Crossing Paths

Chapter 5: The Start of Something New

**Kate's POV**

August arrived, bringing with it the excitement of a new school year. But this time, there was something even more thrilling: Alex was coming to visit Iowa for the first time. We'd been texting and calling every day since the camp, growing closer despite the distance. Now, we'd finally get to see each other again in person, and I couldn't wait.

As I waited at the airport, nerves fluttered in my stomach. I kept glancing at the arrival board, anxious for her flight to land. When I finally saw her walking towards me, a wide smile spread across my face. She looked the same but somehow different, more real. We hugged tightly, and it felt like coming home.

"Welcome to Iowa," I said, laughing a little as we pulled apart.

Alex grinned, her eyes shining. "It's good to be here."

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**Alex's POV**

Seeing Kate again felt surreal. The days leading up to this visit had been a whirlwind of preparations and anticipation. We'd talked about everything under the sun, but now that I was here, it felt like the beginning of something new and exciting.

Kate showed me around the campus, introducing me to her teammates and friends. Everyone was so welcoming, and it was clear how much they cared about her. Caitlin and Gabby were especially warm, treating me like I was already part of their circle.

That evening, Kate and I walked around the campus, the summer air warm and fragrant with blooming flowers. We found a quiet spot near the pond and sat down, watching the sun set over the water.

"I'm really glad you're here," Kate said softly, looking at me with those warm, brown eyes.

"Me too," I replied, feeling my heart pound. There was a moment of silence, and then I took a deep breath. "Kate, I... I really like you. And I've been thinking... maybe we should make this official?"

Kate's eyes widened slightly, and then she smiled, a slow, beautiful smile that made my heart soar. "I've been wanting to ask you the same thing," she said, reaching out to take my hand. "So... is this us, making it official?"

I nodded, grinning. "Yeah, I guess it is."

We both laughed, a little giddy with the realization. It felt good, right, to finally put a label on what we had. As we sat there, hand in hand, watching the last rays of sunlight fade, I felt a sense of peace and happiness. We knew it wouldn't be easy with the distance and our busy schedules, but for now, this was enough. We were together, and that was all that mattered.

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**Kate's POV**

After we made it official, everything felt different, yet wonderfully familiar. We spent the next few days exploring Iowa City, sharing our favorite spots, and just enjoying each other's company. It felt like the honeymoon phase of a new relationship, but with the added depth of everything we'd already shared.

One evening, we were sitting on the porch of my apartment, talking about the future. The conversation naturally drifted towards our hopes and fears about maintaining a long-distance relationship.

"I know it's going to be hard," Alex said, her voice serious. "But I really want to make this work."

I nodded, squeezing her hand. "Me too. We just have to communicate and make the effort."

She smiled, leaning in to kiss me. It was sweet and tender, a promise of more to come. As the sun set, we sat there in comfortable silence, content just to be together. It was the perfect end to her visit, and I felt more confident than ever that we could handle whatever challenges came our way.
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