When Paths Diverge*

**Ari's POV:**

The city was alive, yet here I was, feeling utterly disconnected. I stared out the window, watching the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, trying to remember the last time I felt truly at peace. It was probably the last time Cotny held me in his arms, the night before he left for San Francisco. My heart still ached from our goodbye, a pain that no amount of work or distractions could dull.

I let out a sigh, running my fingers through my hair as I thought about everything that had happened. Cotny and I had been together for so long, our lives intertwined in a way that felt permanent. But now he was gone, chasing his dreams on the other side of the country, and I was here, left to pick up the pieces of a life that no longer felt whole.

Elena had been my savior these past few weeks. I didn't know what I would have done without her. She always knew the right thing to say, the right time to make me laugh, the right moment to remind me that I was stronger than this heartbreak. But even with her support, there was a void in my heart that nothing seemed to fill.

My phone buzzed on the table, breaking me out of my thoughts. I picked it up, seeing Elena's name on the screen. A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips. She was always checking in, making sure I was okay.

"Hey, Lena," I answered, trying to keep the sadness out of my voice.

"Hey, babe," Elena replied, her voice warm and familiar. "Just checking in. How are you holding up?"

I hesitated. I didn't want to bring her down with my problems, but I also knew I couldn't lie to her. "I'm okay, I guess. It's just... hard."

"I know it is," Elena said softly. "But you're strong, Ari. You're going to get through this, and you're going to come out the other side even stronger."

I wished I could believe that. I wished I could see the light at the end of this tunnel. But right now, it felt like I was stuck in the dark, with no way out.

"Thanks, Lena. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"That's what besties for life are for," she replied with a laugh. "Now, how about we grab some lunch? I know a new place that just opened up, and I think you'll love it."

"Sounds good," I said, feeling a small flicker of excitement. Maybe getting out would help, even if just for a little while.

---

An hour later, I walked into the trendy new café Elena had chosen, my heart lifting a little at the sight of the colorful decor and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Elena was already sitting at a table by the window, waving me over with a big smile on her face.

"There's my girl!" Elena said as I approached, pulling me into a tight hug. She felt warm and familiar, a much-needed comfort. "You look great, by the way."

"Thanks, Lena," I said, returning the hug. "You always know how to make me feel better."

"That's because I'm amazing," she said with a wink. "And you're looking stunning today. I can't get over how radiant your skin looks and how gorgeous your hair is. But even with all that, I can see the sadness you're carrying."

I managed a small smile, feeling her genuine concern. "I guess I'm just trying to push through."

We sat down, and I noticed the way Elena's eyes softened as she looked at me. She had always been perceptive, and it was clear she saw through the brave front I was putting up.

After a few minutes, Elena asked, "How's your mom doing? I know you mentioned she was traveling again."

I felt a pang of discomfort. My mom had always been a distant figure, more concerned with her own pursuits than with being there for me. My dad, on the other hand, had been my rock-rich, successful, and deeply caring. It was him who had provided me with stability and love.

"She's... around, I guess," I said with a shrug, trying to sound casual. "You know how she is. Always busy, always somewhere else."

Elena's expression turned sympathetic. "Your dad's always been amazing, though. He's done so much for you."

"Yeah, he has," I agreed, smiling at the thought of him. "He's been my support through everything."

We continued our lunch, and though I tried to shift the conversation to lighter topics, I couldn't ignore the support and love Elena offered me. She was my bestie for life, and her presence was a balm for my aching heart. Even as we laughed and joked about silly things, I knew I was lucky to have someone who cared so deeply.

As the afternoon wore on, I felt a bit lighter, if only for a while. Elena had a way of making things seem less daunting, and for that, I was grateful. She was my cute monster, the one who always knew how to make me smile, even in the darkest times. And as we parted ways, I felt a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, things would get better.

**Elena's POV:**

I was already seated at our favorite café, my iced latte in hand, eagerly awaiting Ari's arrival. The place had a lively atmosphere, perfect for lifting her spirits, though I knew she was still going through a tough time. The moment I saw her walk through the door, I couldn't help but admire her. Even amidst her heartbreak, she was stunning-her glowing brown skin, her dark, wavy hair falling perfectly around her shoulders, and that white dress that accentuated her figure with effortless grace.

But despite her beauty, there was a visible sadness in her eyes, a heaviness in her posture that broke my heart. I had been trying to find the right way to support her, to show her that she wasn't alone, but I knew it was a delicate balance. Ari was always the strong one, always taking care of others, and now it was my turn to be there for her.

As she approached the table, I stood up and pulled her into a tight hug. She felt so small and fragile in my arms, and I wanted to do everything I could to make her feel better. "There's my girl!" I said, trying to sound as cheerful as possible. "You look great, by the way."

"Thanks, Lena," she replied, her voice soft. "You always know how to make me feel better."

"That's because I'm amazing," I teased with a grin, though my eyes betrayed the concern I felt. I couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked today-her skin radiant, her hair like a cascade of dark silk. But beneath it all, I could see the sadness that lingered, a shadow over her usual brightness.

We settled into our seats, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for my best friend. I knew she was struggling, and it broke my heart to see her so down. As we talked, I tried to steer the conversation away from the painful topics, hoping to bring a little bit of lightness into her day.

When Ari asked about her mom, I noticed a shift in her mood. I could sense the pain in her voice when she spoke about her mother. "How's your mom doing? I know you mentioned she was traveling again."

Ari's question was loaded. Her mom had been a distant figure, and it was clear that Ari had mixed feelings about her. Her mother was rarely around, always off on some adventure or business trip. It was Ari's dad who had been her pillar of support, and I could tell how much that had shaped Ari's life.

"She's... around, I guess," Ari said with a shrug. "You know how she is. Always busy, always somewhere else."

I could see the discomfort in her expression, and I felt a pang of sympathy. "Your dad's always been amazing, though. He's done so much for you."

"Yeah, he has," Ari agreed, a smile touching her lips as she thought of him. "He's been my rock through everything."

As we continued our lunch, I tried to keep the conversation light and uplifting. I could see the effort Ari was making to push through her pain, and I admired her strength. She was my bestie for life, and even though we were going through different challenges, our bond was unbreakable. "Much love, my cute monster," I thought to myself as we laughed and joked. It was my little catchphrase for her, a reminder of the affection and support that would always be there.

By the time we finished lunch, I felt a bit more hopeful. Ari had managed to smile and laugh, and I was relieved to see her looking a little more at ease. It was a small victory, but it meant the world to me. She was strong, but even the strongest people needed support. And as her best friend, I was committed to being there for her, no matter what.

As we parted ways, I gave her a hug and a final pep talk. "Remember, Ari, you've got this. And no matter what happens, I'm here for you. Besties for life-no one dares to leave, and much love, my cute monster."

Watching her walk away, I felt a mix of hope and determination. I knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with a friend like Ari, I knew we could face anything together.