Tangled Hearts.

~Chapter 27~

~Raelyn~

~Sunday, March 23rd~

The next day, we got up early so we could go to the trap house to see Colby's roommates. I wanted Isa to move in with me after she graduates high school, but while she's here I wanted her to have some new friends. The first light of dawn was just beginning to filter through my bedroom curtains.

I yawned and sat up. I put on my slippers and went to the living room to wake up Isa. My gentle nudge woke her up. "Morning, sleepyhead," I whispered.

"Big day ahead." Isa groaned, her anxiety from the night before returning with a vengeance.

"What if they don't like me?" she mumbled, her voice muffled by the pillow.

From the foot of the couch, Colby's voice chimed in, a soothing presence in the soft morning light."They're gonna love you, Isa. Just be yourself."

Isa sat up, hugging her knees."But what if 'myself' isn't good enough?" she fretted, biting her lip.

I sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders."Isa, you're awesome. Don't worry so much."

Colby, sat on the arm of the couch and smiled encouragingly. "Yeah, and they're not a tough crowd at all. You'll fit right in."

Isa let out a shaky breath, the seeds of reassurance taking root. "Okay, I'll try," she said, a tentative smile on her face.

I clapped my hands together. "Great! Now, what are you going to wear? Something that makes you feel fabulous!"

Isa's eyes fell on an innocent green corset top with some tight fitted skinny jeans. "Maybe this. I was going to save this for a special occasion, but I guess this IS a special occasion." she suggested, her confidence growing as she held it up.

The top had puffy sleeves and green embroidered flowers. the jeans would pair nicely with it.

"That's perfect, Isa!" I beamed. "It's so you."

Colby nodded in agreement. "It's chill and charming, just like you."

As Isa got dressed, me and Colby picked out our own outfits, opting for something more casual and comfortable.

Colby chose a vintage tee paired with worn-in jeans that he had here, and his black and white tennis shoes. While I selected a flowy off the shoulder boho top and skinny jeans and some whimsical wedges.

A little while later, after we finished getting dressed to head to the trap house, the doorbell echoed through the house, my heart swelled with a familiar warmth. I opened the door to find Mrs. Finley, Riley's mom, with a smile that could light up the darkest of rooms.

"Hey there, Mrs. Finley!" I greeted, stepping aside to let her in. "Blake's all set to go." Blake came and stood beside me, with his little backpack slung over one shoulder.

His eyes sparkled with the anticipation of a playdate adventure. "Hey, buddy," Mrs. Finley said, her voice as sweet as honey. "Ready for some fun?"

"You better believe it!" Blake chirped; his enthusiasm infectious. I knelt to Blake's level, my hands on his shoulders.

"Remember what we talked about, love. Mind your manners and listen to Mrs. Finley, okay?" Blake nodded earnestly.

"I will, Mom. I'll be super good, I promise!" I brushed a stray lock of black hair from Blake's forehead and planted a gentle kiss there.

"I know you will. Have lots of fun, and I'll see you later tonight." "Bye, Mom, I love you!" Blake said, wrapping his arms around me in a tight hug.

"Bye, Blake. Be safe, I love you too baby!" I replied, trying to memorize the moment. With one last wave, Blake and Mrs. Finley walked hand in hand down the stairs, leaving me with a bittersweet feeling in my chest. I turned back to Isa and Colby; my heart full of love for my little boy who was growing up too fast.