Chapter 4: Secret Kiss

Lily: (pacing back and forth) "I can't believe we just did that. It's not right. We can't keep doing this."

Lily couldn't believe what had just happened. She had just shared a kiss with James, her best friend's fiancé. As much as she wanted to give into her feelings, she knew it was wrong.

James: (looking conflicted) "I know, Lily. But I can't help how I feel about you. I've tried to fight it, but I can't anymore."

Lily: (stops pacing and looks at James) "We have to stop. We can't betray Sarah like this."

James: (sighs) "I know, I know. But it's not just about betraying Sarah. We could hurt each other too."

Lily: (looks down) "I don't know what to do. I don't want to lose you, but I don't want to hurt Sarah either."

James: (steps closer to Lily) "We'll figure this out together, okay? We'll take it slow and figure out what we both want."

Lily: (looks up at James and nods) "Okay. But we have to keep this a secret. We can't let anyone find out."

James: (puts a hand on Lily's shoulder) "I know. We'll be careful. I promise."

Lily tried to act like everything was normal when she saw James again, but she couldn't help feeling nervous around him. She knew they needed to talk about what had happened, but she didn't know how to bring it up.

as they sat on James's couch"

Lily: Hey James, can we talk for a minute?

James: Sure, what's up?

Lily: I just wanted to talk about the other night. I know we agreed to keep our feelings a secret, but I can't stop thinking about it.

James: Yeah, me too. I didn't mean to make things awkward between us.

Lily: It's not your fault. I just feel guilty for what we did.

James: I understand how you feel, Lily. But maybe we should talk about our feelings and figure out what we want.

Lily: I don't know, James. I don't want to hurt Sarah or ruin our friendship.

James: I don't either. But we can't ignore how we feel about each other. We owe it to ourselves to at least consider the possibility of being together.

Lily: (sighs) I need some time to think about this. Can we just take things slow for now?

James: Of course. Whatever you need, Lily.

Lily: "James, I have to tell you something. I can't keep it a secret anymore."

James: "What's wrong, Lily? You're scaring me."

Lily: "I know we agreed to keep our feelings hidden, but I can't do it anymore. I have feelings for you, James. Strong feelings."

James: "Lily, I've been feeling the same way. I just didn't want to complicate things with Sarah."

Lily: "I know, and that's why we have to keep this a secret. But I can't keep pretending that nothing has changed between us."

James: "I understand. But we have to be careful. If anyone finds out, it could ruin everything."

Lily: "I know. I just had to tell you how I feel."

James: "I'm glad you did, Lily. I've been wanting to tell you for a long time."

(They share another kiss before agreeing to keep their feelings hidden.)

"Conversation continues "

Lily: (nervously) Sarah has been asking me a lot of questions about you and me lately.

James: (concerned) What kind of questions?

Lily: (hesitant) Just stuff like how much time we've been spending together and if there's anything going on between us.

James: (worried) Do you think she suspects something?

Lily: (sighs) I don't know. I've been trying to act normal around her, but it's getting harder and harder to keep this a secret.

James: (puts his hand on hers) We'll figure it out. We just have to be careful and make sure no one finds out.

Lily: (nods) I know, but it's not just Sarah. What about our other friends? What if they find out?

James: (pauses) We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Right now, all that matters is that we keep this between us.

Lily: (sighs) I just hope we're doing the right thing.