The morning shines brightly, and Isabela can't stop smiling when she wakes up. She never thought that she already has a boyfriend.
She stretches lazily, hugging her pillow as the memory of last night comes rushing back—the way he laughed, the way he looked at her, like she was the only person in the world that mattered. Her cheeks warm instantly, and she buries her face into the blanket, letting out a soft, giddy squeal.
"Is this really happening?" she whispers to herself.
Her phone buzzes on the bedside table, breaking her little moment. She quickly reaches for it, her heart fluttering when she sees his name on the screen.
"How was your sleep? I can't wait to see you," Theodore texted.
"I slept well. See you later," she replied.
She headed downstairs and noticed Sylvia in the dining area getting breakfast ready. After a few months of living together, she had come to see that Sylvia was kind, and that her father was happy.
"Where's Dad?" she asked.
Sylvia was taken aback by Isabela's words, as it was the first time she had ever spoken to her.
"He'll be coming downstairs in a minute; you can start eating first," Sylvia replied.
Isabela enjoyed the meal. It was a relief that, even though her mom was no longer with them, her dad had someone to look after him.
"Good morning, sweetheart. You must be happy today," her dad said as he came in.
"Of course, Dad! I already have a boyfriend," she replied with a smile.
Her father was taken aback by the news, as this was the first time Isabela had ever had a boyfriend.
"Really? So, when will you introduce him?" her dad asked.
"Soon, Dad," she replied.
After eating, she went back to her bedroom to decide what to wear tonight. Theodore would be performing at the Events Place. As she sifted through her clothes, her phone buzzed. It was her friend calling.
"Isabela, you better tell me what's going on," Lindsay said from the line.
Isabela just laughed when she heard her friend's voice. She told her everything that had happened, and Lindsay could hardly believe it.
"What?!" Lindsay practically shrieked. "I can't believe it… the most popular guy in school is your boyfriend?!"
Isabela giggled. "Yep. Can you believe it?"
"Ugh, I'm so jealous! You better not mess this up," Lindsay teased.
"I won't. Hey, you should come watch Theodore at the event tonight," Isabela added.
"Seriously? I'd love to!" Lindsay replied. "Can't wait to see this in action."
"I'll save you a front-row spot," Isabela promised, grinning.
The night air carries a cool edge, and the streetlights spill a soft, amber glow over the restless crowd. Isabela and Lindsay slip through the crowd, hearts racing. Laughter and whispered conversations ripple around them, blending with the faint, tantalizing strum of a guitar from behind the stage curtains.
Finally, they reach the front of the venue. The stage is drenched in golden light, sharp and commanding, as if summoning every eye toward it. Theodore stands poised, fingers brushing the microphone, giving his band a brief, confident nod.
"This is Theo's event but Theodore? Where is he?" Lindsay's voice wavered slightly.
Lindsay had no clue Isabela had never told her that Theodore and Theo were the same. Theo stepped onto the stage, his face hidden beneath a hat and mask seen by no one but Isabela. As the final song echoed through the hall, time seemed to pause. Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he lifted his hat and peeled away the mask, revealing his face and leaving everyone in stunned silence.
"Oh my gosh, it was Theodore! Isabela, I can't believe it!" Lindsay exclaimed.
Isabela just smiled. After the event, they waited for Theodore at the backdoor.
"Hey," Theodore said, and kissed Isabela on the forehead.
"Hey there! I see someone's getting cozy," Lindsay said, raising an eyebrow.
"Lindsay, you can come with us, right, love?" Isabela said
"Yes, of course. Let's eat," Theodore replied.
After reaching the restaurant, they began ordering food. They glanced through the menu, debating over their choices while sharing recommendations with each other. Soon, the waiter arrived, and one by one, they placed their orders, excited to enjoy the meal together.
Once she had finished eating, Lindsay decided to head out.
"Alright, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone. Enjoy your meal!" Lindsay said.
"Thanks for the treat, Theodore. Take care of my friend—or I'll haunt you. Not effectively, but persistently," Lindsay added.
The couple just smiled, trying not to laugh at Lindsay's "threat," clearly deciding it was safer to just go along with it.
After their meal, they strolled into the park, hands intertwined, savoring the quiet intimacy of each other's presence. The cool breeze brushed against their faces, carrying the scent of fresh grass and the soft rustle of leaves. Noticing Isabela shiver slightly, Theodore slipped off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders, his eyes meeting hers with a warmth that needed no words.
"Thank you," Isabela said and smiled.
Theodore drove her home. They were happy spending time together. Before Isabela got out of the car, she kissed Theodore on the cheek and said goodbye. Time seemed to pause as he held her hand firmly, his eyes searching hers. Then, with a tender, deliberate motion, he leaned in and kissed her. It was soft, yet electric—a kiss that left them both breathless, suspended in a moment neither wanted to end.