All Chapters of Aria: Scales of Love: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Aria POVThe days were blurring together, each one feeling like a carbon copy of the last. I was desperate to escape this oppressive funk that had settled over me. Of course, Mother Nature had other plans. My period decided to make its unwelcome appearance, because why wouldn't it? Seriously, what did women do to deserve bleeding for almost a week every month? A constant, nagging reminder of our biological fate. If guys had to deal with this, you know they'd have mandated paid time-off.But there was one small silver lining: the cravings. That overwhelming need for something sweet, a temporary distraction from the crushing weight of my anxieties and my ovaries. So I decided to walk to a small café a few blocks from my house, hoping a pastry and a moment of quiet would offer some relief. It was a bit late, but I'd done it before with no problems. I'd be fine.Famous last words, right?The café was cozy and inviting, filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods and the murmur of convers

Jude POVI was restless. Practice had been brutal, the coach riding us hard after last week's near-loss. I needed to clear my head, so I decided to grab some coffee at that new café a few blocks from my house.As I walked down the street, I saw Aria through the window, sitting alone at a table, looking…uncomfortable. I hesitated. Part of me wanted to respect her wishes and to keep my distance, but I really wanted to talk to her and apologize. I know the Lola situation was already complicated enough, and getting involved with Aria would probably only make things worse.But then I saw these guys at the next table. They were leering at her, making crude jokes, their voices loud and aggressive. I knew that look, that attitude. They were the kind of guys who thought they could get away with anything, who saw women as objects to be used and abused.My gut clenched. I wanted to turn away, to pretend I hadn't seen anything. But something stopped me. Maybe it was guilt, maybe it was a sense of

Suddenly, I heard a voice behind me. "Aria?"I froze, my heart leaping into my throat. I recognized the voice, but I didn't want to turn around. I was afraid of what I might see, of who might be lurking in the shadows."Aria, it's me, Roxy," the voice said, closer now. "What's going on?"I slowly turned around, my body still tense, my senses on high alert. Roxy stood there, her brow furrowed with concern, her eyes searching mine."Roxy," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "I...I didn't see you there.""Are you okay Aria?" she asked, her voice filled with worry. "You've been acting kind of weird all day. You haven't said a word to me. What's going on?"I hesitated, struggling to find the right words. I didn't want to tell her what had happened, I didn't want to shatter her carefree spirit. But I couldn't keep it a secret forever."I...I had a rough night," I said, my voice trembling. "I don't want to talk about it."Roxy's eyes narrowed, her gaze intense. "Aria, you can tell me anythin

The rideshare back to my house was filled with a strange mix of emotions. Relief that I had escaped the confines of my own fear, and a burgeoning sense of hope. He'd made me laugh, really laugh, for the first time since... well, since before everything.But as the city lights blurred past the window, doubt started to creep in. Was I being naive? Was I letting my guard down too quickly? Was I setting myself up for disappointment? I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and promised myself to just take things as they come."Here you are," the rideshare driver said, pulling up in front of my house."Thanks," I mumbled, paying him and hopping out of the car.As I walked up the driveway, the familiar feeling of unease washed over me. The house loomed large and silent, and dark, guess my mom hasn’t gotten back yet. I went into my room, changed into pajamas, and collapsed onto the bed. My phone lay on the nightstand, buzzing with notifications. I picked it up, expecting to see messages from R

The rideshare pulled up in front of the Galleria Mall Arcade a few minutes before 7:00. The neon lights of the arcade spilled onto the street, painting the sidewalk in vibrant hues of pink, blue, and green. The bass of the music throbbed through the air, a palpable vibration that resonated in my chest.As I stepped out of the car, a wave of anxiety washed over me, threatening to engulf me whole. The arcade was still pretty loud and crowded, for a Wednesday. Groups of teenagers milled around outside, laughing and talking, their faces illuminated by the glow of their phone screens.I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I could do this. I had made it this far. I couldn't turn back now.I walked toward the entrance, pushing through the throng of people. The noise inside the arcade was deafening. The cacophony of beeping and booping video games, the shouts of excited players, and the pounding music created a sensory overload that threatened to overwhelm me.I scanned the cr