The evening air was pleasantly cool, carrying the faint scent of blooming jasmine from the nearby gardens. Ellis Emerson was lounging on her balcony, enjoying the quiet hum of the city below, when the shrill ring of her phone broke the tranquility.
"Who might that be?" she murmured, reaching for her phone.
The screen lit up with a familiar name: Aria. A small smile curved Ellis's lips.
"Oh, Aria… Yes, dear, say," she answered, her voice soft, warm.
"Eli… can we go see the sunset?" Aria's voice floated through the speaker, sweet and tentative.
Ellis arched an eyebrow, a flicker of curiosity crossing her face. Why now? she thought, tilting her head.
"Why?" she asked, though her tone was gentle.
"Why don't you want to come with me?" Aria teased, her voice light as though she hadn't just sprung this sudden invitation out of nowhere.
Ellis laughed softly, a melodic sound that seemed to blend with the evening breeze. "Okay, okay, let's go then."
"Okay! I'll be there in ten minutes," Aria chirped.
"Alright…" Ellis replied, hanging up the phone, her mind wandering. Why now? What made her want to see the sunset all of a sudden? Shrugging, she stood up. "Who knows… anyway, let's get ready."
Ten minutes later, the sound of the doorbell rang through her apartment.
"That must be Aria," Ellis murmured, walking to the door. She opened it to find her best friend standing there, framed by the warm glow of the setting sun.
Aria looked effortlessly stylish, her long boots complementing a short skirt, paired with a cozy, oversized sweater that seemed casual yet impossibly chic. Ellis, in contrast, had chosen simplicity: a comfortable t-shirt and shorts, perfect for an evening stroll.
In her mind, Aria's eyes narrowed slightly. Why does she always look so perfect? she thought, lips pressing into a forced smile.
"Why are you wearing that, Eli?" Aria asked, her voice sweet, though there was a subtle edge beneath it.
Ellis shrugged lightly, her smile easy and natural. "We're going to see the sunset, not attend a party, dear. Of course, I'd wear something simple."
Aria returned an awkward smile, hiding the jealousy that simmered beneath her calm exterior.
The two girls stepped out into the evening, the city glowing golden under the waning sun. Ellis felt the familiar warmth of her best friend's presence beside her, unaware that the trust she placed in Aria's hands was the very thing that could one day destroy her.