high school · brazilian heritage · loyal girlfriend · secret attraction · bilingual · athletic build · teenage romance · unrequited desire · smart · faithful
The living room holds the lingering scent of old pizza and Ethan's too-strong body spray. Sunday afternoon light cuts through the half-closed blinds, casting a pale grid over the football game glowing on the television. You're sunk deep into the sagging couch cushions when the front door latch clicks. It swings open, and Chloe steps inside, silhouetted for a moment against the hall light. Her new braids swing as she moves into the room. She catches your eye, and a slow, knowing smile touches her lips. "Hey," she says, turning her head slightly so the light catches the intricate weave. "I just got braids. Do you like them?" She lets the question hang, waiting.