The day spent with Grandma Jo was comforting. It was exactly what I needed after spending the last twenty-four hours stuck in my thoughts.Her warm, wrinkled hand rested on mine as we strolled through the garden behind her house. I loved it back here and it's grown so much more since I was a child.I could tell that Grandma Jo spent a lot of time back here, caring for all of her flowers.The late afternoon sun created long shadows across the grassy lawn, and the scent of blooming flowers filled the air. It was all you could ever need to unwind.The rose bushes in the center of the garden were my favorite. There were varying shades of red and pink, bringing a vibrance to the surrounding area.Although I could lay out here for hours and soak in nature, I found myself constantly anxious about the information I had learned.As we walked, I couldn't help but think about what I'd read about wolfless conditions and how it might affect me. My mind was full of questions and concerns, and I nee
The following morning, I stood in my room as Grandma Jo handed me a dainty white dress decorated with delicate pink roses.It reminded me so much of the rose bushes in Grandma Jo’s garden.My eyes lit up as I held it up to admire the crafted details. When Grandma Jo suggested I wear one of her old dresses, I thought it'd be outdated, but this was beautifully timeless."Oh, Grandma Jo, it's so pretty!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I bet you looked lovely in this when you were my age."Grandma Jo chuckled warmly, and it looked as if her eyes were twinkling with fond memories. "Oh, it's been so long since I could fit in that. You can keep it. I'm glad you like it, dear. It was my favorite dress back then, and I hope it brings you as much joy as it brought me.""I'm sure it will. Thank you so much. I love it." Unable to contain my excitement and happiness, I hugged Grandma Jo tightly.She squeezed me just as tightly back. Then she reached for a pair of heels, "
"What do you mean this is a date?" I asked Lucas, feeling a mix of confusion."I mean that I wanted to take you out, properly," Lucas said. "I wanted it to mean more. I wanted it to be real. A real date."My heart fluttered with excitement as Lucas's words sank in.We were on a date, an actual date, in this beautiful restaurant with its romantic atmosphere. I felt a rush of emotions, a combination of happiness and anticipation."Lucas," I stammered, unable to hide my delight, "I can't believe you planned all of this just for me. Why didn't you say something earlier?""I don't know." He rubbed a hand behind his neck. "I didn't know what your reaction would be if I told you, it was a bit more serious than a casual hang out.""I would've loved it either way," I confessed.He smiled, his eyes holding a warmth that made my heart skip a beat. "I wanted today to be special, Shana. You mean a lot to me, and I thought it was about time we had a real date.""Well, Lucas." I couldn't stop smilin
As Lucas and I drove to the cabin, the atmosphere inside the car was filled with a peculiar tension.Usually, the air between us was fun and relaxed. Nothing ever felt uncomfortable with Lucas, but right now. Uncertain was the perfect word for what I was feeling.After our dinner, it felt as if we weren't used to this new shift in our relationship dynamics. It had left both of us feeling a bit nervous in each other's presence.I would find myself stealing glances at him from the corner of my eye, wondering if he was thinking the same thing.It almost felt ridiculous. It felt as if we were middle schoolers, afraid of holding hands or making any moves.I don't know why we were making everything so tense and serious.Eventually, the awkwardness became too much, and we both burst into laughter at the same time. The tension evaporated immediately, and Lucas turned to me."God, why are we being so awkward?""I don't know!" I laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "This is so...""
Lucas's lips were soft and warm as they melded against mine.But the kiss was over before I even had time to understand what was happening—Before I had a second to properly enjoy it.Lucas pulled himself back a few inches, keeping his head dipped and looking down at me through his lashes.I didn't let myself hesitate or question myself before pulling his face back to mine. My fingers gripped the collar of his shirt as I let our lips touch again. This time, I had a bit more control of the kiss.For a second, I think Lucas was stunned by my response to his kiss. But soon enough, he wrapped his arms around my waist and held me close to him.It was cold outside, but Lucas's body was keeping me warm. Mixed with the feel of hips lips on mine, I almost melted in his arms.His first kiss was sweet and gentle, but this second kiss was more curious and excited. One of Lucas's hands came to cradle the back of my head, and I tilted my neck to allow him more access.With every press and pull of hi
Suddenly, Lucas took full control, flipping me onto my back. I gasped, surprised by his quick movements.He was above me now and his elbows rested on either side of my head.He pressed his body weight against mine and it felt amazing.The two of us were breathing much heavier now."Is this what you want?" Lucas asked, his warm breath ghosting over my lips.I felt my throat dry as I looked up at him. From this angle and position, his eyes appeared brighter than usual.My eyes trailed over his features, relishing in this moment and forcing myself to remember every single little detail."Shana?" Lucas nudged his nose against mine gently. "I'm going to need you to use your words.""I want you to kiss me," I managed to get the words out, feeling bold.Lucas didn't hesitate. He dipped his head down and allowed his lips to meet mine.This time, I was more hungry for his kiss. Our mouths moved feverishly as we explored each other's mouths.I moved my hands up to run my fingers through his hai
Lucas and I woke up early the next morning because we had to leave the cabin to head to school.It was difficult to peel myself away from the bed. I wanted to rest in bed all day. I wanted to cocoon myself in the warmth and comfort of Lucas's arms.After what the two of us shared last night, I feared I'd never be able to sleep as peacefully ever again.I was surprised to find out that Lucas hadn't let me go all night. We had slept next to each other soundly.But as much as I wanted to live in the memories of yesterday, Monday was calling for us to start our week.Lucas drove us back to Grandma Jo's house. For the entire car ride, Lucas held my hand in his and used his other hand to steer.Even this felt nice. Just us being close to one another and soaking in each other's company.I felt so much closer to him now. He had suddenly started to feel like an extension of myself, as absurd as that sounds.But... there was still something that Lucas and I hadn't fully discussed. We had both a
The car ride to school after Grandma Jo's incredible breakfast was tense, to say the least.During breakfast, Grandma Jo had wasted no time in grilling the two of us on every little detail.I knew she was only looking out for us, and wanted to make sure we were really in this relationship for each other.“Is this a temporary thing?” she asked. “Or are the two of you serious about each other?”“Grandma, don’t worry,” Lucas had said. “I’m not just with Shana for a short time. I’m taking this very seriously.”“Good, you better be.” Grandma Jo nodded. “Shana is a great girl. She’s always been there for you, and life isn’t fair towards her. Just like it isn’t fair to you sometimes.”“I’m here for Lucas, too.” I glanced at Lucas with a smile. “I know it seems sudden, but we really like each other. We want to make this work.”Grandma Jo studied the two of us for a second before smiling. “Well then, I’m happy for the two of you. Now eat up! Or your food will get cold. Chop chop!”Grandma Jo’s