Chapter 5: The Heart's Choice
The weekend passed in a haze. Erica spent hours alone, sorting through her emotions, trying to decide what to do. She couldn't escape the fact that Nicole had left a lasting mark on her heart. But was love enough to bring them back together? Or was it too late?
On Monday, Erica made her way to the courtyard again. She wasn't sure what she was expecting, but when she saw Nicole sitting by the fountain, waiting for her, something shifted in her chest.
Nicole looked up, her face filled with uncertainty, but also a quiet hope.
Erica sat beside her, taking a deep breath. "I've thought about it," she said softly. "And I think... I think I'm willing to give us another shot. But only if we're both in it. No more running."
Nicole's eyes widened, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Nicole nodded slowly, a smile breaking across her face.
"Thank you," Nicole whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.
Erica felt a small smile tug at her lips. "Let's see where this goes, okay?"
And for the first time in a long time, Erica allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, they could find their way back to each other.