Forbidden Flame

Chapter 10: boundaries

The sun had just started to rise over Beacon Hills, casting long shadows across the quiet town. The events of the past few days had weighed heavily on Nora, leaving her emotionally drained and confused. The tension between Theo and Isaac had reached a boiling point, and she knew she couldn't keep avoiding the inevitable. As much as she cared for both of them, the constant back-and-forth was tearing her apart. It was time to set boundaries—time to regain control of her life before the situation spiraled any further out of control.

Nora sat on her bed, staring out the window as the morning light filtered through the curtains. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one more chaotic than the last. The confrontation between Theo and Isaac at the mill had left her shaken, not just because of the physical violence, but because it had forced her to confront the reality of the situation. She was at the center of a storm, and she had to find a way to calm it before it destroyed everything she cared about.

She pulled out her phone, her fingers hovering over Isaac's contact. They had shared so much over the past few months, their connection deep and comforting. Isaac had been her rock, steady and reliable, but she couldn't ignore the fact that their relationship had become strained. The jealousy, the arguments—it was all becoming too much.

With a deep breath, she dialed his number. The phone rang twice before he picked up.

"Nora?" Isaac's voice was soft, filled with concern. "Is everything okay?"

"Isaac," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "we need to talk. Can you come over?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Isaac responded. "Of course. I'll be there in a few minutes."

Nora ended the call and let out a shaky breath. That was the first step. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but it was necessary. Setting boundaries wasn't just about protecting herself; it was about protecting them all.

As she waited for Isaac to arrive, her thoughts drifted to Theo. The connection she felt with him was undeniable—electric, intense, and often overwhelming. But that intensity had led to chaos and confusion, and she couldn't afford to let it control her any longer. She cared about Theo, but she needed to find a way to navigate their relationship without losing herself in the process.

A knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts. Isaac had arrived. She took one last deep breath and opened the door.

Isaac stood on the porch, his expression a mixture of worry and hope. "Nora," he said, stepping inside, "what's going on? You sounded... off on the phone."

Nora motioned for him to sit down, her heart heavy with what she was about to say. "Isaac, I've been thinking a lot about everything that's happened recently. The fights, the jealousy, the tension between you and Theo... it's all become too much."

Isaac's face tightened, but he nodded, waiting for her to continue.

"I care about you, Isaac. I really do," she said, her voice breaking slightly. "But we need to set some boundaries. This back-and-forth, the constant stress—it's not healthy for either of us. I don't want to lose you as a friend, but I need space to figure things out."

Isaac looked down at his hands, his jaw clenched. "I get it, Nora. I do. It's just... I hate the thought of losing you."

"You're not losing me," Nora assured him, placing a hand on his arm. "But we both need to take a step back. I need time to process everything, and I think you do too."

Isaac nodded slowly, his expression softening. "I understand. I'll give you the space you need. Just... promise me we'll talk if things change."

"I promise," Nora said, offering him a small smile. "Thank you, Isaac."