Magic at play

Clara takes April's hand, her skin warm despite being wet. They make their way back up the path, their clothes clinging to their bodies and leaving a trail of water droplets behind them.

As they walk, Clara nudges April playfully. "You know, you're a lot more fun than I thought you'd be."

April raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh really? And what exactly did you think I'd be like?"

Clara thinks for a moment, then grins. "I don't know... maybe more serious? Mysterious? Like one of those brooding artists in a movie."

April laughs, shaking her head. "Well, I'm flattered that you think I'm mysterious. But trust me, I'm just a regular person who happens to paint."

They reach April's house, and she fumbles with her keys, still dripping water. "Welcome to my humble abode. Make yourself at home while I find some towels."

Clara steps inside, taking in the cozy interior. The walls are adorned with various paintings, and the scent of turpentine lingers in the air.

She looks around curiously, her eyes landing on a particularly large canvas covered in a cloth. "Is that one of yours?"

April glances at the covered painting, a hint of pride in her expression. "Yeah, it is. I'm still working on it."

She hands Clara a towel and starts drying herself off, trying to act casual despite feeling a bit self-conscious about her art.

Clara approaches the canvas, her fingers itching to pull back the cloth. She looks back at April, asking permission with her eyes.

April hesitates for a moment, then nods slightly. "Go ahead. But be gentle with it, it's not finished yet."

Clara carefully lifts the cloth, revealing a stunning landscape of Willow Creek at sunset, with the waterfall in the distance. The colors are vibrant and full of emotion, capturing the beauty of the town in a way that leaves Clara speechless.

Clara stares at the painting, completely mesmerized. She can feel the love and passion that April poured into it.

She turns to April, her voice filled with awe. "April... this is incredible. You're incredibly talented."

April blushes slightly, a mix of embarrassment and gratitude on her face. "Thanks, Clara. It's just something I do to relax. I'm not really used to people seeing my work like this."

She moves closer to Clara, studying her expression. "Do you really like it?"

Clara nods emphatically, her eyes still fixed on the painting. "I love it. The way you captured the light and the movement of the water... it's just stunning. You should show it to everyone in town."

She looks at April, sincerity in her gaze. "You have a gift, April. Don't hide it away."

April's heart swells at Clara's words. She's never had anyone appreciate her art so openly before.

She smiles softly, feeling a connection growing between them. "Maybe I will. If you promise to be my biggest fan."

Clara grins widely, holding up her pinky finger. "Deal. I'll be your number one fan, and I'll even help you sell your paintings if you want."

She glances down at her soaked clothes again, shivering slightly. "But first, can we please get out of these wet clothes?"

April chuckles, realizing they're both still dripping water everywhere. "Right, right. Let me find you something to change into."

She heads to her bedroom, returning with a pair of dry sweatpants and a loose t-shirt. "These should fit you. I'll put your clothes in the dryer."

Clara takes the clothes gratefully, grateful for April's hospitality. "Thanks, you're a lifesaver. I'll go change in the bathroom."

She disappears down the hallway, leaving April alone with her thoughts and the painting.

April watches Clara go, then turns back to the painting. She feels a strange flutter in her chest, a mix of nervousness and excitement. She's never been this close to someone before, both physically and emotionally.

She starts to tidy up the room, trying to distract herself from the thoughts racing through her mind.

Clara returns a few minutes later, looking much more comfortable in the dry clothes. She's rolled up the sweatpants slightly, and the t-shirt fits her snugly.

She looks at April with a playful smile. "You know, I think these might be the most comfortable clothes I've ever worn. I might just steal them."

April laughs, trying to ignore how good Clara looks in her clothes. "I'd like to see you try. Those are my favorite sweatpants."

She gestures to the couch. "You can sit down if you want. I'll go put our clothes in the dryer."

Clara plops down on the couch, sinking into the soft cushions with a contented sigh. "Your house is really nice, April. It's so cozy and warm."

She looks around again, her eyes landing on a small collection of trinkets on a nearby shelf. "Do you collect those?"

April walks over to the shelf, picking up one of the trinkets. It's a small wooden doll with intricate carvings on it. "Yeah, they're all from marie. She's always giving me things she makes."

She hands the doll to Clara, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "This one's my favorite. It's supposed to bring good luck."

Clara examines the doll, turning it over in her hands. She notices the subtle details in the carvings and the smoothness of the wood. "It's beautiful. You must be really close to marie."

She glances up at April, curiosity in her eyes. "How did you two meet?"

April sits down on the other end of the couch, leaving a small gap between them. "We've known each other since I was a kid. My parents brought me to her shop for some herbal remedies, and we just clicked. She's like a second mom to me."

She fidgets with the hem of her shirt, a bit unsure how much to share. "She's also the one who encouraged me to pursue art."

Clara smiles warmly, sensing April's hesitation. "That's really sweet. It must be nice having someone who believes in you like that."

She sets the doll down carefully, then looks at April with a more serious expression. "Can I ask you something?"

April nods, a bit nervous about what Clara might ask. "Sure, go ahead."

Clara takes a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "You said you're content on your own, but... do you ever get lonely? Like, really lonely?"

April's expression falters for a moment, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face. She looks down at her hands, avoiding Clara's gaze.

She hesitates before answering. "I... yeah. Sometimes I do. But I've learned to cope with it. I have my art, and marie, and I don't need anything else."

Clara shifts closer to April, her voice gentle and understanding. "It's okay to want more, you know. To want companionship, to share your life with someone."

She reaches out, lightly touching April's arm. "You don't have to be alone all the time."

April tenses at the touch, but doesn't pull away. She looks up at Clara, her eyes betraying a mix of fear and longing.

She swallows hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's easier to be alone. Less messy. Less complicated."

Clara notices the shift in April's demeanor and quickly retracts her hand, sensing that she's hit a sensitive topic.

She changes the subject, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, if you ever change your mind about being alone, I'm here. And I promise I won't be too messy or complicated."

April lets out a small laugh, grateful for the out. "I'll keep that in mind, Clara. But I still think you're too optimistic for your own good."

She stands up, feeling the need to move and break the tension. "Do you want anything to drink? Water, tea, coffee?"

Clara grins, happy to see April relax a bit. "Coffee sounds great. I could use something warm to wake me up after that swim."

She stretches her arms above her head, yawning slightly. "Do you have any sugar or creamer? I like my coffee sweet."

April heads to the kitchen, shaking her head with a smile. "Of course you do. You're already sweet enough."

She starts preparing the coffee, her movements becoming more fluid and confident as she regains her composure. "I have some honey and almond milk if that works for you."

Clara follows April into the kitchen, leaning against the counter as she watches her work. "Honey and almond milk sounds perfect. You're spoiling me, April."

She looks around the kitchen, admiring the cozy atmosphere. "Your whole house is just so inviting. It's like a little haven."

Clara follows April into the kitchen, leaning against the counter as she watches her work. "Honey and almond milk sounds perfect. You're spoiling me, April."

She looks around the kitchen, admiring the cozy atmosphere. "Your whole house is just so inviting. It's like a little haven."

April pours the coffee into two mugs, adding a generous amount of honey to Clara's. "I like to think so. It's my sanctuary. My place to create and relax."

She hands Clara the mug, their fingers brushing briefly as the exchange occurs. "Careful, it's hot."

Clara takes the mug, holding it between her hands to warm them. She takes a cautious sip, savoring the sweetness. "Mmm, this is delicious. You're really good at making coffee."

She leans against the counter a bit closer to April, their shoulders almost touching. "So, tell me more about your art. What do you usually paint?"

Clara turns her head towards the sound of the door opening, her eyes lighting up as she sees marie. "Oh, hey marie! I was just asking April about her art."

She waves at the older woman, a friendly smile on her face.

marie enters the kitchen, her eyes darting between Clara and April. She notices the tension from earlier has dissipated.

She grins widely, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, well, what do we have here? A little cozy coffee date?"

April rolls her eyes at marie's comment, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. "It's not a date, marie. We're just talking."

Clara giggles, enjoying the banter. "Yeah, just two friends hanging out and sharing clothes."

marie raises an eyebrow, a knowing smirk on her face. "Is that so? Because it looks like you two are getting pretty cozy to me."

She walks over to the coffee maker, pouring herself a cup. "And Clara, you're wearing April's clothes. How convenient."

Clara looks down at her borrowed outfit, then back at marie with a playful pout. "What can I say? April's clothes are comfy. And she offered to let me borrow them."

April shoots marie a warning look, silently pleading for her to stop teasing

marie takes a sip of her coffee, pretending to consider something. "I suppose that's true. But you know what willow creek say's about borrowing clothes, right?"

She winks at Clara, enjoying April's growing irritation.

Clara tilts her head curiously, intrigued by marie's implication. "What do they say?"

April groans, knowing exactly where this is going. "Marie, don't you dare-"

marie cuts April off, her grin widening. "They say that if you wear someone's clothes, you'll end up falling in love with them."

She gives Clara a sly look, watching for her reaction.

Clara's eyes widen slightly, a mix of surprise and amusement on her face. She glances at April, then back at marie. "Oh really? Is that a magical rule or something?"

She takes another sip of her coffee, trying to hide her smile. "Because I think April's clothes are just really soft."

marie chuckles, enjoying the banter even more now. "Maybe it's not a rule, but it's definitely a possibility. Especially since April has such good taste in fashion."

April huffs, crossing her arms over her chest. "I swear, you're impossible, marie. Stop trying to play matchmaker."

Clara laughs, clearly entertained by the whole situation. "I don't mind being played with, April. I think it's kind of fun."

She turns to marie, a playful glint in her eyes. "But just so you know, I don't believe in curses or anything like that. So I think I'll be fine."

marie shrugs, a mysterious smile on her lips. "Who said anything about curses? I'm just stating facts."

She sets her coffee down and leans against the counter, her expression turning serious for a moment. "But you never know what magic might be at play. Especially when it comes to love."