Liana's POV:
"Liana... wake up." A soft voice cut through the fog of sleep. I slowly opened my eyes to find Eliza standing there..
She stepped closer and offered a glass of lemonade. "Here... maybe this will help."
I managed a small smile and took the glass, rubbing my temple. "Thanks." The sour sweetness was helping to steady me a little.
Eliza hesitated, and her eyes flicked to Laura. "Can you wake her and..." She glanced at the other glass in her hand, like she wasn't sure how to finish the sentence.
I smiled and nodded before shaking Laura. She groaned and opened her eyes. "What?" she snapped; I rolled mine without thinking.
"Wake up and drink this." I took the second glass from Eliza and handed it over. Laura shot Eliza a wary look before taking it.
Eliza's face softened into a quiet smile as she moved to the desk and started slipping books into her bag. I frowned. "Are you going to college?"
She paused and turned back before humming softly, "yes.... Class will start soon."
Before I could say anything, Laura muttered, "Did you even sleep last night?" Her voice grumpy
Eliza paused and lowered her head. She wasn't the type to argue, I'd noticed that, but she also didn't seem like someone who welcomed scolding.
Maybe she just didn't like conflict. Maybe she was just quiet. Whatever the reason, she was kind. We need more people like her in the world. Not men or women or boys or girls... just human.
I cleared my throat, swung my legs over the bed, and stood. "Here... the glass"
She took the glass and looked at me as I continued, "and I'll drop you off, okay? My car's parked near the club."
Eliza's eyes widened; she glanced away like she was about to refuse. I knew that look.
But before she could speak, Laura squeezed in beside me and handed the glass back. "Yeah. She's right.... we'll drop you."
I smiled softly and ran my hand through my hair to fix it as I saw Laura searching for something. "What do you think you are searching in her house?"
"Our clothes," Laura said without looking up.
Eliza set her glasses down on the study table and stuttered, "They are inside the closet... you guys can... keep my clothes... those ones smell like alcohol."
I put a hand on her shoulder defensively, just before Laura could be blunt. "Okay... thanks a lot... Can we get them back later?" I kept my voice gentle; she nodded.
She opened the closet and pulled out a knitted bag of folded clothes.. The girl was a bit organized. I liked those tiny, tidy habits. Really, I do, even if I'm not a tidy person.
We left her place together. The street didn't feel too dark anymore.
Laura's brow creased, and she looked around. "The area was so dark last night."
I fell in step close behind Eliza, matching her pace. Laura raised an eyebrow. "So, what were you doing out last night?"
Felt like she was trying to have a conversation with this girl. Classic move, first be rude and then die for attention.
I glanced at Laura and then at Eliza. Eliza looked over her shoulder and offered a small, casual smile. "I wasn't out. I was on the terrace and could see you two cut through the alley."
I let out a short chuckle. I didn't need to know what she was doing, so I didn't ask anything. But maybe my friend was too curious, "What were you doing on the terrace?"
The question made Eliza stop for a beat. She frowned and turned back, but wasn't able to snap when she saw Laura's unreadable face.
She crossed her arms and started walking again, shoulders squared. "Personal reasons. But be grateful. If I hadn't been out keeping an eye on two unknown figures in the alley, you might've had a problem."
Soon, we reached the parking lot. Laura unlocked the car with the key she'd kept with her last night.
I slid into the driver's seat while she opened the passenger door for herself, but then stopped, glancing at Eliza.
After a second, she stepped aside and gestured toward the seat. "Go on."
Eliza blinked in pure confusion and shock. I had to bite my tongue not to laugh at Laura's sudden gentlewoman act.
"Me?" Eliza asked, still unsure.
Laura climbed into the backseat with a small frown. "I don't see any other woman here."
Ohhhhhh! She was leaving her favorite seat for someone she just met?! My bestie was unpredictable, but this? This was next-level.
I cleared my throat, trying not to grin. "Get in, sis." I tilted my head toward the seat. Eliza chuckled softly before sliding in. We fastened our seatbelts, and I started the engine.
As we drove, Eliza guided us toward her college. The air was quiet except for the hum of the car.
Laura hesitated before leaning forward and lightly tapping Eliza's shoulder. The girl was happily looking out of the window, and she tensed up at the touch. Clearly not used to sudden touches.
Laura cleared her throat, crossing one leg over the other as she nodded toward the dashboard. "That's my phone... mind passing it?"
Both our phones had been left here overnight.
Eliza narrowed her eyes and frowned, but hummed softly. "Sure." She handed the phone over.
"Thanks," Laura muttered, leaning back again.
Eliza turned back toward the window, her expression softening as the sunlight hit her face. But from the rearview mirror, I caught Laura sneaking glances at her.... again and again.
Hmm... Feels like I'm about to become the side character in a love story. A rude idol and a sweet college student… not a bad trope, honestly.
I chuckled at my own inner thought, and both looked at me. "What's funny?" Laura asked with raised brow.
"Nothing," I said quickly, clearing my throat as I pulled the car up near the college. "Just… random thoughts."
Eliza reached for the door handle, but I stopped her. "Eliza.. wait."
She paused and turned to me. Her head tilted in curiosity and confusion, "Yes?"
I smiled softly, "Can you give me your number? You helped me a lot, and honestly... I'd like to stay in touch."
Eliza blinked, a little startled. "But.... I..."
I placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. "Don't worry. I just wanted to keep in contact... Or you can take my number instead? Just… call me sometimes, okay? As a younger sister?"
The last word made her smile brightly, but just for a few seconds. She nodded, "Sure... I can take your number."
I grabbed a slip of paper, scribbled my number, and handed it to her. She took it carefully, smiled again, and got out of the car.
As the door closed, Laura looked at me in shock, "She didn't even ask for any photos?"
I started the car again with a smirk, "Maybe she doesn't need to."
I could practically smell the curiosity radiating off my dear friend. Something told me things were about to get interesting.