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CHAPTER THIRTY

ALLY

The house feels different today.

Lighter.

Maybe it’s because the tension that’s been hanging over it for months is finally easing. Or maybe it’s because Ashley is moving out—not just for the night, not to get space, but for good. As hard as it was having her here, I know it was for the best, and she actually grew on me. She became a friend.

I watch from the hallway as she moves around her room, folding clothes into a suitcase and stacking boxes near the door. It’s strange to see the space being emptied like I’m watching a chapter close in real-time.

A chapter I never thought would last as long as it did.

Ashley glances up and catches me watching. She smirks, tossing a hoodie into a box. “You gonna stand there all day or come in?”

I roll my eyes but step inside. “Just making sure you’re actually leaving.”

She grins. “Damn. And here I thought you’d be devastated to see me go.” Part of me is sad to see her go, but I’m happy she’s finally in a good enough place to do this.

Seek her own independence.

I sit on her bed, watching as she tapes up a box labelled books . “It’s weird. You’ve always been here.”

Ashley nods, pressing the tape down firmly. “Yeah, but it was never meant to be permanent.”

I hesitate before speaking. “Are you sure about this? Moving in with Caitlin?”

Ashley doesn’t even pause. “Absolutely.”

Her self-assurance brings me comfort. She’s happy . That’s all I ever wanted for her.

She glances at me again, her smirk softening. “You know, I always knew you and Rhys would end up together.”

I let out a scoff, trying to ignore the heat that rushes to my face. “You did not.”

“I did.” She shrugs. “Even when I was playing pretend with him, I could see it. The way he looked at you? The way you looked at him? It was only a matter of time.” I didn’t think it was that obvious. It seems everyone knew that we would eventually be where we are now.

I shake my head, suddenly feeling embarrassed. “It wasn’t that simple.”

Ashley leans against the dresser, crossing her arms. “It was. You just made it complicated.”

I bite my lip, my fingers playing with the hem of my shirt. “I’m still scared.”

“I know.” Her voice is softer now. “But you don’t have to be. You deserve to be happy, Ally. Stop waiting for the worst to happen.”

I let out a slow breath. “It’s just... what if I mess it up?” I feel like this is a conversation I’m having with everyone, and I wonder when I’ll actually start believing them.

Ashley laughs, shaking her head. “You won’t. And even if you do, Rhys isn’t going anywhere. You don’t see it, but the rest of us do. That guy? He’s all in with you.”

My chest tightens. I know she’s right. But knowing it and accepting it are two different things.

Ashley pushes off the dresser, coming over to pull me into a tight hug. “I’ll miss you, you know?” I freeze in her embrace. This is unexpected and unfamiliar. But she doesn’t let go, just hugs me tighter.

I swallow the lump in my throat and hug her back. “I’ll miss you too.”

She pulls away with a teasing grin. “Now, help me carry these boxes before I change my mind and stay just to annoy you.”

I laugh, rolling my eyes. But as we move her things out, something settles in my heart.

It’s time to stop running from happiness.

It’s time to finally let myself have it.