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ISADORA WAS UNDENIABLY NERVOUS.

She never expected to be going on a date with Billy, but the blend of excitement and anxiety made her pulse race in a way she had never experienced before. The thought of spending time with him had her heart fluttering uncontrollably, and she couldn't shake off the feeling that this was a pivotal moment in her life. As she stood in front of the mirror, Isadora let out a soft sigh, running her fingers through her hair, her mind a whirlwind of uncertainty as she debated whether she liked her chosen outfit. All she knew was that she was going out with Billy, but the destination and plans remained a mystery, heightening her anticipation. After a long deliberation that felt more like an eternity, she settled on a pair of well-fitted jeans, a light pink t-shirt, and her favourite denim jacket—an outfit that struck the perfect balance between casual and cute, embodying both her personality and her hopes for the evening.

Just as she finished fixing her hair into loose waves, Isadora heard a knock echo through the house, jolting her back to reality. She quickly grabbed her handbag, her stomach twisting in knots of excitement and nerves. After slipping her lip gloss inside, she took a deep breath, trying to steady herself before opening the door, reminding herself to act cool and collected, even if she felt anything but.

When she finally opened it, a radiant smile broke across her face at the sight of Billy standing there, a bouquet of flowers in his hands. The sight of him, with his tousled hair and charming grin, made her heart skip a beat and her breath hitch in her throat.

"Hi," Isadora greeted, her voice a mix of shyness and excitement, as if the word itself carried a weight of significance.

"Hi! I got these for you," Billy said, extending the flowers toward her, a hint of nervousness in his own demeanour. "I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I hope these are okay. Wow, you look hot."

Isadora rolled her eyes playfully, unable to suppress the laughter that escaped her lips as she accepted the flowers, feeling a warm blush creeping up her cheeks. They were clearly freshly picked, with a few leaves still attached and the sweet, earthy scent of the garden wafting from them, but she appreciated the gesture nonetheless. It was a small token, but it meant a lot.

"Thanks for the flowers—and the, um, compliment. You don't look too bad yourself," she replied sweetly, her heart racing as she carried the flowers into the kitchen to find a vase. The sight of the cheerful blooms lifted her spirits further, and she turned back to him, her face lighting up. "Sunflowers are my favourite flowers."

"I'll remember that for next time," Billy replied, his gaze warm and sincere. Isadora beamed at him, her heart fluttering with happiness, but then suddenly felt a pang of guilt for sounding ungrateful.

"They're really pretty, and I do love them. So, where are we going tonight?" she asked, eager to shift the conversation and move away from her moment of uncertainty.

"You'll see soon," Billy teased, his eyes scanning the room and noticing the absence of anyone else in the house. "Are your parents ever home?"

"Uh, yeah, sure," Isadora shrugged, her gaze dropping to the counter. She didn't want to delve into family matters right now; it was a topic that left her feeling vulnerable and exposed, like peeling back a layer she wasn't ready to share.

"Is?" he prodded gently, sensing her hesitation.

"Let's get going, shall we?" she interjected, her tone firm but playful. Billy nodded, his expression understanding as he followed her outside. As she walked past him toward the door, she couldn't help but ask, "So, where are we going?"

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, Love," Billy smirked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Fine, but I'm curious," Isadora insisted, locking the door behind her. She turned around, her heart fluttering at the sound of him calling her "Love." It was a nickname she could get used to, and the endearment sent a thrill through her.

As they made their way to his car, Isadora spotted Billy's sunglasses resting on the dashboard. In a burst of confidence, she playfully snatched them up, grinning as she slipped them on, revelling in the daring move.

"What are you doing, Princess?" Billy raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes as he watched her.

"I think they make me look pretty cool," Isadora replied, checking her reflection in the rearview mirror, adjusting the shades just right, and feeling a spark of daring.

"I think they suit me better," he countered, crossing his arms with a mock-serious expression that made her giggle.

"Oh, no way. They definitely look better on me," she declared with a grin, the light banter filling her with a sense of ease that she desperately needed.

Billy chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Alright, you win this round, but I'll have to reclaim them later."

Setting the sunglasses down, Isadora turned to him with excitement bubbling inside her. "Hey, did I tell you we got an A+ on our project?"

"What?" Billy's surprise was evident as he looked over at her, genuinely impressed.

"On the project... we got an A+," she repeated, unable to contain her excitement, her eyes sparkling.

"And?" Billy prompted, raising an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued.

"Come on, can't you at least pretend to be happy? You didn't have to do any of the work—I did it all!" she exclaimed, her voice playfully accusatory as she nudged his shoulder.

"If it doesn't matter now because it's graded, why are you even bringing it up? I was going to do my part, Isadora," he replied, feigning offence but unable to hide his amusement.

"I... I guess you're right, but I thought you'd want to know, and I don't totally believe you were going to do your part," Isadora shot back, her eyes glinting with playful challenge, enjoying their familiar banter.

"I'm offended, Princess," Billy said, holding a hand to his chest in mock betrayal, feigning shock.

"Please, as if you were actually going to help. You told me yourself that you were just using the project as an excuse to talk to me," she reminded him, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

"That—"

"Is the truth, Hargrove, and we both know it," Isadora chimed, her laughter infectious, the sound brightening the atmosphere between them.

"I was going to help, Is," he insisted, though his tone was lighthearted, and she could see the truth in his eyes.

"Uh-huh, sure you were," she laughed, glancing out the window as Billy drove through Hawkins, their town whizzing by in a blur of colours.

As they approached the fairground, memories of summers spent at the Santa Monica Pier flooded her mind, eliciting a bittersweet smile. The laughter of her sister echoed in her thoughts, and Isadora blinked back tears, quickly pushing them aside. "The fair? We're going to the fair?"

"I hate these things, but I thought it could be fun," Billy admitted as he parked the car, his tone light but genuine.

"How can you hate the fair? They're so much fun! I used to go all the time," Isadora exclaimed, leading the way toward the entrance, her excitement bubbling over as she could feel the atmosphere of the fair enveloping them.

"You did? I figured you would like it," Billy said, rolling his eyes playfully, his lips curving into a smile as they walked side by side.

At the ticket booth, Billy insisted on paying for her admission, refusing to let her contribute even a dime. "I've got it. Just enjoy yourself," he said, waving off her protests with a confidence that made her heart swell. They walked into the fair together, their hands brushing against each other as they stepped into the colourful chaos of lights, laughter, and festive music that filled the air like a magical embrace.

"Wow, it's so beautiful!" Isadora exclaimed, gazing up at the bright lights illuminating the night sky. Each twinkling bulb seemed to mirror the excitement racing through her, igniting a spark of childlike wonder.

"Yes, you are, Princess," Billy replied, catching her off guard with the compliment, sending her heart racing even faster. Isadora felt a blush creep onto her cheeks, her breath hitching as she returned his smile, the sweetness of his words hanging in the air between them.

Before long, Isadora spotted a game booth where stuffed toys were the prize. "Come on, let's give it a go!" she urged, practically bouncing on her feet in anticipation, her enthusiasm contagious.

"Fine," Billy agreed, allowing her to lead him toward the booth, surprised by her zest for life and the way it brought out a lighter side of him. Before he could protest, Isadora had paid for both of their turns. She stepped up first but failed miserably, pouting when she realised she wouldn't win the plush toy she had hoped for.

"That's so unfair!" Isadora groaned as she watched Billy step up for his turn and win easily, her competitive spirit flaring.

"What? Little Miss Perfect can't handle losing?" he teased, a playful grin on his face, his confidence unwavering.

"I hate you," Isadora retorted, playfully swatting at him with her hand, trying to mask her disappointment.

"No, you don't," he whispered, leaning closer, his breath tickling her ear, and she felt a shiver of excitement run down her spine.

"N-No, I don't," she managed to say, her face heating up once again, feeling the weight of his gaze.

"You can pick whichever toy you want," he offered, and Isadora nodded, her eyes lighting up as she selected the pink bear she had been eyeing since they arrived, feeling a surge of happiness at finally getting it.

"I think I'm going to name her Berry," she said, hugging the bear tightly to her chest, her joy radiating as she turned to look at Billy, her heart swelling.

As they walked away from the game, Isadora spotted a towering Ferris wheel looming against the night sky. "Come on, let's go on it!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious, her face alight with excitement.

"Sure, Princess, but I'm paying this time," Billy said, a teasing glint in his eye, and Isadora couldn't help but grin at his playful seriousness.

"Fine," Isadora replied with a laugh as they approached the Ferris wheel, her heart dancing with joy.

Billy bought their tickets, and they climbed aboard, excitement bubbling between them like a fizzy soda. As the Ferris wheel began to move, Isadora settled in her seat, hugging Berry close, feeling the thrill of the height and the view expanding before them. "What a beautiful view," she remarked, taking in the fair from above, the lights twinkling like stars scattered across the ground below.

"Yes, it is," Billy agreed, but when she turned to him, she found his gaze fixed on her, not the view she had admired. The intensity of his stare made her heart race even faster.

"What are you looking at?" Isadora asked, curiosity piqued, her heart fluttering.

"I'm just admiring the view," he said, leaning in closer, his breath warm against her cheek. Then, without hesitation, he kissed her softly, the world around them fading away for a brief moment as they lost themselves in the connection that sparked between them.

Isadora smiled into the kiss, savouring the warmth and sweetness of the moment, only to be jolted forward as the Ferris wheel moved again. Billy caught her with ease, laughter bubbling up from deep within, a sound so joyful it made her heart sing. "Careful there, Princess. We wouldn't want you to fall now, would we?" he teased, his eyes dancing with mirth.

"Oh, no. That would probably be very bad," she giggled, settling back beside him, feeling a sense of security wash over her.

After they disembarked, they decided to grab some food and find a spot to sit. As they settled down on a bench, Isadora placed Berry between them and took a few bites of her food before glancing over at Billy, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Do you ever miss it?"

"Miss what, Princess?" Billy asked, looking over with genuine curiosity, his attention fully on her.

"California," Isadora replied, her brow furrowed slightly as she opened up, feeling more vulnerable than she had earlier.

"I don't really think about it much," he admitted, his tone casual, but the sincerity in his eyes told her he was trying to connect.

"The fair just kind of reminds me of the Santa Monica Pier. I used to love going there when I was younger—before..." Isadora trailed off, her thoughts turning dark for a moment as she struggled with the weight of her memories. She shook her head, forcing a smile. "I just used to love it. I'm sorry if I seem sad. The fair reminds me of California, and I miss it sometimes."

"Are you okay, Is?" Billy asked, concern creeping into his voice as he studied her closely, his expression softening.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Hawkins isn't so bad," she shrugged, but as she stared at her food, a few tears rolled down her cheeks, unbidden. Wiping them quickly, she looked back at him, forcing a bright smile. "I had a great time tonight. This was really fun, so thank you for this. You know, as much as I was hurt when you told me I should stay away from you, I'm really glad I gave you a second chance. I don't want to stay away from you."

"Glad to hear it, Princess. I'm sorry for hurting you, and I'm really glad you gave me a second chance too. And I guess the fair isn't half bad," Billy told her, his voice sincere and full of warmth.

"See? I knew you'd like it," Isadora said, her smile widening even as she felt the lingering sting of tears behind her eyes.

Yet, behind that smile, Billy noticed a few tears lingering on her cheeks, before she quickly wiped away. As she stood up and grabbed Berry, her heart raced at the idea of extending their time together. "Come on, let's go back to my place."

"Are you sure, Is?" Billy asked, a note of surprise in his tone, but there was also an underlying excitement.

"Yeah, I'm not ready for this date to end yet, and besides, there's no one home," she insisted, her eyes sparkling with determination and hope for what the night could still hold.

Billy paused for a moment, surprised by her eagerness but nodding in agreement, a smile breaking out on his face. He stood up and followed Isadora back to his car, a sense of anticipation filling the air between them, their shared laughter and easy banter lingering like a sweet melody.

As they drove back to her place, Isadora smiled to herself, her heart full of joy and a sense of newfound freedom. If only this happiness could last forever, she thought, wishing for the night to never end. The excitement of the unknown stretched before her like the stars above, twinkling with possibilities. With Billy by her side, the world felt brighter, and for the first time in a long while, she truly felt alive.

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Hello,

I'm back with another update and it's a happy chapter for a change. 

Enjoy! Xo

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