Beth sat on the edge of her bed, nervously twisting the ends of her hair as she stared at her phone. The flirting with Dylan from last night buzzed in her mind—flirty as they were, they stirred something inside her she hadn't felt in a long time; excitement wrapped in a cloak of anxiety. It had been ages since she'd considered dating someone, especially someone as charming cool as Dylan. Her heart raced at the thought, and she realized it was time for a girl talk.
"Hey, Maggie?" Beth's voice was small as she called her best friend. "Do you have a minute?"
"Always for you!" Maggie chirped, her own enthusiasm palpable through the line. "What's up?"
Beth took a deep breath. "I kind of need your advice about... you know, sex and dating. And, um, Dylan."
There was an excited pause on the other end before Maggie exclaimed, "Oh my God! Are you serious? You like Dylan?!"
Beth felt her cheeks flush, but she nodded even though Maggie couldn't see her. "Yeah. I do. But it's complicated but since the world ended."
"Okay, spill!" Maggie urged. Beth could hear the sound of shuffling papers—Maggie was probably grabbing her notebook, the one she used for her 'relationship tips' whenever the two of them had these conversations.
"He's been flirting with me a lot lately," Beth said, her voice dropping to a whisper as if the very act of saying it aloud made it more real. "But I mean, it's been a long time since I felt this way about anyone since... well, Jimmy." The thought of Jimmy flooded her with mixed emotions—his timidness and the way he never made the first move haunted her.
"Well, first of all, Jimmy is in the past," Maggie reminded her. "It's Dylan time now! What do you like about him?"
"He's funny, and he gets me," Beth confessed. "And when he looks at me... it feels different. Like he actually sees me."
"That's what you deserve!" Maggie declared passionately. "But you have to take this step forward, Beth. Is there chemistry? Like, real chemistry?"
"I think so. When we talk, it's easy, but I don't know how to take it further."
Maggie giggled. "Okay, so listen. The first thing in dating is to be open and honest. Tell him how you feel! It doesn't have to be a big declaration; just something sweet that opens the door. Then, when you're both comfortable, well... what about the physical side of things?"
Beth felt herself blush deeper. "What do you mean?"
Maggie chuckled, "Think bedroom! Okay, so... I know it can be nerve-wracking, but experimenting is key in any relationship—finding out what works for both of you. I read about this position called 'spooning,' where you're both side by side, and it feels intimate. It's cozy, and you can share sweet whispers without feeling pressured!"
Beth could hardly breathe. "You really think I should suggest that?"
"Why not? If things are going well, it will only bring you closer! Just keep it casual at first, and see how the moment feels," Maggie instructed. "Remember, communication is essential! Talk to him before you dive into anything scary."
"I guess that makes sense," Beth said, feeling a flutter of anticipation. The idea of being that close to Dylan made her stomach do somersaults. "I should tell him how I feel, then?"
"Yes! And trust me, it will be worth it. Just go for it, and whatever happens, you'll grow from it. And if all else fails, I'm here with ice cream to drown your sorrows!"
They both laughed, but deep down, Beth felt her resolve strengthen. She thanked Maggie, ending the call with a sense of empowerment. Her heart raced, but this time it was from excitement rather than fear.
Over the next few days, every interaction with Dylan felt electrified with possibility. Each shared glance and flirtatious comment made her pulse quicken. Finally, the moment arrived during a study session at a café. As they sat across from each other, surrounded by laughter and the aroma of coffee, she could no longer hold her feelings back.
"Dylan," she said, summoning her courage, "I really like you. I have since... well, for a while now."
He paused, a bright smile spreading across his face. "Really? I thought I was the only one feeling this way!" His eyes sparkled with mischief. "Want to grab some ice cream afterward?"
Beth laughed, the tension melting away, and felt a weight lift off her shoulders. "Yes! And maybe we can talk about... other things too?"
"I'd like that," he replied.
As they moved closer together, Beth felt a sense of glimmering hope. Perhaps this was just the beginning of a new chapter with Dylan, full of love, laughter, and everything she had longed for. Whatever happened next, she knew she would embrace it wholeheartedly.
