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Alicia

Alicia wiped her brow with the back of her hand, her forehead glistening with a sheen of sweat as she stood in the middle of her tidy apartment. The faint scent of fresh white daisies filled the air, their sunny petals brightening up her cozy nook despite its modest size.

She glanced around, her heart racing with the anticipation of Raven's arrival. Last time, the chaos of her life had spilled over─clothes strewn across the floor, dishes stacked high in the sink─only to be met with Raven's warm smile and unwavering kindness.

"Will she notice anything?" Alicia wondered, her stomach fluttering.

Raven's presence always brought her comfort, but the idea of her co-star stepping into a meticulously designed space felt like a delicate moment—a delicate balance between domestic tranquility and the inner turmoil she frequently experienced.

Raven's unwavering presence in Alicia's small apartment had alleviated her self-doubt, yet this comfort was not without its drawbacks. It unnerved her how much she craved Raven's touch, the soft brush of fingers against her skin, the warmth of shared laughter. It was a longing that went deeper than friendship─one that threatened to burst forth in the quiet spaces of their lives.

As Alicia reached for the well-loved copy of Gone With the Wind, the familiar weight of the book in her hands brought back memories of their late-night conversation. She could almost hear Raven's voice─the way it danced through the air, animated and full of life─as she shared tales of her past, moments that hinted at shadows lurking just beneath her radiant smile.

Alicia felt a pang of empathy, imagining Raven's heartbreak, her own recent pain echoing in the background.

"What had she endured?" Alicia whispered, her heart heavy at the idea of anyone bringing sadness to Raven.

The minutes ticked by as she settled into the plush couch, the book resting on her lap, pages forgotten. Her mind raced, too electrified by nerves and excitement to focus. The rehearsals unfolded with an exhilarating intensity, their flirtations crafting an exciting narrative of stolen kisses and clandestine meetings in the wardrobe.

Each encounter left her breathless, yearning for more, and today felt like the day for clarity. She would lay her heart bare─no more hiding behind the curtains of uncertainty. With every second that passed, anticipation bubbled within her, igniting a flame of hope.

Alicia took a deep breath, surveying the small room with an eye that missed nothing. Every corner sparkled, every surface gleamed, and the vibrant blooms she had chosen for the table danced in the breeze from the open window. She adjusted the flowers, aligning the stems so they stood, their colors a cheerful contrast against the crisp white tablecloth. A quick swipe of her hand across the polished surface left it pristine, reflecting the soft glow of the lamps.

With a determined stride, she moved to the cupboard, opening it with a clatter that echoed in the silence. Her heart raced as she rifled through the shelves, but her excitement fizzled into despair. A lone box of mac and cheese sat on the highest shelf, accompanied by two dusty cans of peas and corn. Her stomach sank as she imagined Raven's face─a look that would betray any semblance of hunger or enthusiasm for such a meager offering.

Panic washed over her as she imagined Raven entering the apartment, the cozy light beckoning but overpowered by Alicia's limited menu selection. What kind of host serves instant meals when she has a guest like Raven Diaz?

The thought twisted in her gut like a vine of dread, and she shook her head, willing away the unwelcome image.

Alicia plopped onto the edge of her worn couch, the fabric cool against her skin, and pulled her phone from her pocket. Fingers trembling, she unlocked the screen and stared at her bank account, barely able to breathe as she navigated to the app. Could she afford to order a pizza? Could she afford a small treat to make up for her culinary failure?

Her heart raced as she calculated it in her head. Maybe just a couple of slices? Then, as if the universe were taunting her, a notification pinged. Her gaze flitted to the screen, and her breath seized in her throat. She blinked, hoping her uneasiness would fade as Raven's name gleamed against the background of her phone, an unexpected lifeline in her time of need.

Raven: Ali, I'm sorry, but something came up. A business emergency. I'll reserve a seat at the posh Italian restaurant for next Friday. Don't be angry.

Alicia's smile faltered as the vibrant blooms drooped, their colors fading into the shadows. She breathed in, masking her heart's sinking weight with a forced nod.

Alicia: It's okay. Things happen. I look forward to seeing you again. Wishing you the best.

She let out a deep breath, longing for Raven's presence at that very moment. Raven was the kind of person who would cancel her plans if anything significant occurred.

"Maybe Ivory needed her?" Alicia pondered, biting her lower lip. The pang in her chest tightened. Raven's pet always came first, no matter what.

She sprang from her couch and then bounded into the kitchen. The familiar clink of pots and pans echoed as she pulled out a vibrant yellow box of macaroni and cheese, its comforting aroma already teasing her senses. With deft hands, she measured out a colorful medley of mixed vegetables, the crunchy greens and sweet reds promising a burst of freshness alongside her cheesy creation.

Once the food was ready, she settled back down, the soft cushions of the couch embracing her as she turned on the TV. Alicia's fingers hovered over the remote, scrolling through a menu filled with enticing options. Just as she thought about choosing a musical, an image caught her eye─a dynamic poster of Raven in action, her fierce gaze and striking smile igniting a spark of curiosity. Her heart raced with surprise as she found herself clicking on the movie, a grin creeping across her face at the thought of diving into the world of her favorite entertainer.

As she drew her legs up while enjoying her meal, the opening credits of Love Without Bars began to play across the screen. Alicia prepared for the awkward dialogue and expected plot turns that had drawn the critics' attention, but as Raven's captivating performance illuminated the film, a change occurred.

Each scene unfolded with a grace that made Alicia lean forward, her heart racing with every flicker of emotion that danced across Raven's face. The cheesy lines, once unbearable, became a backdrop to a vibrant performance that pulled her deeper into the story. By the time the final credits began to scroll, a smile crept onto Alicia's face, and she felt an unexpected warmth swell in her chest.

With a newfound appreciation, she hugged her knees and thought about how Raven seemed to reach through the screen, sparking a connection that made the experience feel personal, almost intimate.

Alicia then moved on to Raven's other film in which she starred, Heartstrings and High Jinks. Her heart pounded as Raven's vibrant scenes unfolded, each moment more captivating than the last. But as the camera panned to Avery Blue, his charming smile and carefree laughter lit up the frame; a bitter taste crept into her mouth.

She leaned forward, her fingers clenching the armrest, eyes narrowing at the effortlessly handsome lead. "How could he?" Alicia muttered, heat flooding her cheeks. Memories of their late-night conversations and stolen glances during filming flashed in her mind, and an ache settled in her chest. The thought of Avery tossing aside his relationship with Raven like yesterday's trash gnawed at her. Did he even realize the treasure he let slip through his fingers?

Alicia sank deeper into the couch, her heart racing as the screen flickered with raindrops cascading down a window. The characters entwined, their laughter mingling with the rhythmic patter of the rain, igniting a longing that twisted in her chest. Just then, Avery pulled Raven close, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. Raven's smile flashed in Alicia's mind, the warmth of their embraces flooding her senses. She bit her lip as the scene shifted to the couple dancing beneath the storm, and a sharp pang of envy pierced her.

They seem to enjoy one another's company.

I want to share the same feelings with her.

Her breathing quickened as she fought against the urge to indulge. It became clear to her: what was the point of resisting?

She reminded herself, "Relax and take pleasure in your desires while imagining Raven. Embrace your freedom."

Alicia glided across her room, the weight of the day's anticipation pulling her toward the bed like a magnet. She sank into the soft embrace of the mattress, the whisper of the sheets rustling beneath her skirt a gentle reminder of the tension in the air. Her heart raced, each thump echoing in her ears, drowning out the faint sounds of the outside world. She stole a glance at the screen, her breath hitching as she caught sight of Raven and Avery, fully entwined in their blissful cocoon.

Heat surged to Alicia's cheeks, clouding her thoughts as she became lost in the captivating image before her─Raven's lips, full and inviting, seemed to glow with an alluring promise.

With a soft sigh, she closed her eyes, surrendering to the fantasy that enveloped her. Raven's hair cascaded down her shoulders like a midnight waterfall, each silky strand glinting in the soft light. The space ignited as her laughter rang out, a sweet, melodic sound that seemed to wrap around Alicia like a cozy blanket. Every smile from her revealed deep dimples that beckoned warmth, sending Alicia's heart racing like a drum in a quiet hall. She could almost feel the ghostly brush of Raven's fingertips weaving through her hair, leaving trails of electric warmth that danced along her skin, stirring a delightful shiver that made her breath hitch.

With an unsteady heartbeat, Alicia's fingers brushed against the sleek vibrator hidden in her drawer, a rush of heat flushing her cheeks. As she clicked it on, a low, resonant hum filled the room, mirroring the wild pace of her thoughts. Desire pooled within her, a spark igniting with each pulse that kissed her skin. Raven's moan echoed in her mind, mingling with memories of shared moments, as images of their bodies pressed together painted a vivid tapestry of longing. As waves of pleasure washed over her, muscles tightened in anticipation, igniting the fantasy of her warm body enveloping hers, fueling a craving that felt almost intoxicating.

At her peak, a soft cry escaped Alicia's lips, and her body trembled with an exquisite release that surged through her, leaving her breathless. In that afterglow, an image of Raven's contented gaze filled her mind, brightening the shadowy recesses of her heart.

Alicia burrowed her face into the softness of her pillow, a wide grin stretching across her lips. Who knew that someone could make her feel so alive, so cherished? In that moment, she realized: Raven held the key to her heart, and she longed for the day they could share their desires together.

She rose, a glimmer of sweat reflecting on her skin as she made her way to the bathroom. The shower's steam enveloped her like a warm embrace, cascading water washing away the sticky remnants of the day. As the droplets slid down her back, her mind drifted, thoughts swirling like the mist around her. After drying off, she flopped back onto her bed, the soft sheets cradling her weary body. The room was serene, with only the soft ticking of the clock breaking the silence. In the quiet moments, she found herself deep in thought, feeling a sense of lightness in her heart, as if all her worries had just floated away.

She pulled out her phone and read Raven's latest message. I miss you, Ali.

Her eyes sparkled, a soft grin blooming on her lips. Alicia leaned back, the tension in her shoulders easing, her breath slowing like a gentle tide. She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her heart warming with an unfamiliar lightness. Was it possible? In just a few words, happiness whispered to her.

Alicia's fingers trembled as she typed Raven's name into her mobile browser, her heart racing. Images of the actress's beautiful smile filled the screen, and each one made Alicia want to see more. She clicked through to Raven's Instagram, her breath catching at a recent post: Raven leaned against a gleaming restaurant table in a sleek dress, laughing with Xavier Hartley.

Her eyes darted to the time stamp, her stomach dropping. The couple had posed for the photo mere moments ago. Beneath it, the words lingered hauntingly: "This man is the stuff of dreams."

Alicia's heart sank as she watched him wrap his arm around Raven, their laughter echoing in her ears like a distant chime. She clenched her phone tight, its screen glowing with the canceled date notification.

She slipped under the heavy blankets, pulling them around her, seeking refuge in the darkness, where everything felt eerie and still.

Heart pounding, Alicia fidgeted with the edge of her sheet, staring at Raven's smile─was it real or just a mask? Doubts swirled like autumn leaves in her head, each thought sharper than the last. The sound of the TV faded, replaced by the weight of uncertainty. Tonight, answers danced just out of reach, taunting her.

Alicia's shoulders drooped while she stared at the ceiling, tracing patterns in the dim light, while a heavy sigh escaped her lips, echoing her unspoken disappointment.

The memories of past letdowns played in her mind like a broken record, each note a reminder of how often people had slipped away, leaving her to grapple with the shadows of what could have been.

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