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ISADORA JUST WANTED TO STAY HOME AND IMMERSE HERSELF IN HER BOOK.

There was a certain comfort in the familiar pages, a refuge from the chaos of her emotions. She had curled up on her couch, wrapped in a soft blanket, with her favourite novel in hand, seeking solace from the outside world. However, a party was the last thing on her mind for Saturday night, but when her friends Steve and Hazel showed up at her house, they were determined to pull her out of her solitude.

"I really don't feel like going out and partying," Isadora said, frowning as she glanced between her two friends, who stood in her cosy living room, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. The walls were adorned with photographs of happier times—laughing with friends, moments of triumph at school, and memories that felt distant now.

"Come on, Is! You were MIA for a whole week, and now you've been cooped up at home. You can't just hide away forever," Hazel urged, her voice almost pleading as she stepped closer, her hands gesturing animatedly. Her curly hair bounced as she spoke, and Isadora could see the genuine worry etched on her friend's face.

"I just need some time," Isadora replied, her tone flat. She shifted her gaze to the floor, feeling the weight of their expectations. "I'm not ready to jump back into things."

"Honestly, I'm surprised you're even still coming to school," Hazel pressed, her concern deepening. She had been Isadora's confidante for years, and it pained her to see her friend so withdrawn.

"I can't afford to fail," Isadora replied, her voice low and resolute, a hint of frustration seeping through. She was trying to focus on her studies, but the nagging sense of loss made it difficult. Steve exchanged a worried glance with Hazel before she pressed on.

"And I'm not hiding," Isadora added with a sigh, brushing off their concerns. "I think I have every right to feel the way I do after everything that's happened." The memories flooded back—shocking revelations, broken trust, and the pain of feeling abandoned.

"Of course, you're allowed to feel upset and hurt, but maybe getting out and partying with us could help, even if just for one night," Steve suggested gently, his eyes searching hers for a hint of agreement. He was the more easygoing of the two, often acting as the mediator, and tonight, he was determined to pull Isadora out of her shell.

"A party, Steve? You know there's a good chance I'll run into Billy there," Isadora said, a flicker of anxiety sparking in her chest. She didn't want to admit it, but a part of her secretly hoped to see him, even if she wasn't sure what she'd say. That part of her missed him terribly, but the hurt was still fresh, raw, and unresolved.

"Look, yes, there's a chance you might see Billy," Steve replied, his tone encouraging, "but it'll be fun! Come on, just let loose and have a good time with us tonight, Isa."

Hazel chimed in, "You can't stay locked away forever. Life is happening out there, and you need to be a part of it! We can't let you miss out on everything."

Isadora looked back and forth between her friends, folding her arms across her chest defensively. "You two aren't leaving until I agree to go to this party, are you?"

Steve and Hazel shared a knowing glance before shaking their heads in unison. Isadora groaned, her resolve wavering under their persistent gazes. After a moment's hesitation, she finally relented. "Fine! I'll go to the party with you."

"Great! Let's find you something to wear," Hazel exclaimed, excitement lighting up her face as she grabbed Isadora's hand, pulling her toward the stairs. As they made their way to Isadora's room, the blonde couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

Once inside her room, Hazel released Isadora's hand and began rummaging through her closet, sifting through dresses, tops, and accessories. Isadora watched, arms still crossed, feeling a touch of annoyance mixed with gratitude. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing right now?" she protested, glancing down at her casual outfit—a simple t-shirt and jeans that felt like her armour against the world.

"Not for a party, Isadora. Here, try this," Hazel said, holding up a stunning low-cut dress that shimmered slightly in the light, along with a denim jacket that added a touch of edge. The fabric felt luxurious against Isadora's fingertips, and despite her initial reluctance, she felt a flutter of excitement.

"Do I really have to?" she asked, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress a small smile.

"Yes! You'll look amazing in this! Just try it on!" Hazel urged, her enthusiasm infectious, reminding Isadora of the fun times they'd shared.

With a reluctant nod, Isadora took the clothes and headed into the bathroom to change, her heart racing at the thought of stepping outside her comfort zone. Once she had changed, she examined herself in the mirror, feeling a rush of nerves and uncertainty as she twirled slightly to see the dress's flow. "Okay, maybe this isn't so bad," she admitted, stepping back out into the room, her self-consciousness still lingering.

"Perfect! You look fantastic, Isa!" Hazel declared, clapping her hands together in delight.

"Really? You're not going to make me redo my hair or my makeup?" Isadora asked, sarcasm lacing her tone as she feigned a dramatic expression.

"Well—" Hazel began, a mischievous grin creeping onto her face.

"Hazel!" Isadora groaned, unable to help the smile tugging at her lips.

"Alright, alright! No need to redo anything," Hazel laughed. "Let's go before Steve sends out a search party for us."

Isadora smiled, feeling the weight of her earlier mood begin to lift. Following her best friend downstairs, she found Steve waiting with a look of approval. "Looking good, Is!" he said as they approached, giving her a thumbs-up.

"Thanks," Isadora replied, her cheeks warming slightly as she felt the compliments wash over her. They piled into Steve's car, the air filled with excitement and nervous anticipation as they drove toward the party.

As they arrived and walked into the crowded house, the music pulsed through the air, setting a lively atmosphere that was hard to resist. Isadora felt the energy of the crowd wash over her, a mixture of laughter, chatter, and the beat of the music. "I'm going to get a drink," she announced, determined to settle her nerves. The moment she stepped into the main room, a few partygoers glanced her way, causing her to scoff under her breath as she pushed through the throng toward the drink table.

After grabbing a cup, she downed it quickly, feeling the burn of alcohol hit her throat. It was the first drink she'd had since that chaotic night with Beatrix, but tonight felt different—she needed this. Grabbing another drink, she took a moment to gather her thoughts before heading back into the crowd. Just then, Beatrix spotted her and made her way over.

"Hi, Issi!" Beatrix greeted, her smile wide and inviting, instantly warming Isadora's heart.

"Hi, Beatrix," Isadora nodded, mixing her next drink as Beatrix's brow furrowed in concern.

"Are you okay?" Beatrix asked, her voice dropping a notch as she observed Isadora's somewhat glazed expression. Nearby girls were whispering about Isadora, casting furtive glances in her direction, which only heightened Isadora's discomfort.

"I'm fine," she replied dismissively, finishing her drink and reaching for another, trying to drown out her feelings.

"You don't seem fine. That's your third drink in ten minutes," Beatrix pointed out, a hint of worry edging her tone.

"So?" Isadora shot back, her frustration surfacing as she clutched the drink tightly, hoping it would help her forget.

"It kind of seems like you're trying to drown your feelings in alcohol. I've heard the gossip here, and honestly, I'd probably want to drink too if I were in your position," Beatrix admitted, her gaze unwavering.

"Yeah, but all it really does is numb me for a few hours, and then I feel awful again. I hate feeling like this," Isadora sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly under the weight of her emotions.

"There you are! We've been looking for you everywhere!" Steve called as he and Hazel caught up to Isadora, their faces lighting up with concern.

"Come on, come dance with us," Hazel said, grabbing Isadora's hand and pulling her away from the drink station, which felt like a lifeline.

"Oh, I'll see you later—" Isadora called to Beatrix before gasping as her friends whisked her onto the dance floor.

"Hey, Is!" Eddie chimed in, his face lighting up when he saw her. Isadora nodded at him, trying to focus on the fun, but her mind drifted back to the unresolved feelings for Billy that lingered in her heart.

"So remind me again, why didn't Kendra come?" she asked Steve, taking a sip of her drink, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"She just didn't feel up to it," Steve replied, shrugging slightly as he joined in on the dance, his carefree spirit infectious.

"Oh," Isadora nodded, her frown deepening as she finished her drink, the taste bitter against her tongue. A few minutes passed, and she stumbled away from her friends to grab another drink. As the party continued to swirl around her, she felt her head getting lighter and the world spinning, her inhibitions fading with every sip.

When she returned, Hazel frowned at her. "Maybe you should slow down on the drinks."

"Why? I'm totally fine!" Isadora protested, her words slurring slightly as she giggled, feeling invincible.

"Uh-huh," Hazel rolled her eyes, concern creeping into her voice as Isadora clumsily drifted away again, joining a group of kids from the drama club on the dance floor, where the music thumped loudly.

Just as she was starting to lose herself in the rhythm, Tom Richardson approached her, a confident grin on his face. "What the hell are you doing?" Isadora snapped, taking a step back as he placed his hands on her waist, swaying with her.

"Dancing with you," Tom replied, inching closer, his hands firm on her hips, pulling her toward him as he tried to show off.

"Let go of me," Isadora insisted, her annoyance bubbling over as she attempted to push him away, her mind clouded with the alcohol and her frustration.

"Oh no," Hazel muttered, her eyes darting through the crowd until they landed on Billy, who was making his way through the throng. Billy's expression was dark, and Isadora felt her heart race at the sight of him.

As Tom continued to invade her personal space, Billy suddenly appeared, shoving Tom away. "Get your fucking hands off her!"

"What the hell is your problem?" Isadora demanded, anger flashing in her eyes as she folded her arms across her chest, feeling a surge of adrenaline.

"I didn't like the way he was touching you," Billy replied, his voice firm as he focused on Isadora, trying to gauge her reaction. His chest heaved slightly, the tension obvious between them.

"That's none of your business! I don't need someone like you protecting me. It stopped being your business when you turned me into a game, Hargrove. I meant it when I said to stay away from me; I'm done with you and your pathetic games." Isadora snapped, her heart racing as she stormed past him, seeking refuge with her friends.

"Is, are you okay?" Steve asked, concern etching his features as he reached out to her.

"Yeah, totally fine, Steve," Isadora shrugged him off, reaching for another drink and downing it in one go. She needed to numb the hurt, to escape the tangled mess of emotions swirling within her. Pulling her friends back to the dance floor, Isadora forced a smile, determined to enjoy herself despite the chaos.

As they danced, laughter bubbled up from within her, but beneath the surface, she couldn't shake the feeling of Billy's gaze on her. He stood at the edge of the dance floor, unable to tear his eyes away from her as she twirled and laughed with her friends. The sound of her laughter was like music to his ears, but with every moment that passed, his heart ached with regret. He wished it were him dancing with her, but he had no idea how to mend things, especially after Amanda had caused so much damage.

In a moment of clarity, Billy realised that one of Isadora's friends wasn't at the party, and a thought struck him: maybe Kendra Wright could help him fix things with Isadora.

As he turned to leave, he ran into Beatrix. "I saw what just happened. I thought you were going to make things right with her," she said, her tone a mixture of disappointment and concern.

"I was... I will! I just don't know how, Trix, but I'm going to fix things with her, I swear," Billy replied, determination creeping into his voice, his heart racing at the thought of making things right.

"You should just tell her that you love her," Beatrix suggested, her eyes searching his for sincerity. The weight of her words hung in the air, forcing him to ponder his next move.

He paused, contemplating her words, but shook his head. "She won't even talk to me. I don't want her to think I'm saying it just to win some dumb bet, but I think I know who can help me," Billy said, a flicker of hope igniting within him.

"Well, good luck," Beatrix replied, her tone softening slightly as she watched him leave, a mix of concern and hope in her eyes.

Billy drove to Kendra's house, anxiety knotting his stomach. He knew she wasn't his biggest fan; after all, he had hurt her best friend, but he also felt hopeful that she could help him.

When he knocked on Kendra's door, she was surprised to see him. She had been studying, expecting no visitors due to the party. As she opened it, her instinct was to slam it shut, but Billy wedged his foot in the doorway, stopping her.

"I need your help," he said urgently, his voice low and filled with desperation.

"And why on earth would I help you? You hurt my best friend, and she disappeared for days because of you! You really think I'm going to just let you waltz back into her life and ruin it again?" Kendra challenged, arms crossed defiantly as she glared at him.

"Please, Kendra, I need your help. I need to find a way to fix things with Isadora," Billy implored, frustration rising within him.

"After everything? Isadora deserves way better than someone like you in her life ruining it," Kendra shot back, her resolve unyielding.

"Please! I know she's probably told you some awful things about me. I know I'm part of the reason she disappeared, but it was all a misunderstanding," Billy explained, desperation creeping into his tone.

"A misunderstanding? Isadora disappeared for a week because of you. She genuinely cared about you, and you turned her into one of your pathetic games," Kendra retorted, her voice sharp, her emotions flaring.

"It was all a lie! Amanda made it up to ruin everything between us. I told her to leave Isadora alone!" Billy insisted, his emotions boiling over as he tried to convey his sincerity.

"How am I supposed to believe that?" Kendra demanded, her skepticism evident.

"Because I love her, and I don't want to hurt her!" Billy exclaimed, his confession hanging heavy in the air. Kendra's eyes widened in surprise. She never expected him to say those words, and the sincerity in his voice caught her off guard.

"Wait, what?" she asked, astonished, her heart racing as she processed his admission.

"I know it's hard to believe, but I do love her, and I need to fix this," he added, his expression earnest, his vulnerability shining through.

"Okay, I'll help you, but you need to understand that she probably won't forgive you right away," Kendra relented, her resolve softening as she looked into his eyes and saw the desperation there.

"I understand," Billy nodded, grateful for her willingness to help. "I'll do whatever it takes to make it right."

"Even if she acts like she hates you, deep down, she doesn't," Kendra reassured him, her eyes searching his for sincerity.

"I know," Billy affirmed, determined to make things right.

Together, they went into the living room, discussing a plan to win Isadora back. They brainstormed ideas, from heartfelt apologies to grand gestures, until they finally settled on a strategy that felt right. As they finished their discussion, Kendra turned to Billy with a serious expression. "Just be prepared; she might need time to process everything."

"I will," Billy promised, steeling himself for the challenge ahead.

After finalising their plan, he left Kendra's house, a renewed sense of determination coursing through him. He hoped that with Kendra's help, he would find a way to mend things with Isadora and finally get back the girl he loved.

As he drove away, his mind raced with possibilities and scenarios of what he would say to Isadora. The uncertainty of her reaction gnawed at him, but he knew he had to try.

Back at the party, Isadora was laughing and dancing, trying to ignore the nagging thoughts of Billy in her mind, but every laugh felt hollow without him there, every moment of fun tinged with longing. She caught glimpses of him in her mind—the way he smiled, the sound of his laughter—but she pushed those memories aside, determined to enjoy her night.

The music thumped, the energy of the crowd swirled around her, and for a moment, Isadora let herself forget. She was with her friends, laughing and dancing, even as the shadow of her heartache loomed in the background. Tonight, she was determined to let go, if only for a few hours.

But deep down, she knew that the party would end, and when the lights dimmed and the music faded, she would be left with her thoughts—and with the memories of what could have been with Billy.💔💔

Billy confessing to Kendra he loves Is 🥺

Enjoy! Xo

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