she typed out a text and hit “send”

Julia was a siren song to the depths of her soul.

Lauren: I had the weirdest dream that we were secret agents on a mission to steal all the donuts in town. I think it’s a sign we need to schedule a covert dessert run soon.

Julia: I can neither confirm nor deny speculation about my potential double life, but I will admit I have a weakness for donuts. I know a place- I’ll add it to the itinerary for our next tour. ;)

Julia: Are you admitting you dream about me?

Lauren: I... plead the fifth. When can I expect this next tour to grace my calendar?

“You ever gonna tell me about this mystery guy you’re so obsessed with?”

um.. there’s no guy. I’m not obsessed.” “Lauren, come on,” he retorted with a knowing look. “I’m honestly offended that you think I don’t know you better than that. Spill the beans, Red,”

“There’s no guy... it’s a girl. But we’re just friends.”

“Um, I’m actually going to go to Julia’s. I’ll be back later.” “Make good choices. Or don’t,”

After obsessively checking her reflection in the mirror, she pulled on the soft gray sweater Julia had once complimented in passing, pairing it with black leggings and cozy socks that, she hoped, struck the right balance between “effortlessly chill” and “possibly kissable.”

Julia had stared at that little “xo” longer than she should have. Her heart had ached with something fragile and warm and terrifying.

“You’re the sweetest girl I know You're the queen of all the roses Like the pretty flowers that grow You are the sunshine of my life So beautiful and fair For I will always love you My lovely rose of Clare”

“You once asked me if I ever sang that song,” Lauren murmured, raindrops and tears falling from her wet lashes. “And I told you I wouldn’t. Not unless my life depended on it.”

Lauren exhaled unsteadily, rainwater slipping down her temple. “It does.” Her voice cracked—she was crying now—but she didn’t care. “It does, Julia. I thought if I lost you again I wouldn’t survive it. But this—not loving you—is killing me.” She paused, taking a shaky breath. “Consider this me placing my life in your hands.”