Always Been - You By Lily Miller

The rain was relentless, mirroring the storm brewing in Maya’s chest. She stood at the edge of the covered porch, watching the drops create ripples in the puddles. Behind her, the sounds of the party were a distant hum. Laughter, clinking glasses, and the soft strumming of an acoustic guitar. She shouldn't have come back to Oakridge. "I knew I’d find you out here."

"How have you been, Maya?" he asked. The use of her name sent a shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold. "Good," she lied. "Busy. Chicago is... fast." "And are you happy?" Always Been You by Lily Miller

Maya’s heart was hammering against her ribs. She couldn't look away. "Liam, we decided back then that we wanted different things. You wanted to stay here, and I wanted to run." The rain was relentless, mirroring the storm brewing

"I thought time would make it easier," Liam continued, his voice dropping an octave. "I thought when you left for college, and then for that job, that I would eventually move on. I tried, Maya. God knows I tried." Laughter, clinking glasses, and the soft strumming of