Hidden Feelings

                                    

                                              
Alessia Russo had been friends with Ella Toone for as long as she could remember. They'd played football together since they were kids, shared secrets, and stood by each other through thick and thin. But there was one secret Alessia had kept hidden from Ella, one she hadn't dared to share with anyone.
She had a crush on Ella's older sister, Emily Toone.
Emily was everything Alessia admired. Confident, kind, and effortlessly beautiful, she seemed to light up any room she walked into. Alessia's heart would race every time Emily was around, but she never dared to act on her feelings. Emily was off-limits, untouchable, and completely unaware of Alessia's feelings—or so she thought.
One sunny Saturday afternoon, Alessia found herself at the Toone household for one of their usual hangouts. Ella had promised an afternoon of video games and snacks, a perfect way to unwind after a grueling week of training. As Alessia walked into the living room, she saw Emily sitting on the couch, reading a book.
"Hey, Less," Emily greeted with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with that familiar sparkle that made Alessia's heart flutter.
"H-hi, Emily," Alessia stammered, cursing herself for sounding so nervous.
Ella burst into the room, oblivious to the tension in the air. "Less! You're here! Let's get started!" She dragged Alessia towards the gaming console, chattering away about the new game they were going to try.
Hours passed in a blur of laughter and friendly competition. Emily stayed in the living room, occasionally glancing up from her book to watch them play. Alessia felt her gaze every time, her cheeks burning with a mix of excitement and embarrassment.
When evening came, Ella had to step out for a bit to help their mum with the shopping. "I'll be back in a few, Less. Don't go anywhere!" she called out as she left the room.
Now alone with Emily, Alessia felt her nervousness spike. She fiddled with the hem of her shirt, unsure of what to say or do.
Emily closed her book and looked over at Alessia, her expression thoughtful. "You know, Alessia, I've noticed something."
Alessia's heart pounded in her chest. "W-what is it?"
Emily smiled gently. "You've been acting a bit... different around me lately. Is everything okay?"
Alessia swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. She considered denying it, brushing it off as nothing, but something in Emily's eyes made her pause. Taking a deep breath, she decided to take a leap of faith.
"Emily, there's something I need to tell you," Alessia began, her voice shaking slightly. "I... I have feelings for you. I've had a crush on you for a while now, but I didn't want to say anything because you're Ella's sister, and I didn't want to make things awkward."
For a moment, there was silence. Alessia's heart sank, fearing the worst. But then Emily reached out and took Alessia's hand in hers, her touch warm and reassuring.
"Alessia, I had a feeling," Emily admitted softly. "And to be honest, I've started to develop feelings for you too. I didn't say anything because I didn't want to make things complicated for you and Ella."
Alessia's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"
Emily nodded, her smile widening. "Really. So, what do you say we give this a shot? See where things go?"
A radiant smile spread across Alessia's face as relief and joy washed over her. "I'd like that. I'd like that a lot."
Just then, Ella walked back into the room, oblivious to the shift in atmosphere. "Hey, what did I miss?"
Emily and Alessia exchanged a knowing look, their fingers still intertwined. "Nothing much," Emily said with a wink. "Just a new beginning."
As Ella resumed her enthusiastic commentary on their next game, Alessia felt a surge of happiness. She glanced at Emily, who squeezed her hand reassuringly. For the first time, Alessia felt hopeful about the future, knowing that she and Emily were stepping into it together, hand in hand.