After our meal at the Courtyard Café, Avery went to her rehearsal, and Kalix and I returned to the Learning Commons to continue studying. Avery has been working hard on the winter showcase, which is only three nights away, right before our month-long winter break. I'm really excited for her.
"I'll be here studying either way," I tell Kalix, my eyes fixed on my Shakespeare notes. "So, whether he shows up or responds to my text after four hours, I'll be here for a while."
Kalix leans against the nearby table and says something to me, but I'm so immersed in studying Shakespeare's history and sonnets that I don't hear him clearly this time.
Kalix raises his voice, calling my name, "Isabella."
"Hm?" I mumble, stil
"You've got this, Avery. I mean, it's a music composition course, and you've been preparing for the showcase all semester," I encourage my best friend over the phone as I enter the building for my Philosophy final."Oh, it's not the music part I'm worried about. It's Wright's final. Music, I can handle. But Shakespeare? I'd rather dig my own grave," she replies, and I chuckle as I join the line of students outside the lecture hall I've been attending for the past three months."We still have a whole night before his exam, Avery. We won't let it get to us, right? We've been studying all week, on top of our other classes. So, after your final, meet me in our reserved study room at the Learning Commons. Tonight, we'll tackle interpreting Shakespeare's sonnets in our own words."
My hand instinctively reaches for the messy bun that has miraculously stayed on my head since this morning. I silently congratulate myself when I find a bobby pin and carefully insert it into the lock. Five seconds later, I hear the satisfying click of the lock turning, and I open the door to find Max sitting on the edge of his bed, his head in his hands. I step inside, close the door, and lock it again to prevent any interruptions during our conversation.Only then does Max look up to see me."Isabella, what are you doing here?" he asks, his gaze shifting between the bobby pin in my hand, the door, and then back to me. "And did you just pick the lock on my door?""Well, hello to you too, Captain Obvious," I reply, placing the bobby pin back in my hair. "And before you unleash your brilliant retorts, you didn't leave me much of a choice, did you?""Isabella," he sighs, bringing his fingers to his temple, indicating that my words are beginning to irritate him, much like his recent beha
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am Professor Tiboni, the Vice Chair of the Music department here at the University of the Philippines, and I extend a warm welcome to the university's forty-first annual winter showcase." Applause fills the room as the audience acknowledges the turnout. "Before we dive into the main events, I'd like to take a moment to express our gratitude to all the crucial contributors who have made this wonderful program possible throughout the years, starting with..." I zone out during Professor Tiboni's lengthy introduction, recalling the shorter version that Avery had informed me about not long ago.According to Avery, this year's winter program features twenty talented performers, all carefully selected by the top professors in the music department. Each student is required to present an original piece in front of the live audience, which includes the attendees currently seated or standing in front of Campbell Hall's winter-themed stage—Kalix and me inclu
The first week of winter break at home passed without a single word from Max, and it was challenging. It wasn't like Tessa and Hardin's tumultuous separation in the books, where they either gradually healed or completely fell apart. I didn't feel disappointed, which some say can be worse than anger. Instead, I found myself hoping that Max would have a revelation about what went wrong between us and that he would reach out to me first.However, as most of the second week rolled by, I realized that my hope was in vain. Nothing changed in those six days, except that Kalix, who had been initially nervous around my family, had grown more comfortable. The emptiness of not hearing from Max for twenty consecutive days didn't stop me from genuinely enjoying my time with my family, especially during Christmas. Their presence eased the pain, even though I knew it wouldn't completely go away without some form of closure.I tried not to dwell on it, but a conversation with my brother on the night
Looking at her, I realized something even more profound: even if Max and I don't make it through, I've gained valuable lessons from this experience. If our story ends prematurely, I'll still be okay, and everything will be fine."Of course not, Mom. Come here," Alex said, shifting his arm to make room for Mom to snuggle in beside him.Once she settled in, she reached for my free hand, interlocking her fingers with mine as she kissed the back of my hand. Alex planted a kiss on her head and then on mine."You two will always be the most important women in my life," he whispered contentedly. "Please, never forget that."The three of us eventually drifted into sleep, reliving cherished memories with smiles on our faces."Why do we always leave decorating to the last minute?" Henry groaned as the ten of us headed towards the two cars we were taking to Party City. Alex, Isaac, Caleb, Samuel, and Henry would ride in Alex's car, while Noah would drive Avery, Kalix, William, and me in his car.
"Alex, it's your turn to take out the trash!" I call out, struggling to be heard over the blaring "Can't Feel My Face" resonating from the speakers in the expansive Fayers' living room. My brother strolls into the kitchen moments later, snatching the pre-tied trash bags located next to the now-empty trash can."You missed something," he informs me, and I scan the kitchen to double-check if I overlooked anything. Even though my group and I aren't responsible for post-party cleanup, we're not exempt from helping out during the event."No, I didn't," I assert confidently after ensuring I've taken care of everything."Yes, you did.""Okay, Sherlock. What did I forget?""Yourself," he smirks, and I roll my eyes before ushering him out through the back door.As Alex heads toward the trash bins in the alley, I join the bustling living room just as Caleb pairs her phone with the speakers via Bluetooth. Besides our close-knit crew and their families, the Fayers have invited residents from both
Bonnie's impromptu plan pays off just about ten seconds later when Kalix tumbles backward onto the bed. However, instead of just having Bonnie in his arms, he inadvertently pulls Avery down with them. With both girls under each of his arms, all three of them burst into even more laughter, prompting the other kids in the room to hush them so they can hear the movie playing on the flat screen.Using our indoor voices, the five of us arrange ourselves on the bed, spending the next few minutes goofing around and chatting. I personally seize this opportunity to tease Bonnie and Elena about their earlier conversation with Kalix."So... which one of you likened me to a dirty lollipop?" I inquire, raising an eyebrow. I hide my smile when Elena's eyes suddenly widen."It was Bonnie, totally Bonnie," she immediately throws her best friend under the bus, causing Bonnie to look at her with a gasp."I did not!" Bonnie protests, turning to Elena in disbelief, who responds with a sheepish, apologeti
Does kissing Max's photo on my Home screen count?Nice one."I don't know. It'll be spontaneous as always," I reply with a nonchalant shrug. I immediately notice Avery's, Alex's, and Kalix's lingering gaze, but the others seem oblivious to the suspicious act.As the conversation in our little circle picks up again, I seize the opportunity to slip into the kitchen, craving another drink and, more importantly, some solitude."Desiring and needing are entirely different, though, Slayer," Buffy chimes in as my internal dictionary, right before I hear someone enter the kitchen from behind me."If it's Avery, I just need a minute. If it's Alex, you have nothing to worry about. And if it's some random stranger who's crashed the party, the bathroom is just down the hall and to your right," I say before downing my shot of tequila in one gulp."What if it's the best friend of the pain in the ass you've been missing like crazy lately?" I turn around to find Kalix leaning against the kitchen arch
Isabella "Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of our very own Isabella Vega and Max Blackwell," Father Raffaele begins as soon as the choir finishes off the song. Words can't describe how I felt when I first heard it playing behind the closed doors. Max has really outdone himself this time."In the years they have been together, both on and off - we all chuckle to that - "their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife." A few 'about time's' fire through the crowd, making us chuckle some more.Soon after, Father Raffaele announces that Max and I will be reciting our vows to one another, motioning for Max to begin with his. My man clears his throat ever so vigorously, earning his overdramatic ass another round of chuckles from the rest of us before he briefly turns to Father Raffaele."Sorry in advance, Father," Max warns him, and then he turn
MaxI only saw her ten minutes ago, but damn, my jaw still drops when the chapel doors open, revealing her in all her glory. I proudly watch as my mother-in-law and brother-in-law join her on each side, slowly walking her down the aisle. What makes me smile even more is the moment Isabella's already beautiful face lights up in recognition at the song I've chosen for the processional. She's absolutely breathtaking, in every sense of the word.I could go on describing the details of the goddess walking towards me, but given that my dick is already as solid as a rock and we're inside a church, I'd rather spare all the witnesses here the image of me ejaculating on the spot. So, for the sake of all the guests, especially Father Raffaelem, who happens to be standing closest to me, let me just stop at she's absolutely breathtaking.Her arrival at the altar can't come fast enough. As the agonizing distance between us gets shorter with each ascending step, I take a moment to revisit some of ou
Isabella"Come on, Isabella, get a grip!" I scold my nerves, taking another swig of the bottle without letting any tequila spill on my expensive dress. I wipe the liquid from the side of my mouth with the back of my hand. "Why are you so nervous? It's just a wedding, and it's Max. He'd laugh if he saw you like this."Girl, if you don't calm down..., Buffy interjects, breaking through my nervous thoughts. Your back-and-forth pacing is giving MY conscience's conscience a headache. I take a deep breath before another swig. Pull yourself together! Max is probably as calm as ever while you're freaking out for no reason!As I'm about to bring the bottle to my lips again, a determined knock on the door interrupts me. Damn it! Where's a packet of Sour Patch Kids when you need one?"It's unlocked," I call out, turning around to take one last gulp. The door creaks open and closes, but the visitor remains silent. Then I hear the lock turning, slowly."Alex, if this is one of your lame attempts t
Isabella "Are you alright, bro?" I inquire as I approach Alex on the porch swing of the Carters' old house."I've never been better," he replies, patting the seat beside him. "I just wanted to talk. Even though we FaceTime every night, it's never quite the same as being together in person.""I completely understand," I say, taking a seat next to him and resting my head on his shoulder. He rests his head on top of mine, and we stay like this for a while before he breaks the silence."Do you remember that time when you tried to be Spider-Woman and fell down the stairs?" He asks suddenly, instantly bringing a smile to my face. "You scraped your knee, but you didn't want Mom to find out because you knew she would scold you for not being careful. So instead, you came to me, begging me to fix the cut before she came home.""Yes," I chuckle softly. "I think I was around seven years old, right?""Seven and three months," he responds with a soft chuckle of his own. "And then there was the tim
~Five Weeks Later-MaxAfter five years of living on and off with Isabella, you might think I'd grow tired of waking up before her, but no, not at all. Despite both of us not being morning people, the days when I'm up before noon are special because I get to wake up my fiancée. The mere thought of our new reality makes me smile like a lunatic.With that smile on my face, I grab a coffee tray filled with Isabella's typical breakfast and head down the hall to the master bedroom. Once inside, I place the tray on a nightstand before slowly hovering over Isabella's sexy sleeping figure. Knowing she doesn't wake up when I initially touch her, I let my fingers graze her waist as I slide the silky covers off her bare body.She's always been breathtaking, from the moment I first laid eyes on her. Starting with her right leg, bent at the knee, I position myself over it and begin to kiss every inch of her, starting at her toes.My lips move up her sole to her heel, gradually reaching her calf, t
~At the Penthouse Suite~IsabellaUpon returning to the penthouse suite with our bags of groceries, Max poses a question."What did the savage mother say to her son when he informed her that his girlfriend was pregnant?" he inquires as we enter, closing the door behind us."You should've used protection?" I jest."Good one, but no," he chuckles. "She instead apologized, asking him who the father was.""Daaammmnnn," I laugh, conceding that it was one of the better jokes. Surprisingly, our banter, initiated at the grocery store, continues to be amusing. "Alright, my turn," I say, placing my bags on the expansive kitchen island. "To make this scenario work, I'll play the mother, and you'll be the son. We'll engage in a short conversation about you seeking permission to hang out with your girlfriend. Other than that, your responses won't impact mine much, so feel free to unleash that creative mind of yours.""Sounds good," he chuckles, depositing his bags on the island. "Ready when you ar
After a few seconds, Caleb thanks Max for something simple, even though my boyfriend just stated the obvious. Hopefully, Caleb won't feel the need to hide himself after tonight."You can thank us both by asking that Jaxon kid out," Max suggests, handing Caleb a hundred-dollar bill."Okay, forget what I said about Caleb being irresistible; he's beyond that. I can't find words to describe the guy I'm sitting on, who doesn't realize he's making Caleb's night."Caleb, feeling shy and surprised, tries to return the money. He thinks it's too much, but Max insists and places it in Caleb's shirt pocket."I wasn't asking," Max states firmly, ending further discussion.Caleb breathes out in disbelief, scratching his head in embarrassment. "Thanks, man. I mean, I don't know what else to tell you," he says, shrugging helplessly.Max smirks, silently signaling Caleb not to worry. With a nod and an appreciative smile, Caleb goes back inside, probably to find Jaxon and ask him out.Turning to Max, h
Later That Day"Five more minutes, I promise," I call back, securing the last bobby pin to keep my wild hair in check. I'll be surprised if they manage to hold anything given where we're headed tonight, but hey, I'm too lazy to take them out now."Take your time, I'll be in the living room!"Once I've tucked away the last bobby pin in who knows where, I check myself in the mirror one final time before joining Max."Sorry I took so long," I grimace when I find him on the couch engrossed in Real Housewives of Atlanta."No worries, ba—" His words vanish into thin air the moment his eyes land on me. I can't help but smile when they're replaced with a groan as he bites his fist."How does it look?" I ask, walking over to the door to slip on my white Converse."Like I'm not going to last long tonight," he replies smoothly, turning off the TV to stand up and join me at the door. "Holy fuck, I'm the luckiest motherfucker alive."Melting in his arms when he kisses my forehead, I thank my lucky
~Friday, February 14, 2025 - Valentine's Day in Santa BarbaraIsabellaMax and I reached Santa Barbara last night, opting to reserve a penthouse suite for a private Valentine's Day weekend. Yesterday involved exploring the city where our paths first crossed, but tonight promises an entirely different level of intimacy.The evening kicks off with the comical Valentine's Day cards we exchange..."Why am I not surprised?" I chuckle at Max's card, shaking my head at his cheeky sense of humor."Oh, please," he retorts, "like yours is any better." He displays the card I gave him, eliciting another round of laughter."Touché, touché," I concede, winking as I delve into the heartfelt note inside.Here's my love, take it.Here's my soul, use it.Wait a minute....Completing the remainder of the message, I smirk as my initial suspicion is confirmed.I glance up to find Max beaming at me proudly."What? Did it render you speechless with its brilliance?" He playfully raises his eyebrows."You cam