DIFFERENT DESIRE

CHAPTER EIGHT: NEW BEGINNING

The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of Chloe’s new apartment, glinting off the polished hardwood floors and bouncing off the cream-colored walls. Half-unpacked boxes were scattered around the living room, each labeled meticulously in Chloe’s neat handwriting. Emily sat cross-legged on the couch, a granola bar in one hand, casually munching while leafing through her phone, keeping an eye on Chloe as she busied herself.

“So… I think I’ve gotten almost everything from the list we made yesterday at the supermarket,” Chloe said, standing near the kitchen counter with her notebook in hand. She scanned the room critically, adjusting the placement of a small side table. “I still need a proper rack for my shoes, maybe some organizers for the bathroom. And… oh! My makeup stuff I really need to get that sorted, or it’s going to be a mess.”Emily laughed softly, crunching her granola. “I told you, it’s going to feel like home once we get everything in place. You’ll see. Just take it one step at a time.”Chloe nodded, moving a box of kitchen utensils into a nearby cabinet. “Yeah… I guess. I just don’t want to settle in and then realize I forgot something major. Like, what if I need an extra set of bed sheets and didn’t buy any?”

“You’ll be fine. You’ve got this,” Emily reassured her. “Besides, it’s your place you make the rules. And hey, look at it this way, you’re finally free to set it up exactly how you want.”Chloe smirked, arranging mugs on the kitchen shelf. “Free, huh? Feels more like… responsible freedom. Everything’s on me now.”Emily smiled, moving over to help adjust the placement of a small vase. “Responsibility isn’t bad. Trust me, it’ll feel good once it’s all done. You’re doing great.”They carried boxes and smaller items back and forth, occasionally laughing when one tipped over or a few items slipped out. “Careful with the mugs!” Emily warned, grabbing one just before it could fall.

“I know, I know,” Chloe said, rolling her eyes but smiling. “You treat me like I’m fragile.”

“Better fragile than broken, right?” Emily quipped, nudging her playfully.

As they continued, Chloe’s laptop pinged from the counter. She glanced at it and opened the email immediately. Her face fell almost instantly.

Emily noticed. “What is it?” she asked, putting down a box.

Chloe’s fingers trembled as she scrolled. “It’s… the company I applied to,” she muttered, voice shaky. “They rejected me. Because of my age. They found out I lied on my CV.”

Emily’s stomach sank, but she forced a calm smile. “Oh, Chloe… it’s okay. Don’t cry. Come sit with me.”

Chloe sank to the couch beside Emily, tears welling in her eyes. “I thought I had everything under control! I wanted this so badly…” She let out a frustrated sob.

Emily wrapped her arms around her cousin, holding her close. “Hey… it’s going to be okay. One email doesn’t define you. You’re not failing.you’re just… having a setback. And we’ll get through it together, I promise.”

Chloe hiccupped, trying to calm down. “I just… I feel like I’ve ruined everything. I worked so hard.”

“You haven’t ruined anything,” Emily said softly. “Look at you,you moved into your own place, you’re starting fresh, and you’re capable of more than one company can see. Trust me. You’ve got this.”

After a long moment, Chloe finally leaned back, sniffing. “Thanks, Em. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Emily checked her wristwatch. “Wow… we’ve been at this almost all day.” She looked around the apartment. “So, you’ll be okay staying alone tonight, right?”

Chloe nodded, though her shoulders slumped slightly. “Yeah… I think so. But… could you maybe stay a little longer? Just until I feel settled?”

Emily shook her head, smiling gently. “No, you’ve got to enjoy your space. I promise we’ll come back tomorrow to help finish setting things up. You’re stronger than you think.”Chloe smiled faintly, finally letting herself breathe a little.

Meanwhile, Emily’s phone buzzed with a message from Brian. She glanced at it, feeling a small tightness in her chest. “Good day. How are you? Can we talk for a bit?”

Emily frowned, already tired from the day. She ignored the message, letting out a soft hiss of frustration.

Chloe glanced over curiously. “Who’s texting you?”

Emily shook her head. “No one. Don’t worry about it.”

But after a few moments of pressure from Chloe, Emily gave in. “Okay… fine. It’s… this guy I ran into at the supermarket yesterday. He… he’s the one who helped me with that jar incident.”

Chloe’s eyes widened. “Wait… the one you told me about?”

Emily nodded. “Yes. That’s him.”

Chloe leaned back, processing. “Wow… okay… so what’s the story? How did it all happen?”

Emily smiled, recounting the story in detail: the spilled jar, the help he offered, the business card, and how he had gone out of his way to assist her. Chloe listened, rapt, occasionally gasping and laughing at the absurdity and charm of the situation.

While they were chatting, Chloe opened her laptop to check for any updates from her company. Her heart sank as she read the refusal email again, this time in full detail: the reason being she falsified her age. She felt a wave of frustration, disappointment, and embarrassment crash over her.

Emily immediately noticed Chloe’s expression. “Chloe… hey… it’s okay. Really. Let it go for now. Tomorrow’s another day.”

Chloe nodded, wiping her tears. “Yeah… thanks, Em.”

Time passed, and soon Emily decided it was time to head home. When she walked in, she was greeted by the warm, savory aroma of dinner. Ethan was in the kitchen, apron on, plating the food with meticulous care. He turned as she entered, a bright smile lighting up his face.

“Hey, beautiful. You’re home early,” he said, stepping forward.

Emily wrapped her arms around him, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. “Sorry I didn’t get back sooner. It’s been a long day.”

Ethan hugged her tightly, kissing her temple. “It’s okay. I’ve got you now. Just relax.”

Emily went upstairs to change and freshen up. When she came back down, the food was already on the table. “You think you can cook better than me?” she teased.

Ethan smirked. “I know I can. But you’re welcome to taste-test.”

They laughed, feeding each other bites, teasing, and enjoying the quiet intimacy of their home. Emily remembered Chloe. “Oh! I forgot to check in with Chloe.”

Ethan nodded. “Text her then.”

Emily quickly explained Chloe’s rejection to Ethan. His face softened with concern. “Poor girl. What did she study again?”

Emily detailed Chloe’s academic background and career aspirations. Ethan’s eyes lit up with an idea. “There’s a position open at my company. Executive-level. She’d be perfect. Want me to offer it?”

Emily’s eyes widened. “Are you serious? She’s going to be so happy!” She immediately called Chloe. The excitement in Chloe’s voice over the phone was palpable. She laughed, squealed, and insisted on speaking to Ethan to thank him personally.

Ethan chuckled warmly. “It’s nothing. Helping family.”

Chloe’s laughter filled the room. After the call ended, Emily hugged Ethan tightly. He kissed her forehead. “I told you, Em… I’ll always do whatever I can to make you happy.”The two held each other, letting the joy of the day settle between them. Their hands intertwined, breaths mingled, and eyes locked. Ethan brushed his fingers through Emily’s hair, holding her close, whispering, “I love you.”Emily smiled, leaning into him, returning the whispered words. They stood there, sharing the warmth of a love that was deep, passionate, and tender, ready to face whatever new beginnings awaited them.