Fragments of Us

twilight zone

It's good to get attention from a guy, but don't let it cloud your judgement, an internal voice reasoned with her.

On a quintessential Saturday night, she'd be at the library studying or at Chris and Samuel's house hanging out with the group. Never in a millennium, did she think she would be seated across from Levi Romano, sharing a meal, and openly discussing their middle school memories.

Sometimes life was funny like that.

"How very writer-esque of you. I can sense a Nobel Peace prize in your distant future," Iza joked. Honestly, even if she detected the jest in his tone, there were truths to his words. Levi had implied his interest in her throughout the night. If it had been any other guy, she had zero history with, she would've found it desperate or even persistent, but with Levi it was beyond flattering.

"Speak for yourself, those acting skills of yours are Oscar worthy."

"I must've really fooled you because I'm a terrible actor."

"Same because I'm a terrible writer."

They laughed at their witticism. Iza had to admit, Levi's shared sense of humor was heartwarming. She felt she could let loose with him, and he wouldn't judge her, and to her, that vibe was a rarity. She suddenly became very aware of their surroundings, as their laughter filled the almost empty dining hall.

Levi's phone suddenly started ringing.

"I'm going to take this," Levi said as he answered the phone, "Hey, Rhett, what's up bro?"

He got up from the booth and walked out the nearest exit.

Iza checked her phone for the time: it was 12:56am. We've been here that long? She thought. Their dining hall usually closed around 2am, she knew this well because of the many food runs she'd done with Liv. She checked to see if any of her friends had messaged her. Instead, she saw another text from Indi.

Indi: I'm glad you're having fun, Izzy boo. Remember me and Leo have your location, if you don't text us back before you go to bed, I'm calling the cops.

Iza snickered.

Iza: I'm fine, I promise. Love you, don't wait up okay.

Indi: I'm a night owl, it's in my DNA to stay up.

Iza: you're rly my twin

Indi: don't let leo hear you say that he'll get his briefs in a twist.

Iza: I'd rather not start World War 3, Didi.

Indi: very funny, Izzo bear.

Iza: levi's v hot. He's the boy from ms I was friends with.

Indi: the one u wrote love letters to? Ur kidding, omg he was v cute, and now he's hot? Does he have any hot boy/girl friends? Send me his ig.

Iza: *sends ss of ig* feels like exploitation but here

Indi: jeez, you weren't kidding. He's sporty, adventurous, hot & looks like thor. Very jealous but looks like a fuckboy. istg I hope he doesn't just want to hu

Iza: I thought so too, but he said he doesn't & I told him about everett's engagement.

Indi: what??? I need more background bc it seems so good to be true. Be careful Iz, I don't want u getting hurt. Rn looks like a sneaky link to me.

Iza: ik, but trust me, something feels diff about this. He told me he liked me in ms & idk seems like a lot of effort to go thru, just to hu

Indi: I trust ur judgement bc ur hella observant. But still, set ur boundaries & make sure ur on the same pg.