Cold Water

TWENTY SEVEN

                      ♥︎ATHALIA♥︎

  When I walked through the door, my mom was already waiting for me in the hallway, a knowing smile on her face.

  She'd clearly noticed the way I was practically glowing with happiness.

"How was your day, sweetie?" she asked, her tone light and teasing.

  I couldn't help but beam as I flopped down on the couch, practically vibrating with excitement.

  "Mom, it was amazing! Brandon and I had the best time. We went to this beautiful picnic spot he used to go to with his mom, and the sunset was just perfect."

  Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Oh? And what else happened?"

  I launched into the story, my enthusiasm barely contained. "We spent the afternoon there, talking and laughing. It was so peaceful and nice. And then, at the end of the day, when he walked me to the door, we kissed. It was so sweet and... I don't know. It just felt right."

   My mom's smile grew wider, and she came over to sit beside me. "That sounds like a wonderful day. I'm so glad to hear that you're happy."

  I nodded vigorously. "I've never felt like this before. Brandon is just amazing, and we really connected."

  She reached over and gave me a hug. "I'm really happy for you, Athalia. It sounds like you've found something special."

  I hugged her back, feeling a warm glow inside. "Thanks, Mom. I think I have."

  We spent the rest of the evening talking about the day, and I couldn't stop smiling. I showed her the pictures I took and she was in awe at the place we went.

  Brandon had made such a big impact on me, and I was excited to see where things would go from here.

  After spending some time talking with my mom about the day, I decided it was time to head to bed.

  I took a relaxing shower, letting the warm water wash away the lingering excitement and any traces of the day.

  As I dried off and got ready for bed, my mind kept drifting back to Brandon and the kiss we shared.

  Sitting on the edge of my bed, I found myself hesitating, my phone in hand.

  I wanted to text him to let him know how much I enjoyed the day and how much I was thinking about him.

  But a part of me wondered if it was too soon or if it might come across as too forward. I mean, I already kissed the guy.

  I stared at my phone, the message screen open with my fingers hovering over the keyboard.

  My heart was racing, and I could almost hear the echo of my own doubts and fears.

  Finally, I took a deep breath and began typing, trying to keep my message light and genuine.

  Me:"Hey Brandon, I just wanted to say I had an amazing time today. The picnic was perfect, and I'm really glad we shared it together. Hope you're having a good night!"

  I hesitated for a moment before hitting send. As soon as I did, a wave of nervous anticipation washed over me.

  I slipped my phone under my pillow and lay back, trying to calm the fluttering in my chest as I waited for his response.

  The day had been incredible, and I couldn't help but feel hopeful about where things might go from here.

  Lying in bed, I kept glancing at my phone, waiting for a reply. I tried to distract myself with a book, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Brandon and the day we'd spent together.

  I replayed our moments in my mind, each detail seeming more vivid and significant as time passed.

  After what felt like an eternity, my phone finally buzzed. I grabbed it quickly, hoping it was from Brandon. The message notification read:

  Hey Athalia, I had a great time, too. The picnic was amazing, and I can't stop thinking about it. Thanks for making it special. Good night."

  I smiled, feeling a rush of warmth at his words. I quickly typed a reply:

  "I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I had a wonderful time, too. Sleep well, dream about me :)."

  I sent the message and placed my phone back under my pillow. With a contented sigh, I turned off the lights and settled into bed, letting the calm of the night envelop me.

  I was excited for what the future might hold for us, and I couldn't wait to see him again.

  As I drifted off to sleep, I felt a deep sense of happiness and anticipation for the next time we'd be together.

♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎