Cold Water

THIRTY

                  ♡BRANDON♡

  When I got home, I was still buzzing from the kiss and our talk at the park.

  I walked through the door, greeted Aunt Dina with a smile, and headed straight to the kitchen where she was preparing dinner.

  "Hey, Aunt Dina," I said, trying to sound casual but unable to hide my excitement. "You won't believe what happened today."

  She looked up, her curiosity piqued. "Oh? Do tell."

  I took a seat at the kitchen counter, my smile growing wider. "Athalia and I had a great talk. We.... ended up discussing the kiss we shared....and how we both feel about each other."

  Aunt Dina's eyes lit up with interest. "Really? That sounds like a big step. How did it go?"

  "It went really well," I said, my excitement evident in my voice. "We both admitted that we like each other a lot. It felt like the right moment to be open about our feelings, and it made everything feel more real."

  I paused, taking a deep breath. "And then... I kissed her again. It was kind of sudden, but it felt right."

  Aunt Dina set down the spoon she was stirring with and smiled warmly. "That sounds wonderful, Brandon. I'm so happy for you. It's nice to hear that things are working out for you and that you're feeling this way."

  I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and happiness. "Yeah, it feels great. I'm really excited about where this could go."

  Aunt Dina gave me a supportive pat on the back. "Well, I'm glad you're happy. And I'm sure you'll figure out the next steps together. Just remember to keep communicating with each other."

  "I will," I said, feeling more confident. "Thanks, Aunt Dina."

  As we continued our conversation, I couldn't help but think about how much had changed in such a short time.

  The future seemed brighter, and I was eager to see where this new chapter with Athalia would lead.

  After dinner, I headed upstairs to my room, still riding the high of everything that happened.

  As soon as I closed the door behind me, I flopped onto my bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying the moment when I kissed Athalia.

  It felt like a dream, but it was real. We had both opened up about our feelings, and it had gone better than I ever imagined.

  I grabbed my phone, thinking about texting her. I wanted to tell her how happy I was, but I wasn't sure if I'd come off too eager.

  I decided to scroll through our last conversation instead, reading her words and thinking about how things had changed so much since then.

  Just as I was about to set my phone down, it buzzed in my hand. My heart skipped when I saw her name pop up on the screen.

  Athalia: I can't stop thinking about today :) I hope you're still smiling.

  I couldn't help but grin, my fingers hovering over the keyboard as I typed back.

  Me:I am, trust me. Today was great. I've never felt this way before.

  I hesitated for a second before hitting send, wondering if I sounded too forward.

  But then again, we had been honest with each other earlier. There was no point in holding back now.

  My phone buzzed again almost immediately.

Athalia:I feel the same way. Can't wait to see you tomorrow.