It was the last day of the school session. Angel and her friends—Vicky, Mira, and a few others—walked side by side under the late afternoon sun, their laughter soft and voices calm. They had talked briefly about Isabel and her friend's expulsion, but no one really wanted to dwell on it anymore. The chapter had closed, and peace had finally returned to their school.
Instead, they focused on how much they would miss each other during the holidays and the hope that nothing would change between them next session.
As they reached the school gate, Dan approached them. His gaze went straight to Angel.
"Hey," he said, rubbing the back of his neck, a little nervous. "Angel, can I talk to you for a second?"
The girls giggled and stepped aside, whispering as they left them a little space. Angel looked up at Dan, waiting.
"I was thinking," he began, "maybe we could hang out during the holiday… if you're free?"
Angel's face softened, and her eyes lit up. "I'd love that," she replied.
They hugged—warmly and for just a moment longer—before parting ways.
---
Three Years Later
Angel stood by the tall windows of the school's hallway, sunlight catching in her long black hair, which she now often wore straight and neatly brushed behind her ears. Her skin glowed with the warmth of maturity, and her features had grown sharper and even more beautiful. She had grown taller too, and her figure was elegant—graceful and confident, just like her presence.
She stood with Mira and Vicky, now seniors in their final year.
"I can't believe how fast everything went," Mira said with a soft sigh.
"I know," Angel replied, her voice calm. "Feels like yesterday we were hiding from Isabel's drama."
They all laughed.
"I still remember when she left… everything just became peaceful after that," Vicky added.
Angel nodded slowly. "Yeah. So many memories in this building."
They walked slowly down the hallway, taking it all in.
"I miss Dan," Angel said quietly, smiling a little. "He's already in college. Everything feels different without him."
Mira nudged her gently. "Still texting every day though?"
Angel blushed.
"Speaking of college," Vicky changed the subject, "have you decided where you want to apply?"
"I've been thinking of Ravensfield college, the one a few hours outside town."
"Ohhh," Vicky raised a brow, grinning. "Isn't that close to Silvercrest university, where Dan's studying?"
Angel tried to act indifferent, but the smile gave her away.
Just then, Angel's phone buzzed. She looked at the screen.
Dan: Can we go out this weekend? I'll be coming back this week.
Her heart skipped a beat. She typed quickly.
Angel: I'll be happy to.
. . .
The sun was setting as Angel and Dan walked beside each other near the park. There was a soft breeze in the air, and the sky was streaked with shades of orange and pink. Dan had taken her to one of her favorite cafés before they walked by the lake.
They laughed, talked, and caught up on all the little things they'd missed. Dan suddenly stopped walking and turned to face her.
"I've waited a long time for this," he said, looking into her eyes. "Angel… would you be my girlfriend?"
Angel blinked, taken by surprise. Her lips parted, but no words came out immediately.
Dan chuckled softly and stepped closer. "It's okay. I already asked your dad."
She stared at him.
"He said yes," he added with a shy smile. "He actually told me, 'It might not have been the right time back then… but he believes we're more mature now.'"
Angel's eyes welled up, but it wasn't from sadness—it was pure joy.
She laughed softly, covering her face for a second. "You're serious?"
Dan nodded.
She reached for his hand. "Yes," she whispered. "Yes, Dan."
---
Angel stepped through the door and was immediately greeted by laughter.
Her dad stood by the dining table with her mom, and her little brother—just two years old now—ran up to her with excitement.
"Angel!" he squealed, reaching for her.
She scooped him up in her arms, kissed his cheek, and joined the rest of her family at the table. The living room was warm and full of chatter as they talked, joked, and shared memories of the past years.
Her mom brought out snacks, her dad teased her lovingly, and her brother wouldn't stop climbing into her lap.
It was peaceful. Familiar.
And as the night deepened and laughter echoed through the house, Angel looked around at the faces she loved most.
This was home. This was her beginning. And her new chapter had just began
The End 😌