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Sienna’s POV.
I saw Liliana first. With her black blazer on, she was sitting in our favorite corner, appearing to be the most confident woman in any room. With a triumphant smile and slick hair, she had an elegant expression. Upon my arrival, she stood up and hugged me tightly.
With excitement, she cried out, “Sienna. I can’t believe it’s over.”
Sitting across from her, I couldn’t help but chuckle. “I can already tell you won big time,” she said.
Faking her arrogance, she smashed all her fingers. “Ouch.” I spoke, and as the judge nodded off, he almost had his arguments over. It felt incredible. I still experience tremors upon contemplation.
With a strong sense of pride, I gazed at her with admiration. Her reputation as a role model was not limited to her, Liliana wasn’t just. You have always had the confidence to face any challenge.
Holding onto the cup, I sniffed the aroma of the coffee that Liliana had prepared for me. I felt warmth rising from the air while staring at my friend’s gleeful countenance. Her appearance was so lively, resembling that of someone who had recently triumphed in battle.
She suddenly muttered, “I almost had to question my own readiness. You know what happened?”
she said? A fearless silence ensued.
But everything went so smoothly. I could imagine that it was cleared by God.
I smiled, holding the cup with both hands. “Maybe because you were prepared. Your dedication and hard work ethic are unwavering.”
Liliana chuckled and then grimaced. “And you?” she asked. “How’s your manuscript?”
The question made me pause. My eyes narrowed to the coffee’s surface as I gulped down. “I’ve taken some of it.” Those are the chapters I have for you to read, if you have time.
She lit up in excitement. “I am a big fan of you making drafts.” What followed was her reaction. It’s like regaining insight from yourself that you typically don’t reveal. She briefly grabbed my hand and felt comforted. “I have faith it will be some sort of thing.”
Something fluttered in my chest. Liliana’s support was always there, pushing me forward without any hint of pressure. I paused to inhale deeply. “I’m not sure how I can match your strength, Liliana.
Occasionally, I continue to question my own judgment.
11
She laughed and shook her head. “Madam, you must believe in yourself. You have a story. It is important for people to hear it.”
Looking at her, I remembered the many challenging moments we had experienced together. My
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victory lap was preceded by Liliana’s presence, but she also waited with great care for me when I fell. With eyes sparkling, a sense of inner peace was present among hers today.
“I wish I had possessed a quarter of your bravery, but my heart was cold and I couldn’t speak to her anymore.”
She crouched down, her gaze fixed. “Sienna, courage is not about fear. Close up. When you’re afraid, courage is the best medicine for overcoming fear. That has been your practice on numerous occasions. Don’t forget it.”
I swallowed deeply with the thoughts of her. Sunlight filtered through the cafe’s expansive windows, catching the light in her black hair. Sitting beside someone who really knew where she was going, and somehow that gave me a sense of security. The court.
My response was hesitant, but as soon as the words came back to mind, gentle footsteps began to approach. Our table was accompanied by a waiter who carried two large black plates with engraved golden logos. His smile was courteous, showcasing the cafe’s signature warmth.
“Good morning, do you have a minute to order or will you be back later?” he asked.
I glanced at Liliana and then almost jokingly laughed.
“We’ll look at the menu first,” Liliana said, gesturing with a quick glance.
We didn’t even attempt to open the menus when the waiter started serving us. What a difference. Another spirited narrative was unfolded by Liliana, detailing the pressures of courtroom politics, the sleepless nights, and even the moment when all the evidence presented seemed to back her up. With a quick turn of her hands and sparkling eyes, she was like describing the new toy for children.
“You ought to have seen his face,” she quipped, “indicating that he was sweating and shaking his voice before the incident occurred. Out of ammo.”
“I also chuckled, my head was shaken. You’re fit for the courtroom, Liliana. I can picture you standing there, confident.‘
Liliana’s face softened as she leaned in. “Shut up, that’ll do. What else happened? Now your turn. How’s your manuscript? Can you confirm if the deadline for submissions is approaching?”
I remained silent for a moment, looking at the empty table in between. I felt like my heart was sluggish. “I was close to finishing it.” I spent the night trying to finish off the last chapter. Still I got stuck in. It’s as if my thoughts are in an intricate web.
“What caused you to be puzzled?” she pondered. “Liam or Noah?”
Her question hit home. I stooped with a soft, unassuming smile. “Everything was mixed up.” Despite my efforts to write an authentic story, some of the revelations I read seem too personal for my own
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taste. The boundaries between imagination and truth are blurred.
For an extended period, Liliana observed me and proceeded to extend her hand onto the table.” That’s why your writing holds great importance, Sienna. Your words can convey authentic emotions. People can feel them. If your story is based on yourself, don’t be intimidated. That’s your strength.”
With silent consideration, her supple grasp on my heart softened my skin. “You possess the ability to soothe me naturally.”
She smiled. “Friends crave such things.” Then she added.
She used to talk about it endlessly in my mind. Concerning boldness, honesty in the writing process. Maybe she was correct, as I had been too afraid to display my vulnerability.
While staring at the menu pages, I whispered, “I sometimes write to hide my identity.”
To avoid being noticed by others.
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