CHAPTER THREE: Unspoken Truths
The quiet of the apartment felt different today — almost charged with an undercurrent of unspoken words. Adena had spent the entire morning lost in her thoughts, trying to make sense of everything that had happened over the past few days. She had spent the evening with Nova, but something had shifted between them. It was subtle but undeniable — a feeling that lingered in the air like a heavy fog.
Adena stared out the window, watching the city bustle on below, her mind still tethered to the conversation she'd had with her ex, Andrew. It had been emotionally exhausting but also liberating. Yet, there was something else she couldn't shake: the growing feeling of closeness with Nova, the small moments they shared that now felt weighted with a new kind of significance.
The doorbell broke her thoughts, and her heart gave a little flutter as she stood up. She wasn't sure why the sound of that ring made her feel like she was on the verge of something important. She opened the door, and there was Nova, standing in the hallway with her ever-present warmth and smile.
"Hey," Nova greeted, her voice light, but there was a tenderness to it that hadn't been there before.
"Hey," Adena replied, trying to keep her voice even, though her heart was already racing. "What's up?"
Nova stepped inside without waiting for a further invitation. "I brought lunch," she said, her eyes meeting Adena's for a brief second before she moved into the kitchen. "Thought we could talk."
Adena followed her, the familiar feeling of Nova's presence settling into her chest. She knew that this wasn't just about food — there was something more here, something that neither of them had addressed yet. The tension was palpable, and Adena wasn't sure whether she was ready for it.
The two sat at the table, the takeout container between them. But neither of them reached for it just yet.
Nova leaned forward slightly, her eyes fixed on Adena's, as if waiting for her to say something first.
"You've been distant today," Nova said softly. "Is everything okay?"
Adena hesitated, unsure of how to answer. She could feel the weight of the conversation pressing down on her, but she didn't know how to voice the mess of emotions swirling inside her. The pull she felt toward Nova was undeniable, but so was the fear of it.
"I'm fine," Adena finally said, but it was a lie, and they both knew it. "Just... thinking."
Nova gave her a look that said she wasn't buying it. She reached out and placed a hand over Adena's, her touch warm and comforting but also carrying a weight of its own. "I get it," Nova said quietly. "But you don't have to keep everything inside. Not with me."
Adena's breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, she couldn't find her voice. She looked down at their hands, her heart pounding. There was something about Nova's words, her touch, that made Adena feel both safe and exposed at the same time.
"You're really easy to talk to," Adena murmured, her fingers tightening around Nova's just slightly. "And I feel like I'm starting to trust you more than I expected."
Nova's smile softened, and she didn't pull her hand away. "You don't have to rush anything, Adena. We can take things at your pace."
But as she said it, there was something more in her eyes — something that Adena couldn't quite read, but it made her pulse quicken nonetheless. She found herself looking at Nova's lips, wondering what it would feel like to cross that line. To let go of the walls she'd so carefully built around herself.
But there was still that hesitation, that protective instinct deep within her. She couldn't let herself get carried away, not yet. Not when she was still piecing her heart back together.
"I don't know if I'm ready for... that," Adena said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nova nodded, as if she'd expected it, though there was a flicker of something in her eyes — disappointment, maybe? Or was it understanding? "I'm not asking for anything, Adena. I just... want you to know that I'm here, whenever you're ready."
Adena met her gaze, her heart heavy with the complexity of it all. She wanted to believe Nova. She wanted to let herself feel what she was feeling, but the fear was still there, gnawing at her.
"Thank you," Adena said quietly, her voice thick with emotion. "That means a lot."
Nova squeezed her hand gently before letting go and reaching for the takeout. "Let's eat, yeah? We don't have to talk about it right now. But when you're ready, I'll be here."
---
The soft clink of utensils against plates filled the silence as they ate. Nova's presence was soothing, yet Adena could feel the tension between them. She was aware of every subtle movement Nova made, the way her fingers curled around her glass, the way she brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Adena's gaze lingered longer than it should have, and a strange mix of warmth and nervousness settled in her chest.
She couldn't deny it. Nova had a way of making her feel seen, heard, and understood in ways no one else had before. But it was complicated. She was still sorting through the fragments of her past, the pieces of herself she had kept hidden for so long. And part of her wasn't sure if she could open up completely again, even to someone as kind and patient as Nova.
"Hey," Nova said, breaking the silence. "I know we've been talking about a lot of heavy stuff lately... but I was thinking we could take a little break. You know, do something fun. Like... I don't know, go for a walk in the park or something?"
Adena considered the offer, glancing out the window where the sun had begun to set, casting a warm orange glow over the city. A walk in the park sounded simple enough, but it also felt like a way to avoid the deeper questions that hung in the air between them.
But then, something inside her shifted. Maybe it was the comfort of Nova's company, or maybe it was the realization that she didn't always have to dive straight into the deep end. Sometimes, it was enough to just be present, to enjoy a moment without the pressure of figuring everything out.
"That sounds nice," Adena replied with a small smile, grateful for the suggestion. "Let's go."
The park was quiet, the path lined with trees that created dappled shadows on the ground. The evening breeze was cool, and the sound of birds chirping provided a peaceful backdrop to their walk. They didn't speak much at first, letting the serenity of the environment wrap around them like a blanket.
As they reached a small bench, Nova sat down first, patting the spot beside her. Adena hesitated for a moment, then joined her, feeling the warmth of Nova's side pressed against hers as they sat in comfortable silence.
"I've always loved it here," Nova said after a while, her voice low. "It's one of those places where everything feels... simple. You know?"
Adena nodded, her eyes scanning the path ahead of them. "I get that. I've never really been one for parks, but I could see how this could be calming."
Nova smiled, her fingers brushing against Adena's briefly. It was a fleeting touch, but it sent a ripple of warmth through Adena's body. For a moment, she let herself be fully present, not thinking about her past, not worrying about what might come next. Just... being here, with Nova.
"Do you ever feel like you're stuck between who you were and who you're becoming?" Adena asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nova looked at her, her gaze soft and understanding. "All the time," she admitted. "It's a process, right? You can't just snap your fingers and change. But you can take steps, no matter how small."
Adena's lips parted as she absorbed Nova's words. She knew Nova was speaking from experience — there was something in the way she said it, a quiet wisdom that made her feel less alone in her own struggles.
"I've been trying to figure out who I am without all the baggage," Adena continued, her words coming more freely now. "I spent so much time trying to fix myself for other people, trying to be what they needed me to be. I don't know what it's like to just... be me."
Nova shifted slightly, her shoulder brushing against Adena's. "I think you're already doing it," she said softly. "You're here, with me, talking about things that matter to you. That's a huge step."
Adena smiled, the words settling in her chest. It felt good to hear that. To know that she didn't have to have everything figured out to be moving forward.
The silence stretched between them again, but this time it wasn't heavy. It felt comfortable, like the pause between two people who didn't need to rush into anything — just letting the moment unfold naturally.
"I'm glad you came over today," Nova added, her voice breaking the quiet once again. "I know it wasn't easy, but I think it helped you. And it helped me too, honestly."
Adena looked at her, surprised by the honesty in Nova's words. "Yeah... I think it did," she said slowly. "I didn't realize how much I needed to talk to someone until I actually did."
Nova met her gaze, her eyes soft but intense. "I'm always here, Adena. Whenever you need to talk, or if you just want company. You don't have to carry all of that alone."
For a moment, Adena could only nod, her throat tightening. She didn't know how to respond, not without feeling too exposed. But something in her chest softened at the thought that maybe, just maybe, she didn't have to carry everything on her own anymore.
"Thank you," she said quietly. "I don't know how to say this, but... I really appreciate you being here."
Nova smiled, a small, genuine curve of her lips. "You don't have to say anything. I'm happy to be here. I just want you to know that you're not alone in this."
---
The cool evening air wrapped around them as Nova and Adena continued their walk, but as they passed the familiar path towards the park exit, Nova's phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced down, her lips curving into a small smile as she answered the text.
"Sorry, I just have to reply to this quickly," she said, typing something into her phone. Adena nodded, trying to remain patient but noticing the faint tension in Nova's shoulders.
"I didn't know you were expecting someone to message you tonight," Adena said, breaking the silence. "I thought we were having a night off from everyone?"
Nova chuckled, glancing up at Adena. "Oh, it's just my friends, probably asking if I'm free to hang out later. I didn't tell them I was with you."
Adena raised an eyebrow. "That sounds... ominous."
"It's not," Nova said with a teasing grin, slipping her phone back into her pocket. "But if you're up for it, we could stop by the café. They're all meeting there for a catch-up."
Adena hesitated. Meeting new people — especially Nova's friends — was something she hadn't planned on doing tonight. She was still unraveling her emotions, still figuring out who she was in this new space with Nova. But at the same time, there was something appealing about getting to know Nova's world more. Seeing who she was outside of these quiet moments, outside of just the two of them.
"Sure," Adena said with a half-smile, giving in. "Let's go."
They arrived at the café a few minutes later, a cozy spot nestled in the heart of the city, with soft jazz playing in the background. The air was thick with conversation, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the room. Nova led the way to a corner table where three people sat, laughing and chatting. The moment they saw Nova, the group's energy shifted — warm smiles all around, each person making room for her at the table.
"This is my friend Adena," Nova said, motioning for her to sit down beside her. "Adena, these are my friends."
There was Alex, a tall, lean woman with short-cropped hair and a playful energy. She flashed a bright smile at Adena. "Nice to meet you! Nova's told us a bit about you."
Then there was Ezra, a soft-spoken guy with glasses who always seemed to have a book in his hand. He gave a small, polite nod but didn't say much. The last was Keira, a bubbly, outgoing woman with curly hair and an infectious laugh. She greeted Adena with a warm hug, her energy immediately putting Adena at ease.
"We're just talking about what we're doing this weekend," Alex said, leaning forward. "We're thinking of going hiking, but Keira insists that she's not in the mood for a 'nature hike.'"
Keira threw her hands up in mock exasperation. "I'm just saying, it's more fun when there's food involved. I'm not climbing a mountain just for the view!"
The group laughed, and Adena found herself relaxing into the conversation. Despite feeling like an outsider in this new group, she couldn't help but smile at their easy camaraderie. Nova seemed to fit in perfectly, her laughter blending seamlessly with the others, and Adena realized that she was seeing a different side of Nova — a side that felt both familiar and new.
"So, what's your story?" Keira asked, turning her bright gaze to Adena. "Nova's always talking about how great her new friend is, but I want to hear it from the source!"
Adena chuckled nervously, not used to this kind of attention. "I... don't really know where to start," she said, glancing at Nova for reassurance.
"You don't have to give us your life story," Alex chimed in with a grin. "Just tell us a little about yourself. What do you like to do? What's your deal?"
Nova shot Adena a playful look, as if silently telling her to go along with it. Adena hesitated but then decided to go for it.
"Well, I've been focused on some personal stuff lately," she said, her voice softening. "Trying to figure out what's next for me. I used to be in a relationship, but things... didn't work out. So I'm just trying to find my balance again."
The group nodded, their expressions softening with understanding.
"That's tough," Ezra finally spoke, his voice quiet but kind. "But it's good that you're focusing on yourself. That's important."
"Yeah," Keira added with a supportive smile. "It's never easy to let go of something you thought was permanent, but you're doing the right thing. Nova's been through her own journey, so she'll definitely understand."
Adena glanced at Nova, who met her gaze with a knowing look, her lips curved into a soft smile. There was something about her presence that made Adena feel safe, like she didn't have to explain everything all at once.
"So, tell me more about you two," Alex said, winking at both of them. "How'd you meet? Nova's been a little mysterious about that part."
Nova's cheeks flushed slightly. "It's not a big story," she said, her voice warm but a little hesitant. "We just... crossed paths one day. I offered to help Adena with something, and we hit it off. That's all there is to it."
Keira raised an eyebrow. "That's it? Sounds like there's more to it. Come on, spill."
Adena laughed softly, the warmth of the group making her feel more at ease. She found herself relaxing into the banter, the teasing, the way Nova fit so naturally into the dynamic of her friends. For the first time in a while, she felt like she could just be herself without the weight of her past pressing too heavily on her shoulders.
---
The conversation flowed easily after that, the group making lighthearted jokes and sharing funny anecdotes about their lives. Adena found herself laughing more than she had in a long time, the energy in the room lifting her spirits. It was almost like a temporary escape from everything that had been weighing on her, and for once, she allowed herself to fully indulge in the moment.
As they continued chatting, Nova's friends began to ask more about Adena's life, trying to piece together the parts of her that Nova had mentioned. It wasn't overwhelming, though. Each question felt genuine, like they were really interested in getting to know her. The weight of her past, the one she had been so focused on for so long, seemed to lift just a little bit with every exchange.
"So, what do you do for fun when you're not busy being mysterious?" Keira asked, nudging Adena playfully.
Adena smirked. "I don't know if I'm mysterious. But I like to read. Lately, I've been reading a lot of self-help books," she added with a sheepish laugh.
Ezra, who had been quiet for most of the conversation, nodded thoughtfully. "Self-help books are good. Sometimes you need to hear someone else's perspective to get your mind in the right place. Do you have a favorite?"
Adena paused for a moment, thinking. "I've been reading a book called The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle," she said. "It's... eye-opening. It talks a lot about living in the present moment and not letting the past or future consume you."
"I've heard of that one," Alex said, her eyes lighting up. "I think I've seen it in Nova's place before. I didn't know you were into that stuff, Nova."
Nova smiled, a little embarrassed but not shy. "Yeah, I dabble. It's important to keep your mind grounded. Especially when life throws curveballs at you."
Adena caught the subtle emphasis in Nova's words, knowing it was directed at her. She felt a warmth spread through her chest at the unspoken support. It was comforting to know Nova was here for her — even in these small, quiet moments.
The conversation shifted back to plans for the weekend, with Keira and Alex debating whether or not to take a road trip to the beach instead of going hiking. Ezra seemed to be the most interested in the idea of hiking, even if he wasn't particularly outdoorsy. The playful banter filled the air, and Adena found herself feeling more connected to this group, the laughter and shared stories weaving a sense of belonging.
But amid the chatter, a small part of her — the part she couldn't quite shake — was still focused on Nova. It wasn't just the way Nova made her feel safe or how she always seemed to know the right thing to say. It was the subtle glances between them, the way Nova's eyes lingered a little too long, as if waiting for something unspoken to be acknowledged. Adena couldn't quite figure it out, but the tension between them was undeniable. It wasn't just friendly; there was something deeper there.
When the conversation turned back to the weekend plans, Nova leaned over to whisper in Adena's ear. "I think we should join them. You could use a little distraction. And I think I could use the company."
Adena nodded, her heart racing for reasons she couldn't explain. "Okay. Let's do it."
Later that evening, as they left the café and said their goodbyes to Nova's friends, the cool night air enveloped them again. The streets were quieter now, with only the soft hum of city lights and the occasional car passing by. Nova's hand brushed lightly against Adena's as they walked, and for a moment, it felt like everything else in the world disappeared. The only thing that mattered was the space between them and the unspoken connection that seemed to grow with each passing second.
"I'm glad we came," Adena said, breaking the silence. "I didn't expect to feel so... at ease with everyone."
"I'm glad you came too," Nova replied, her voice softer now. "I want you to be part of my world, Adena. And not just as my friend. I think we could be something more."
Adena's heart skipped a beat. She wasn't sure what to say, how to respond. Her mind raced with questions, but for the first time, she didn't feel the pressure to figure it all out immediately.
"I... I think I'm starting to feel the same way," Adena admitted, her voice quiet but sure. "But I'm still figuring things out. I'm not sure I'm ready for anything more just yet."
Nova smiled, her gaze steady and patient. "I can wait. I'm not going anywhere."
Nova reached up gently, her fingers brushing a strand of hair from Adena's face before pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
As Nova's soft kiss lingered on Adena's forehead, she could feel the warmth of it spreading through her, a comforting balm to the storm inside her. Her heart skipped a beat, but this time, it wasn't from fear or uncertainty—it was something else. Something quieter, more peaceful. The way Nova made her feel like she didn't have to have it all figured out to be worthy of affection. Adena closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the calm, the silence between them that felt more intimate than words.
The words settled in the air between them, heavy with promise but light with understanding. Adena wasn't sure where this would lead, or if she was ready for whatever it was that had been growing between them. But she didn't feel scared. Not anymore.
She took a deep breath, sitting back on the couch and letting her eyes wander to Nova. "Thank you," she murmured. "For being here. For… everything."
Nova smiled softly, that same warmth in her eyes that had always made Adena feel safe, even in the most chaotic of times. "Always," Nova said simply, her tone like a quiet promise. She pulled back slightly, just enough to look at Adena properly. "You don't have to carry it all alone, Adena. You're allowed to rest. To be taken care of."
Adena opened her mouth to respond but found herself speechless. She didn't have the words to explain the feelings stirring within her, the vulnerability that she had never known how to express until now. She just nodded, the simplest gesture that spoke volumes.