Secrets And Lies

Isabella couldn't help but replay the events of the other night repeatedly in her head. Never had she imagined herself reminiscing about a moment shared with the school's playboy and football team captain. The whole experience felt surreal.

A blush crept up her cheeks, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she recalled their night - especially those heated, almost frantic kisses they shared. Her body warmed at the memory, and she couldn't shake the feeling - like it lingered on her skin.

When she got home, her mom and Azaura were already asleep. The following morning, Isabella couldn't help but share every detail of her night with her mom, who was practically vibrating with excitement as Isabella filled her in. Like the fan girl she was, her mom squealed at every little detail, especially when Isabella showed her the photo strip from the booth.

She had only seen those photos for the first time that morning. The sight of them - the two of them together, smiling, laughing - still caused her stomach to flip in ways she wasn't prepared for. And just like last night, her heart raced a little at the images.

Her mom leaned in, resting her elbows on the table, hands folded beneath her chin, eyes sparkling with mischief. "¿Cómo fue?" she asked with a sly grin. "So, how was it?"

Isabella wasn't embarrassed. Her mom was more than a parent; she was like her best friend, someone she could talk to without judgment. "Honestly," Isabella began, hesitating just a bit before she let the words spill out, "I felt like I could let my guard down a little. Like, I was vulnerable with him in a way that felt... natural. Our conversations just flowed, you know? It wasn't awkward at all."

Her mom's eyes softened with a warm smile. "I'm really glad you're putting yourself out there again, Izzy. You're young - enjoy your youth while you can."

Isabella poked at her salad absentmindedly, her mind still wandering back to last night. "Yeah, I don't know, Ma. I just think this was a one-time thing. I'm not looking for anything serious right now."

Even as she said the words, a part of her couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she should stay away from Amari. The night had been unexpected, and despite how much fun they had, there was something about him that made her uneasy. It wasn't just the rumours or the warnings from Samantha and her friends - though they had been more than enough to raise a red flag. It was the way he looked at her, the mystery in his eyes, and the way that damn smirk of his made her feel off-balance.

Isabella knew that she couldn't let herself get drawn into anything with him. She had told him it was a one-time thing, just to get him off her back, and she intended to stick to that. It was easy to tell herself that she could forget it had ever happened. But the more she thought about it, the more the nagging feeling grew stronger.

And then, of course, there was the whole Emily situation. The rumours of their past together - it was enough to make Isabella want to steer clear of him for good. If she had any doubts before, those were enough to solidify her resolve.

Looking back on it, she probably should've been better at controlling the urge to kiss him in that photo booth. But what was done was done. No need to dwell on it now.

Did she regret that it happened? No, she didn't but she couldn't allow it to happen again.

Isabella shook her head slightly, trying to push the thoughts aside. She had made up her mind. It was just one night, and it would stay that way. She wasn't looking for anything more.

In a matter of minutes, the food court became bustling with the steady influx of shoppers from the surrounding mall. Isabella sighed inwardly - so much for their peaceful lunch. As if she could read her thoughts, her mom glanced over at her and asked, "Ready to go somewhere else?"