The School of Giggles had given Bella so much—friends, laughter, and even a budding romance with Mia that was still new and exciting. As Bella continued to navigate her feelings for Mia, she found herself thinking about their relationship more often. She was beginning to understand what Mia meant to her and was growing more confident in her feelings.
One afternoon, after a particularly joyful day at school filled with giggles and tickles, Bella decided to walk home instead of taking the bus. The weather was perfect, with a gentle breeze and the sun casting long shadows across the pavement. Bella, as always, was barefoot, her shoes tucked away in her backpack. She enjoyed the feeling of the cool sidewalk under her feet as she strolled along, humming a tune to herself.
As she turned a corner onto a quieter street, Bella noticed a guy standing near a bus stop, leaning against the pole. He was tall, with dark hair and a confident smirk on his face. Bella didn't pay him much attention until she realized that he was watching her closely, his eyes scanning her from head to toe.
"Hey there," he called out as she walked by. "You've got some pretty feet. You always walk around barefoot?"
Bella slowed down, her instincts on alert. She wasn't in the mood for small talk, especially not from a stranger. "Yeah, I do," she replied simply, hoping that would be the end of it.
But the guy wasn't deterred. He pushed himself off the pole and started walking alongside her. "That's cool. You must be tough, walking around like that. I'm Alex, by the way."
"Nice to meet you, Alex," Bella said, keeping her tone polite but distant. She quickened her pace, but Alex kept up.
"So, you got a boyfriend?" he asked, a sly grin on his face as he leaned in a little closer.
Bella stopped walking and turned to face him, her eyes narrowing slightly. She was more than capable of handling this situation, and she wasn't about to let some random guy make her uncomfortable.
"Actually," Bella said, crossing her arms over her chest, "I have a girlfriend. And I'm not into you, so later."
Alex blinked, clearly not expecting that response. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. Instead, he just stood there, looking slightly dumbfounded.
Bella gave him a small, confident smile and turned to continue her walk home, leaving Alex standing at the bus stop. She felt a sense of pride and relief as she walked away. There was no need to explain herself or engage further—she had been clear, and that was that.
As she continued down the street, Bella couldn't help but think about Mia and the way their relationship had evolved. The more time she spent with Mia, the more certain she became of her feelings. She was happy, and she didn't need anyone else trying to disrupt that.
When Bella finally arrived home, she dropped her backpack by the door and plopped down on the couch. She pulled out her phone and texted Mia, feeling a warm glow in her chest as she typed.
*Bella:* *Guess what? Some guy just tried to hit on me on my way home.*
Mia's response was almost immediate.
*Mia:* *Oh? And what did you say?*
*Bella:* *Told him I have a girlfriend and I'm not into him. He was speechless, lol.*
*Mia:* *Good! That's my girl. Proud of you, Bella.*
Bella smiled at the screen, her heart swelling with affection. She could practically hear Mia's voice in her head, full of pride and warmth.
*Bella:* *Thanks, Mia. Can't wait to see you tomorrow.*
*Mia:* *Me neither. Sweet dreams, Bella.*
As Bella set her phone aside and stretched out on the couch, she felt more content than ever. She knew who she was and what she wanted, and she was surrounded by people who cared about her. The School of Giggles had given her so much more than she ever expected, and now, she was ready to embrace whatever came next—with Mia by her side.
