𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒 || 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐬

m. sturniolo

...

Leaving behind the bustling streets of Los Angeles a mere month ago, I embarked on a journey away from my familiar haunts and cherished friendships. Among the bonds I left behind were those with Chris, Matt, and Nick, comrades in arms who pledged to uphold our friendships across the distance. Initially, the arrangement seemed to hold strong, a testament to the resilience of our camaraderie. Yet, a disconcerting silence settled in like an unwelcome fog just a week before my impending birthday, casting shadows of doubt upon the foundation of our connection.

Every attempt to bridge the gap, to rekindle the flame of our friendship, met with either terse responses or resounding silence. Doubt gnawed at the edges of my mind, weaving intricate patterns of worry as I questioned what misstep of mine had prompted their retreat.

Nicole, a stalwart confidante amidst the turmoil, sought to assuage my fears with gentle reassurances. "It's likely just a passing phase," she offered, her words a soothing balm to my troubled soul. "They're probably just caught up in the whirlwind of their own lives."

Her words, though well-intentioned, did little to quell the storm raging within me. With a heavy heart, I found solace in revisiting our shared memories, tracing the contours of our laughter and camaraderie through the lens of Instagram, each image a poignant reminder of what once was.

"It's your eighteenth birthday in just two days. You should focus on that," Nicole persisted, her voice a gentle prodding to redirect my attention from the absent trio.

"I know," I murmured, the weight of uncertainty clinging stubbornly to my shoulders.

Meanwhile, a world away, Chris, exuberant and ever the showman, greeted the camera with an infectious enthusiasm as Nick played the role of steady cameraman.

"It's been a hot minute since we last vlogged, but we're back!" Nick chimed in, his excitement palpable through the screen.

"We're on a mission to surprise Matt's special someone for her birthday," Chris declared with a mischievous glint in his eye, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips.

"We're currently in Sydney, but we're jetting off to Melbourne to make it just in time," Nick added, his words punctuated by a burst of energy.

After nearly two days of relentless travel, punctuated by moments of exhaustion and anticipation, they finally touched down in Melbourne.

(y/n)'s mother, in on the clandestine operation, whisked them away from the airport to her home, where (y/n) remained blissfully unaware of the impending surprise.

"(y/n)! Answer the door!" her mother's voice echoed through the house, prompting (y/n) to hasten to the front.

With a mixture of confusion and delight dancing in her eyes, (y/n) swung open the door, only to be met with a chorus of jubilant voices.

"Happy birthday!"

Overwhelmed by the sudden flood of emotion, (y/n) threw herself into Matt's arms, her laughter mingling with his as they shared a moment of unadulterated joy. Chris and Nick, ever the jesters, joined in the embrace, their laughter ringing out like a melody in the air.

"I hate all three of you," (y/n) teased, her eyes twinkling with mirth as she embraced each of them in turn, a tangible reminder of the enduring strength of their bond.

...