When Forever Ends

o's

ar rhythm. We'd been friends for so long, it felt like we c

g the surroundings, making sure Belle was safe. It was a ha

r eyes lingering on me before quickly looking away. Guys would nod in my direction, some of them looking

s for the upcoming school festival, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I lis

f Valerie and Fiona waiting for us. They exchanged

n, and Belle launched into a passionate analysis of Ro

t a sense of comfort wash over me. This was our routine,

ted with Valerie and Fiona. The three of them were laughi

letes, band kids, and the debate team. But my eyes kept drifting back

rom the windows highlighted her dark hair. She was a str

leaving Belle and me alone for a moment. Bell

t about what we're going to

thought we were going

ady got some ideas. But I

rt with Belle's antics. "Okay, but

s in mock defense. "I

t help but feel grateful for our friendship. Belle was alwa

se of contentment wash over me. This was what I loved about our frie

our respective classes. We met up again after the fi

chatted about her plans for the weekend. I l

raised an eyebrow. "You know, Theo, one day you're

. "Anytime, Belle. But don't

the passenger seat. "I wou

un cast a warm glow over the town. Belle and I chatted abo

inks – a latte for Belle, a black coffee fo

ing through social media. I watched her, noticing the way h

erished – just Belle and me, hangin

d with an incoming text. She glanced at the

asked, noticing the c

everything's fine. Just my mom remin

doctor's appointment?

vely. "It's just a routine ch

lately, always dropping hints about Belle's health.

ke off the feeling that something was off. Belle seemed fine, but

closer eye on her, to make su

our afternoon hangout. As she grabbed her backpack, I

I asked, feeling

g. "Yeah, I'm fine.

ure? You've been pushing yo

good-naturedly. "The

eeling that something was off. As Belle

, Be

a questioning l

of yourse

yes sparkling. "I w

sense of unease settle in. Something was bother

e thoughts aside. I'd talk

wn, I couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility towards Bel