better to stick to the longer gowns, don't you think? You don't want to draw too much attention to it."
Claudia's face faltered slightly at Aimee's words, a fleeting hint of discomfort crossing her expression. Aimee saw it, and her smile widened just a bit. "You've always looked amazing in those long, elegant dresses. So much more graceful."
If you really want it, I guess you can have it," she said, trying to sound nonchalant, but Aimee could hear the subtle hint of reluctance in her voice.
Aimee beamed, feeling a rush of triumph. "Thanks! You know, it'll look great on me." She winked at Claudia, the sweet, innocent smile never quite masking the satisfaction in her eyes.
Claudia shrugged with a small, forced smile. "I guess if you say so…"
As Aimee tried on the dress, she couldn't help but feel a quiet sense of victory. Another piece of Claudia's world, just a little more in her grasp.
***************** The Next Day******
The next day at the university, Aimee and Claudia were sitting outside the lecture hall, chatting about the excitement building up.
Claudia couldn't hide her enthusiasm. "I can't believe Martin is arriving today, and we're going to meet him at the airport! I'm so excited!"
Aimee smiled, her eyes lighting up with happiness for her friend. "I'm happy for you," she replied, her voice soft and sincere.
Just then, Paulo, a course mate who always seemed to be lurking at the edges of their conversations like an unwanted shadow, approached Aimee. His expression was serious, almost unnervingly so. In his hand, he held out a single, barely hanging-on rose—its petals were so limp they looked like they'd given up on life long ago.
"To you, Aimee," he said in a voice that could only be described as dramatically tragic, "I offer this, a symbol of my undying affection. Will you accept it, and perhaps… my love?"
The whole class, which had been gathered nearby and blissfully ignoring the two friends, turned to look at the scene unfolding before them. Their eyes widened in disbelief. The group held its breath, and then, as if someone had pulled a trigger, a burst of laughter erupted from every corner. One person even choked on their coffee, while another doubled over, clutching their stomach from laughing so hard.
Aimee blinked, trying to process what had just happened. Was this real? Or had someone slipped something into her drink? She glanced at Claudia, who was already shaking her head with a bemused smile.
"Paulo, What is the meaning of this?" Aimee finally asked, her voice both confused and slightly concerned.
Paulo didn't seem to notice the sheer absurdity of the situation. "This is a sacrifice for my love," he said, holding out the wilted rose as though it were a golden crown. "For you, Aimee, my heart is yours!"
Aimee stared at the rose, then at Paulo, and then back at the rose again. The petals were practically begging for mercy. With an exaggerated sigh, Aimee took it in hand, holding it delicately like it might crumble into dust if she breathed on it wrong. She gave him a half-smile. "Well, thank you, Paulo. This… is the best flower I've ever received."
The group exploded into another round of laughter, with Saul another of their course mates, yelling, "Did he just propose with a dead rose?"
Claudia couldn't stop giggling. "Aimee, I think you've just been romanced in the most unique way possible."
Aimee shot Claudia a playful glance. "I think I need a drink after this."
And with that, the laughter continued to echo, while Paulo stood there, still holding his wilted offering, clearly unaware of how to gracefully exit his own romantic comedy.