Tangled Hearts.

~Chapter 26~

~Raelyn~

I smiled and hugged Isabella. "Thanks Isa," said as we both made our way to the couch and sat down.

"How about we get some food? I'm starving, I could seriously go for some pizza right now"! I spoke.

Isabella smiled and nodded, "Sure, but I wanted to surprise you. Is it ok if I stay here for a week or so"? My eyes lit up.

"Are you kidding, of course you can stay, we have so much to catch up on!" I said as Isa gave me a big hug.

"Just wait till you hear about my story about east end." She said as an idea popped into my brain.

"Actually Isa, I actually have something to ask you." I began, my voice soft but filled with an infectious excitement, "Oh gosh, I know that look," I giggled, "Don't worry it's nothing bad." I said with a mischievous smile. "Ok, proceed," she said curiously.

"There's this place Colby and I hang out at, called the trap house. It's not what it sounds like, I promise! It's just a quirky name for the house where Colby and his roommates live. They're the friendliest bunch you'll ever meet."

Isabella's eyes flickered with a touch of apprehension. "I don't know, me... you know I'm not that great with new people," she murmured, tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear.

Colby walked over to us, his presence warm and reassuring as he sat down on the arm of the couch, "Hey, Isa," he said, flashing a gentle smile. "I get it, meeting a whole new crew can be overwhelming. But hey, we're just a bunch of goofballs. Plus, we've been dying to meet the girl Emily can't stop talking about."

Isabella blushed, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You talk about me?"

"All the time," I chimed in, nudging my sister playfully.

"They already feel like they know you. And we don't have to stay long, just a quick hello."

Colby nodded, "Yeah, and if you're not up for it, we can just hang out here. No pressure, okay?"

Isa took a deep breath, the warmth from my enthusiasm slowly melting her icy nerves. "Maybe... if you're sure they won't mind my quietness?"

"Mind? They'll love you for who you are," I said, my voice a melody of encouragement. "And I'll be right by your side. We'll be the dynamic duo, just like when we were kids."

A small chuckle escaped her. "Okay, we can go. But only because you'll be my sidekick."

I stood up, offering my hand to Isabella.
"Deal. And who knows, you might even have a little fun." She chuckled, "With you, always." She said with a smirk as I sat back down. "So, how's mom"?

"Oh, she's doing fine, she misses you and Blake a lot." I felt tears welding in my eyes.

"She does"? Isa nodded.

I sighed. "I've been meaning to call her; I've just been busy." I said looking over at Colby. "Ew tmi."

Me and Colby both laughed. "Speaking of Blake, where is he"? She asked.

"Oh, he's at his friend's house, his friend's mom drops him off later in the afternoon."

"Alright, I was serious about the food though." She said as I chuckled.

"What do you guys' fancy?" I asked, phone in hand, ready to place the order.

"Hawaiian, definitely," Isa replied without missing a beat, thinking of the sweet and savory slices she'd grown to love. Colby's nose wrinkled in distaste.

"Hawaiian? Pineapple on pizza should be a crime," he said, shaking his head. Isa turned to face him, her eyes alight with challenge.

"You clearly haven't lived until you've tried it. It's the perfect combo of flavors!"