The old lady tapped her arm gently. "Guess it's a boy, isn't it?" she asked with a knowing smile.
Ava stiffened slightly, hesitant to answer at first. But the woman leaned closer, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I was your age when I went on my very first date," she said, pausing for effect. "And do you know what I learned?"
Ava shook her head, curiosity tingling in her chest.
"That a little nervousness is part of the magic," the woman said softly. "A flutter in your stomach, a racing heart… that's how you know it's real. But most importantly," she continued, her voice gentle and wise, "just enjoy it. Don't overthink every little detail. Sometimes, the most romantic moments are the ones you least expect."
Ava smiled, feeling a strange sense of calm wash over her. Maybe the old lady was right. Tonight wasn't just a dinner. It was the start of something new, something exciting. And she was finally ready to let herself feel it.
We chatted a little more on the bus, our conversation light and filled with playful teasing, until it finally came to a stop. "I guess this is goodbye for now," I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. She nodded, flashing that effortless grin that made my stomach do backflips, and then I stepped off the bus.
When I got home, the living room was warm and familiar. Dad was already there, sitting comfortably on the couch, and Mom was curled up next to him. "Hey, honey, you're back," Mom said, smiling. I went over and pecked both of them on the cheek before heading upstairs.
Being an only child in an average but loving family had its perks I got almost anything I wanted growing upbut there was always this quiet emptiness I couldn't shake. All I truly wanted was someone to love, someone to look forward to seeing every day. Tonight, maybe that was about to change.
I opened my room, the soft pink walls and girly decorations making it feel cozy and uniquely mine. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, catching the shimmer of my shelves and little trinkets, but suddenly I realized how hungry I was. I went downstairs, grabbed a sandwich, and then headed back up.
Next on my agenda: the outfit. I called Gabriella on video chat, needing her honest opinion to navigate my wardrobe crisis. "How about this one?" I asked, holding up a dress.
"Umm… too much," Gabriella said, rolling her eyes.
I sighed dramatically. "Fine, how about this one?" I held up a black dress with long sleeves.
"Black? Really? It's not a funeral, Ava," Gabriella teased, her grin wide on the screen.