PINK

Chapter 4: Blush

   Tallulah has always known that guys just weren't her thing. She had confirmed that thought after kissing Henry Russo in eighth grade. She further confirmed it when she kissed Henry's sister, Rebecca, during a game of truth or dare. Tallulah Oakley was definitely into girls. Tallulah's real problem was figuring out if girls were into her, and most recently, if Poppy was into her.
Poppy was hard to decipher. Tallulah had no idea if she was straight. Tallulah always disliked that about girls. She would always hear guys saying that girls are confusing, and they were completely right. She was confused if Poppy was into her, and if she should take the risk and just tell Poppy about her feelings. Tallulah just wanted to make sure she didn't loose Poppy.
Tallulah contemplated. If she told Poppy and she didn't reciprocate feelings then everything between them would be awkward and they might loose each other as friends. On the flip side, if Poppy liked her too then they could go out, but what if Poppy wasn't  ready to let the world know who she hypothetically could be?
Tallulah didn't know what to do. She had experienced crushes on girls before, but she had never officially dated one. The only thing she knew for sure is that she wanted Poppy.
   That week in chemistry class Tallulah couldn't help but think that Poppy was flirting with her. Whenever Tallulah said something that wasn't even that funny, Poppy was dying of laughter. Poppy would compliment her about something every day and she hoped that Poppy didn't notice her blushing. Poppy would even hug her after school. Tallulah also could've sworn that she saw Poppy wink at her on Wednesday as she walked by her in the hallway. Tallulah was so flustered after that she almost walked into a wall.
   On Friday, the two of them were working on a lab in chemistry and they both reached for the same beaker. Their hands touched and Tallulah was so startled that she dropped the beaker and it broke. Mrs. Hayes was not pleased and their punishment was staying after class to clean up after everyone. Mrs. Hayes told them that she had a meeting for the next hour and that the girls could leave when they were done.
Tallulah began to pick up the bigger pieces of glass when she accidentally cut her finger. It started bleeding and Poppy got her a band aid and carefully put in on the wound. After that, they decided to sweep up the mess instead.
Poppy started playing music on her phone and was dancing around with a broom when she grabbed Tallulah's hand and pulled her in to dance with her.
   The two girls danced among the shards of broken glass without a care in the world. Then a slower song, "Happiness" by Rex Orange County, came on. Tallulah's heart was racing and her cheeks were burning. Poppy put down the broom and looked at Tallulah.
I'll be the one that stays 'till the end
And I'll be the one that needs you again
   Poppy wrapped her arms around Tallulah's neck. Tallulah was stunned. She stared into Poppy's gray eyes and she pulled her closer and rested her hands on her hips. Every sway of her body made Tallulah become more aware of the situation. It was really happening, she was dancing with Poppy Adler.
   Poppy rested her head on Tallulah's shoulder and Tallulah held her close. The piano faded out and as the song came to an end, Poppy looked up at Tallulah. The two girls stared at each other and then leaned in.
   Tallulah didn't know how to the describe the kiss. The only word she could think of was soft. The soft blush color on Poppy's cheeks, the softness of her hair, and the softness of her lips. Everything about her was just soft.
"Wait," Tallulah pulled away, "So you... you like me right? I'm not imagining this am I?"
Poppy didn't say anything, she just smiled and pulled her in for another kiss.