Love,laughter and Unexpected Twists

Bea's POV

Looking at Josh, surrounded by all these people who care about me, I realise that I love him. Like, really love him.

Anyway, back to the "I have something to tell you" moment. I can practically feel the tension in the room as I clear my throat. "Josh, there's something I need to say."

He's all ears, looking at me like I'm about to drop a bombshell. I take a deep breath and spill my guts out – about how I was scared he'd break my heart, how I wanted to be with him without all the confusion of an open relationship. I'm baring my soul here, and he responds with a flirty quip.

"Guess I'll have to cancel those plans with Melanie," he says, that mischievous grin playing on his lips.

I laugh, unable to resist the infectious charm he's always had. And then, without hesitation, I lean in and kiss him. It's this sweet, tender moment, like something out of a romance movie, and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

"I love you," I say, the words slipping out like a secret I've been dying to share.

He smiles back, his eyes locking onto mine. "I love you too, Bea."

But then, just when things are getting all heartfelt and serious, enter Hugo. And let's just say, his timing is nothing short of impeccable.

"So, this was all fake, huh?" he exclaims, his voice a mix of disbelief and amusement.

I look at him, utterly confused. "What? What are you talking about?"

Hugo gives me this look, like he's just solved a great mystery. "Bea, yesterday, after we fucked you're the one that told me I'm the only one who makes you feel this way."

Oh no, oh no, oh no. This is not happening. Josh is staring at me, Hugo is staring at me, and I'm seriously considering whether I can just sink into the hospital bed and disappear.

"I... I don't know what to say," I mumble, putting my head in my hands.

At this point, the only logical thing I can think to do is ring the bell on my hospital bed. Maybe, just maybe, the doctor can prescribe me a dose of temporary death.

But instead I find myself face to face with Hugo, his smug expression poking at my last nerve. Something about his presence just grates on me, like a bad itch I can't scratch. But I'm not backing down – not now, not ever.

I grab his shirt and pull him close, our faces so near it's as if the air between us is charged with tension. My voice drips with equal parts anger and determination as I lay it all out. "You need to stay the hell away from my life, Hugo."

He raises an eyebrow, his arrogance practically radiating. "Oh, really? And why's that?"

I take a deep breath, pushing aside the annoyance that's threatening to bubble over. "Because everything I said to you was just to massage your ego. I needed a boost, and you were right there."

His scoff is practically a punch to the gut. "Wasn't that good anyway."

My eyes narrow, and I can't help but let a smirk tug at my lips. "Funny, you didn't seem to think that when you were practically begging for round two."

Josh, ever the unexpected addition to the scene, giggles beside me.

I shoot Hugo one last glance, a mix of defiance and dismissal, before turning my attention back to Josh. He's looking at me with a mixture of amusement and affection, and it's like the chaos of the outside world just fades away.

"Let's get you out of here and into my bed," he says with that trademark mischievous grin.

I can't help but chuckle at his suggestion. "And what makes you think your bed is better?"

He winks, leaning in close. "Maybe I haven't been trying hard enough. You deserve everything."

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Grace's POV

Hugo's abrupt exit from Bea's room has everyone's eyebrows raised. I can't resist asking him if he's okay, to which he responds with a classic Hugo retort, "Why don't you ask the lover girl?"

My attention is then diverted to Theo, who unexpectedly pops up beside Steph and Jess. He's looking around, clearly in search of someone. Before I can even process what's happening, he's asking, "Where is she? Is she okay?"

I can't help but playfully mimic his confusion, asking, "Where's who?" As Theo stumbles over his words, trying to explain his presence, I can't hold back my laughter. "What are you doing out here?"

Theo looks a tad sheepish as he admits, "Well, the girls told me to come down here urgently because of you."

My eyes widen, genuinely surprised. "Me? What did I do?"

Theo gives a small shrug, his expression a mix of sincerity and uncertainty. "Look, Grace, I like you. It's been cool, but maybe I'm just not great at this whole relationship thing. Maybe we should break it off."

Part of me wants to roll my eyes at the classic "it's not you, it's me" scenario, but I hold back. Instead, I give him a half-smile and reply, "It's okay, Theo. We can stay together." I add a light chuckle for good measure. "I'll ignore it."

As I lean in to kiss him and offer my forgiveness, I can't shake off the nagging feeling that maybe I'm just afraid of being alone. It's like this tangled mess of emotions, where staying in a half-baked relationship somehow feels better than facing the possibility of solitude.

And then it dawned on me-

Fuck. I find a strange sort of comfort in the arms of a guy who is never gonna truly commit.

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Bea's POV

Being at home with Josh is a rare slice of tranquility in the whirlwind of our lives. No friends around, no party, just the two of us in our own little bubble. It's refreshing, and I can't help but appreciate it.

Josh, true to his nature, decides to break the ice with a joke. "So, who did you think you were, getting high?" I laugh and reply, "Honestly, I didn't see that coming."

As we share this moment, there's something different in the air. It's not just the usual playful exchange; it's a deeper connection that's been brewing between us. He gazes at me, and it hits me – for the first time, it's not about our differences. It's not about me being the only black girl in the room or feeling like a misfit. It's about us.

And in that moment, as he looks at me, it's like the universe aligns. I don't feel like the "other," the one who has to fit into a certain mold. I feel like Bea, whole and unapologetically myself.

I can't help but let him in on my thoughts. "You know, I love the way you look at me." It's not just about the physical gaze; it's about how he sees me for who I truly am.

Josh's response is genuine, and it fills the room with warmth. "Well, I love the way you look." There's a tenderness in his eyes that reflects his words. It's not just about appearances; it's about seeing each other's souls.

I realise that the way he looks at me isn't just a passing glance – it's a reflection of the way he loves me, wholeheartedly and without reservation. And that, my friends, is a look that speaks volumes.

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Grace's POV

Tonight's the night – the girls are heading out, leaving Bea behind. Well, not exactly leaving her behind, but she's opting for a cozy night in. And who can blame her? Sometimes, staying in feels like the ultimate form of self-care.

But for the rest of us – me, Steph, Jess – it's all about getting dolled up and hitting the town. And guess what? Theo and Ryan are joining in on the fun.

As we gather in front of the mirror, I can't help but size up my friends' outfits.

I need to send pics to Bea!

Steph's rocking a look that's smoking hot – I mean, is there anything that girl can't pull off?

And Jess, well, she's put in some serious effort tonight. Her outfit screams confidence, and I'm all for it.

And then there's me. Don't get me wrong, I don't feel ugly or anything, but I'm definitely not in the "hot" category tonight.

But guess who's trying to boost my confidence? Theo, of all people. Every time he whispers something about ripping my clothes off, I chuckle. It's his way of saying, "Hey, you're beautiful to me, no matter what."

But here's the thing – I'm still battling with my insecurities. It's like a little demon in the back of my mind, telling me that Theo might find someone better. Someone prettier, more confident, more everything. But I'm trying not to let it get to me. I nod at Jess when she asks if I'm okay. "Yeah, totally fine," I say with a smile that I hope is convincing enough.

Steph's enthusiasm brings us back to reality. "Come on, we've got places to be, guys!" she shouts, reminding us that it's time to hit the road.

So, off we go – four girls ready to paint the town red, and two guys who are probably just along for the ride. And as I step out of the door, I remind myself that tonight is about fun. Insecurities, well, they can stay behind closed doors for now.

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Bea's POV

So, there I am, enjoying my cozy night in, when my phone lights up with a text from Grace. And what do you know, she's missing me already. She's attached some pictures of the girls, and I can't help but smile at how everyone looks. They're out, having a blast, and I'm here in my pyjamas.

It's all good, though – I needed this time.

Of course, Josh being Josh, he has to throw in a flirty comment about how hot Steph looks. I playfully threaten him, telling him that if he keeps up with those comments, he'll be in big trouble. We both share a laugh and continue scrolling through the photos, exchanging playful banter.

I text back to Grace, telling them to have an awesome time and enjoy the night. Josh suggests that maybe we should have gone out with them, but I quickly shake my head. I'm happy right here with him, and the thought of a quiet evening in sounds perfect.

As I'm about to settle back into our little bubble, my phone buzzes again – this time, it's a call from Luca. Oh boy, I wasn't expecting this. Josh notices my surprised expression as I pick up the call, and he raises an eyebrow, curious.

I put the call on speaker and hold the phone between us, unsure of what to expect. "Hey, Luca," I say, trying to keep things casual.

"Hey, Bea," Luca's voice comes through, and I can't help but notice the slight tension in the air.

"Luca, what's up?" Josh chimes in, his curiosity evident.

"Well, I just wanted to check in," Luca says, and I can sense that there's more to this call than he's letting on.

Josh shoots me a questioning look, but I just shrug. I have no idea what Luca's up to, but I guess we're about to find out.

My phone call with Luca takes an unexpected turn as he starts to apologize for the way things ended between us. I'm surprised, but also appreciative of his effort to make things right. He asks me if I want to go out with him and before I can respond, though, Josh chimes in with his own commentary.

"She's unavailable," Josh declares, his protective side showing itself in full force.

Luca's response is a simple "Oh," but he doesn't back down. He's persistent, and he tells us that he just wants to see me, and that he doesn't need Josh's approval for that. I can feel the tension between them, and I quickly interject to prevent any more sparks from flying.

"Guys, calm down," I say, shaking my head at the absurdity of the situation. "Luca, it's not about approval. And Josh, stop being so territorial."

They both seem to simmer down a bit, and I continue the conversation with Luca. He expresses his desire to at least maintain a friendship, and I agree. "That sounds good," I tell him. "I think we could be friends."

But then, I throw in a curveball that even surprises Josh. "You know, Luca," I say with a mischievous grin, "if you're in the mood to meet someone new, I have an idea."

Luca sounds intrigued. "Oh really? Who?"

I look at Josh, who's looking thoroughly puzzled, and then turn my attention back to Luca. "How about you come over to my place for dinner tonight? I have a friend I'd like you to meet."

Josh raises an eyebrow, clearly not expecting that twist. "Wait, what?"

I wink at him. "You'll see."

Luca agrees to my proposal, saying he'll be there at 6. After we hang up, I turn to Josh with a playful grin. "Surprise, surprise. You're in for an interesting evening."

Josh chuckles, shaking his head. "Only you could come up with something like this."

I laugh, leaning in to give him a quick kiss. "Hey, it's all in good fun. Besides, who doesn't love a little unexpected twist?"

Little did we know, our dinner plans were about to take an unexpected turn of their own.

Josh's playful invitation to join him in the shower earns him a quick laugh from me. "Nice try, but I'm gonna have to pass," I reply with a teasing grin.

But Josh isn't ready to give up that easily. He dramatically drops to his knees, clasping his hands together as if in prayer. "Please, Bea."

I can't help but chuckle at his antics. "Sorry, babe, but I'm sticking to my 'no shower parties' rule."

I just made that up.

Josh feigns defeat, flopping back on the bed with an exaggerated sigh. "You're breaking my heart, you know."

I shake my head, amused, and plant a quick kiss on his cheek. "Nice try, Romeo."

As he pouts, I take advantage of the moment to send a text to my friend. "Hey, can you come over to my place around 5:30? Got something fun to talk about." Within seconds, her response pops up: "Yeah, sure!"

Grinning, I decide to make the most of my time before she arrives. I put on my "getting ready" playlist, belting out the lyrics along with Drake as I start getting ready for the evening. There's something so satisfying about dancing around your room in your underwear, singing into your hairbrush.

By the time I'm done, I'm feeling confident and ready to face whatever surprises the evening might hold. Feeling particularly good about my appearance, I snap a quick selfie and post it on Instagram.

I glance over at Josh, who's now sprawled out on the bed scrolling through his phone. "Hey, check out my pic. Does it look good?"

He looks up, a grin spreading across his face as he takes in my confident pose. "Damn, girl. Looking fine."

I give him a playful wink. "Thanks, Mr. Complimentary. Now, I gotta get a few things ready before my friend comes over."

As I start to gather a few things for our evening, Josh hums approvingly. "Can't wait to see what this surprise is."

I shoot him a mysterious smile. "Trust me, it's gonna be interesting."

-5.15pm

My phone pings, and I'm hit with a wave of nerves as I see Melanie's name. She's sent a picture, looking absolutely stunning.

My confidence takes a nosedive as I compare myself to her perfection. It's like a model just invaded my phone.

Before I can spiral further into self-doubt, the doorbell rings downstairs. Josh's footsteps echo in response as he goes to answer it. Luca's voice floats up to me, smooth as caramel.

"Hey, Bea! You look amazing. Seriously, hot outfit!"

My cheeks heat up, and I let out a shy chuckle. "Thanks, Luca."

Josh adds his two cents, his voice dripping with mischief. "Oh, she knows. I'm planning on taking it off later."

I roll my eyes, both flattered and exasperated. Just as I'm starting to enjoy the banter and ignore my pre-dinner jitters, the doorbell rings again. A spike of tension shoots through me; Melanie's here.

"What the hell is she doing here?" Josh's bewildered voice cuts through the air.

I swallow hard, pasting a smile on my face as I walk towards the door. Melanie stands there, looking as stunning as ever. My heart does a somersault, and I greet her, trying to hide the awkwardness that's suddenly taken over the room.

"Hey, Melanie! Surprise guest, huh?"

Her smile is pleasant but strained. "Hey, Bea. Yeah, didn't want to miss out on dinner."

As I lead her into the living room, I can feel the palpable tension in the air. Luca's smile seems a bit more forced, Josh's expression is a mix of surprise and annoyance, and I'm just trying to keep everything from falling apart.

We exchange pleasantries, the atmosphere as delicate as fine china. The conversation is like a minefield, everyone tiptoeing around the fact that Melanie's presence was completely unexpected.

Thankfully, Josh decides to break the silence, his confusion evident. "What the hell is she doing here?"

I manage a chuckle, hoping to defuse the situation. "Well, Josh, she's here to eat dinner."

Melanie adds, "Yep, didn't want to miss the chance to try your cooking, Bea."

Just when I thought things couldn't get any more absurd, Josh stood up from the table with a determined expression. He grabbed my arm, and I winced. "Ow, easy there!"

He let go, looking angry. "Sorry. We need to talk, privately."

I followed him into the kitchen, curiosity and a touch of apprehension gnawing at me. "Alright, spill. What's up?"

His expression was a mix of frustration and disbelief. "Bea, she's the surprise guest?"

I blinked, then burst into laughter. "Oh my god, are you serious? You thought I invited her for you?"

He threw his hands up in exasperation. "What the fuck? Why didn't you tell me she was coming?"

I couldn't help but chuckle at his baffled reaction. "Josh, why would I need to tell you? She's not here for you."

He looked almost offended. "Then who is she here for?"

I couldn't suppress a grin any longer. "I'm setting her up with Luca."

His jaw dropped, and I couldn't help but laugh at his dumbfounded expression. "You... what? Why?"

I shrugged, feeling mischievous. "Why not? Luca's a great guy, and she's gorgeous. I thought they might hit it off."

He stared at me, torn between disbelief and amusement. "You're unbelievable, you know that?"

I winked. "Well, I try my best."

As we made our way back to the dining room, the air between us lightened.

——————————————————————————

Grace's POV

The club was alive with pulsating beats and vibrant lights. Amid the chaotic dance floor, I found myself dancing awkwardly beside Theo. Steph had vanished into the crowd, and Jess and Ryan were lost in their own world of moves. It felt like it was just Theo and me, two misfits in a sea of rhythm.

Theo grinned mischievously and twirled me around. "Let's dance, Grace!"

I followed his lead, surrendering to the music's tempo. His laughter mixed with the melodies, and it was one of those rare moments when everything felt light and easy, like the night itself was on our side.

His eyes met mine, a blend of amusement and affection in his gaze. It was a look that made me feel seen, valued. In that small pocket of time, it was as if we were the only two people in the world, dancing to our own unique rhythm.

And then, reality had to make its grand entrance, reminding me that simple moments like these often come with complications. While our moves synced, I caught sight of another girl. She was eyeing Theo from across the room, a beckoning smile on her lips. The universe had an uncanny timing, indeed.

Theo's lips met mine in a brief yet lingering kiss. "I'll be back in a sec, just hitting the bathroom."

I returned his smile, but as he walked away, my heart sank. Instead of heading to the bathroom, he gravitated toward the girl at the bar, and soon enough, their lips collided in an embrace that stung more than I'd admit.

My gaze shifted from them to my drink, the vodka tonic suddenly catching my attention. A daring idea formed in my mind—a mischievous move that felt both liberating and slightly rebellious.

With a sly grin, I lifted the glass as if raising a toast to the night's antics. In one swift motion, I released the contents of the glass, the vodka splashing across the girl's pristine white dress.

A gasp of shock echoed in the air, and her expression twisted from surprise to disbelief. The vodka might not have been her drink of choice, but now it was undoubtedly her new accessory.

Theo's return was met with an unexpected sight. He stared at the girl's vodka-soaked dress, then at me, his eyebrows shooting up in confusion. "What the hell?"

I shrugged nonchalantly, my lips curling into an innocent smile. "Just an unfortunate mishap. Happens to the best of us."

He sighed, shaking his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you did that."

I held back a laugh, noting his annoyed expression. Well, I certainly hadn't anticipated his reaction, but there was a thrill in adding a touch of chaos to the night.

"We should probably leave," Theo muttered, clearly unimpressed by my impromptu act of mischief.

As we exited the club, I couldn't help but giggle to myself.

Theo's steps slowed, and then he came to a complete stop. He turned to face me, his expression a mix of frustration and something else I couldn't quite decipher. I flashed him a playful smile, attempting to bridge the gap between us.

"Hey, don't take it so seriously," I said, moving closer to him.

He didn't reciprocate my smile. Instead, his gaze seemed to pierce through me, and he spoke with a firmness that caught me off guard. "Grace, you need to stop acting so petty and pathetic just to get my attention."

I blinked, my playful facade faltering. "Wait, what?"

He stepped back, evading my attempt to kiss him, and the words that followed were a stark reality check I hadn't been prepared for. "I don't want this. I don't want to be with someone who resorts to these tactics just to keep me around."

My heart raced, and for a moment, it felt like everything was shifting beneath my feet. Theo had always been playful, carefree, and here he was, confronting me with a side of him I hadn't seen before. I opened my mouth to respond, to explain that it wasn't about keeping him around but simply having fun, but he interrupted me.

"Go sleep at Bea's house or something," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

My frustration bubbled over, and before I could process the words, they were pouring out of me. "Stop acting like you're the victim here! You kissed another girl right in front of me!"

He shot back, his voice rising in irritation. "So you want me to stop trying? You won't me to stop trying to make this fucking fake relationship work? Is that what you're saying?"

The intensity of the moment hit me like a wave, and I felt myself growing defensive. "I'm not saying that—"

But he didn't let me finish. "I've already stopped," he stated, his tone final.

Before I could respond, he turned on his heel and started to walk away. My heart sank, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. This was not how I'd imagined the night would unfold, and the realisation that my actions had led us to this point was a bitter pill to swallow.

Theo's parting words stung as he glanced back at me. "If you'll excuse me, I have to go apologise to a girl for your stupid behavior."

He disappeared into the night, leaving me standing alone on the sidewalk.