Little Attentions
One morning, between classes, Chloe realized she had forgotten an important textbook in her room. She rushed to retrieve it before the next class started. As she entered the room, she noticed a small package carefully placed on her desk, along with a note.
Chloe opened the package curiously and discovered a small box containing a pretty bracelet made of purple and silver beads. The note, written in Red's hand, read:
Chloe,
Thanks again for the sketchbook. It means a lot to me. Here's a little gift in return. I hope you like it.
Red
Touched by this thoughtfulness, Chloe felt her heart warm. She slipped the bracelet on her wrist, admiring the reflections of the beads. She hurried back to class, eager to thank Red.
When she found her, she approached with a radiant smile. "Red, thank you for the bracelet. It's beautiful. »
Red shrugged modestly. "It's nothing. Just a small gesture to thank you."
Later that day, Chloe had her first fencing practice on the school's outdoor field. The stands around the field were already partially filled with curious spectators. When she glanced towards the stands, Chloe was pleasantly surprised to see Red sitting there with her purple notebook.
Their eyes met, and they smiled at each other. Chloe felt a wave of warmth invade her heart. She wondered why she felt this strange urge to impress Red. She put all her energy into the practice, her graceful and precise movements catching the attention of Coach Jay.
During the practice, Red was joined by Aziz, Aladdin's son. He sat next to her and struck up a conversation. Red smiled at his jokes, and his light laughter resonated to Chloe. She felt something new and unsettling. She was happy to see Red more comfortable and sociable, but that laugh... that laugh touched her deeply. Chloe found herself wishing she could be the cause of that laugh.
Practice ended, and Chloe didn't even take the time to shower. She rushed to the stands, where Red and Aziz were still talking. She arrived just in time to hear Aziz invite Red for a drink.
"Hey, Red, do you want to go for a drink? We could keep talking."
Red, taken aback, searched for words, but Chloe quickly intervened. "Actually, Red and I already have plans. Sorry, Aziz."
Aziz smiled politely. "No worries. Maybe next time."
Chloe grabbed Red's hand and pulled him a little further away. Once alone, Red questioned Chloe, intrigued. "Why did you do that? I didn't have any plans."
Chloe, avoiding his gaze, searched for a plausible excuse. "I didn't want to leave you alone with someone you barely know. That's all."
Red narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. "Chloe, you know very well that I can take care of myself. So, what's the real reason?"
Chloe, feeling the surge of emotions she wasn't ready to share, shook her head with a forced smile. "I assure you, Red, it's nothing. Really."
Red, frustrated at not getting a clear answer, sighed but didn't insist. She didn't want to rush her friend and risk another argument. "Okay, Chloe. If you say so."
They continued on their way in silence, but the incident left Red perplexed. She felt there was more to Chloe's behavior, but she respected her silence, hoping that time would bring answers.