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The birds chirped outside, signaling the beginning of a new day, and a new chapter in Isabel's life.
As she lay beside Josie, she couldn't help but stare at her, marveling at how peaceful she looked. A few bruises and cuts marked her skin, but she remained beautiful, inside and out.
Isabel felt an overwhelming surge of happiness every time she looked at her, so intense that tears threatened to well up in her eyes. She was utterly captivated.
It puzzled Isabel why she felt such a profound connection with Josie. They had known each other for such a short time, yet it felt as though they had been intertwined throughout their entire lives.
Josie noticed things about Isabel that even her mother was unaware of. She listened to her, making Isabel feel deserving of love and happiness – something Josie had given her in the brief time they'd known each other.
Isabel's eyes wandered around Josie's room, taking in the vivid traces of her personality splattered across the walls and furniture. A TMNT poster, a collection of comics, old vintage VHS tapes, and an unfinished Lego set in the corner.
Isabel marveled at the freedom Josie and PJ enjoyed in their lives. Though it was sad to think that years of bullying had brought them to this point, where they cared little about the world's judgments, it was also liberating in a way. In the process, they had discovered their true selves and embraced it wholeheartedly.
In contrast, Isabel had spent her entire life contending with expectations. Expectations from her mother, her now ex-boyfriend, her school, and even the entire community. She was from one of Rockbridge Falls most prominent families and had to embody that image, according to her family.
Always punctual.
Never a hair out of place.
No hoodies in public.
Always the perfect girlfriend.
Always smiling, even if it never reached her eyes.
She suffered in silence, not hiding, but just deciding not to share anything with anyone, except her best friend.
When she was twelve, Brittany and her were watching “The Mummy”.
Brittany couldn’t stop talking about Brendan Fraser and how dreamy he was, Isabel agreed with her but she kept quiet about the fact that she was also looking at Rachel Weisz.
Brittany had been her safe haven, never judging or making her feel inadequate or imperfect. Until Josie came along, Brittany had been the only one with whom Isabel could be herself.
"Isabel, why are you wearing those awful sweatpants?" her mother asked.
"Brittany's here, and we're having a movie night. I just wanted to be comfortable," Isabel rolled her eyes.
"But why do you have to look like that? You always have to be presentable for visitors, you know that."
"Hurry up with the popcorn and move your ass! I'm pressing play in a minute!" Brittany's voice echoed from the living room, rescuing Isabel from her mother's disapproving gaze.
Her mother never liked Brittany because she didn't fawn over her like everyone else did.
"You should have invited Jeff," her mother commented.
"Mom, I think Jeff is cheating on me again," Isabel confessed quietly.
"What was that?" Her mother was engrossed in her phone, paying no attention to her daughter.
"Nothing, Mom. Goodnight," Isabel sighed.
She returned to Brittany with a serious expression.
"Your mom?" Brittany simply asked.
Isabel nodded slightly, and Brittany wrapped her arms around her.
"Come on, let's watch 'The Mummy 2' with Rachel Weisz and her improved eyebrows. It'll cheer you up,".
Isabel laughed and hugged her friend.
Josie stirred in bed, letting out a groan. After the Huntington fight, they had come back to Josie's house, staying up talking and making out until sleep overcame them.
"Morning," Isabel greeted her with a soft smile.
"Morning, and sorry about all that groaning. My back is killing me from carrying stupid Jeff," Josie replied.
"Want me to make you forget about the pain?" Isabel asked.
Josie froze, and Isabel giggled. She loved teasing her.
"You're cute," she said, giving Josie a chaste kiss.
"How long have you been up?" Josie inquired.
"A while, but I didn't want to wake you."
"So, you just stared at me the whole time? That's some creepy behavior, ma'am," Josie teased.
"Oh yeah? How about someone making up a whole fight club just so she could have sex with a cheerleader?" Isabel playfully remarked.
Josie fell silent, a sad frown forming on her face as she sat up against the headboard.
"Isabel, I'm really, really sorry, I—"
"Stop," Isabel interrupted gently. "I was kidding. Sorry for joking about that. You know I'm okay, and I forgave you."
Isabel shifted her position, sitting next to Josie and taking her hands in her own.
"Look, Josie, I know your intentions are good, and I feel so much for you. Sometimes, I feel like I can't breathe when you look at me, like I'm floating or something."
A timid, shy laugh escaped her lips and she caressed Josie's hands, her cheeks tinged with a blush.
“All my life I’ve had expectations from everyone, I had everyone lied to me, even my own sister slept with fucking Jeff! I’ve just gotten used to the idea of not expecting anything from anyone and just taking whatever kind of appreciation I could get. That was enough for me. And even though you lied to me and hurt me...”
Josie sadly frowned, guilt washing over her. Isabel noticed this and squeezed her hands.
“You were the first person in my life who apologized and took responsibility for her actions, and I believe you, Josie. I truly believe you.” Isabel said. "I have never felt like this for anyone," she whispered while getting closer to Josie and closing the gap between them with a deep kiss.
"You have no idea how happy you make me, Isabel. This feels like something out of my dreams. Like I can't believe you're here with me in my dorky room, sharing a bed with me."
"I know how happy you are because I'm just as happy with you at your side. Thanks for making that fight club," Isabel teased.
"Anything for you, m'lady," Josie replied with that big smile that always made Isabel get butterflies.
“Wanna go have breakfast?” Isabel asked while getting off bed and putting one of Josie’s shirts.
“Yes! I’m starving,” Josie said getting up and starting to look for her shoes.
“Great, I’m dying for some pancakes. We can go to my house later and burn the calories off,” she added a wink before turning and leaving Josie flustered and short-circuiting behind her.