I woke up to the soft, warm presence of Izzy beside me. My fingers brushed against her skin, and I felt a rush of warmth. Her scent, familiar and comforting, filled the room. I could recognize it anywhere, even in a crowded room. I froze, realizing just how close we were lying. Wait, why am I laying next to her like this? We are supposed to be friends... I can't do this. I have to go.
"Leaving so soon? Is everything okay?" Izzy's voice broke through my thoughts.
"Oh, yes, but I better get home before my mom notices I'm gone. But I'll text you later," I promised, trying to sound casual.
"Okay, hurry up and go before your mom or your sister catches you," Izzy said while laughing.
I carefully snuck downstairs and out the side door, making my way through the gate into my backyard. I opened the back door as quietly as I could and tiptoed up to my room, my heart racing the entire time. I sat on my bed, waiting for everyone to wake up, my mind swirling with thoughts of Izzy.
The next day, my phone buzzed with a text from Izzy. She told me her family was driving us to their beach house downtown and that we could invite some friends to join. She never mentioned her family owned a beach house. My excitement grew as I started thinking about the trip.
We invited Izzy's friends Vic, Caleigh, and Aliyah, and I also invited two of my childhood friends, Jenna and Scarlett. The three of us had met in sixth grade, and ever since, we had been inseparable. This trip was going up to be something special.
As I packed for the beach house, I couldn't stop thinking about Izzy. The way she made me feel was unlike anything I had ever experienced. There was a connection between us, something deep and unspoken. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I knew I wanted to explore it further.
The anticipation of spending more time with her, surrounded by our friends, filled me with a mix of excitement and nerves. I wondered what this trip would bring, hoping it would bring us even closer. The idea of being with her, of discovering more about her, made my heart race in the best way possible.
As I started packing for the beach house, a nagging thought tugged at the back of my mind. I couldn't develop feelings for Izzy. I couldn't take this any further because I knew my mom would never approve of me dating a girl. The idea of us being more than friends seemed impossible.
Growing up, my mom always talked about Layla and me finding teenage love with a cute boy in our class. She would get this dreamy look in her eyes as she described us dating, getting married, having kids, and growing old together. It was her vision of a perfect future for her daughters. Anything outside of that felt like it would shatter her dreams.
I loved my mom, and the thought of disappointing her made my chest tighten. She had always been there for me, supporting me through everything, and I didn't want to let her down. But at the same time, the connection I felt with Izzy was undeniable. It was confusing and exhilarating all at once.
I sighed, sitting down on my bed. My feelings for Izzy were growing stronger, and I didn't know how to stop them. Every time we were together, every touch, every laugh, it all felt so right. But the weight of my mom's expectations loomed over me like a dark cloud.
I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. This trip was supposed to be fun, a chance to relax and enjoy time with friends. I needed to focus on that and not let my feelings for Izzy complicate things. But deep down, I knew it wouldn't be that easy. Being around her made everything feel more intense, more real. Being with her always heightened my emotions.
With a heavy heart, I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs. The trip to the beach house was about to begin, and I couldn't help but wonder how I would navigate my emotions while trying to keep my mom's dreams intact.
