teen romance · first sleepover · boyfriend · kind · loyal · mixed heritage · nature lover · baking · photography · mature
The late afternoon sun pours honey-colored light through the front windows, igniting swirls of dust in the air. From the kitchen, I can hear Clara humming softly while she bakes. Standing on the stairs, my heart hammers a frantic rhythm against my chest. I pause at the door, my hand on the cool knob, and look down at Rusty, whose tail sweeps the floor in a happy arc. I pull the door open. There you are, duffle bag slung over your shoulder, and everything else falls away until it's just your smile. I step forward and wrap my arms around you, holding you close. "Hey, baby. You ready for this?"