My heart seized in my chest, beating faster than I'd ever experienced, trying to think of something that would make the disappointed look on Isaac's face go away.

"Isaac it's honestly not what it looks like!" I blurted out anxiously.

"Really?" He responded, looking warily between Caleb and I.

"I'll just go now." Caleb said, stalking off in what looked like anger. I was too preoccupied with saving whatever was going on between myself and Isaac to attend to his bruised ego so I just nodded.

"Mavis what's going on?" Isaac asked once we were alone, looking every bit as puzzled as I felt. To be honest, I didn't quite know how to reply to his question.

What was going on? Not just with Caleb, but with me. In the span of seven months, I'd moved to an entirely different continent, been promoted to the top of a social hierarchy, developed feelings with the closest male friend I had, and managed to have a massive crush on the most popular guy I knew. It was madness.

"Mavis?" Isaac called, a soft reminder that I actually had not replied to his question.

"Isaac, I'm sorry. I know what you walked in on looked suspicious." I replied, feeling guilty. Technically, Isaac did not have any right to demand an explanation from her, because they weren't in a relationship. But then again in Canada she had allowed technicalities govern as opposed to matters of the heart, and look where it had led her; alone and invisible.

It was sad, but true. She hadn't let herself develop meaningful relationships in the past due to her unreasonable fear of relationships, and it ended up leaving her with little to call her own. Now, she didn't want to bother with technicalities, because she had a feeling she really wanted to keep this particular person around for a while.

"Did you guys kiss or something? I mean, I know I don't have a right to ask, but I'd really like to know if there's something going on between the both of you, just so I don't look like an idiot because I really like you." Isaac said, stealing the breath from my lungs.

"Y-you really like me?" I reiterated stupidly.

He looked shy for a second before nodding, "Yes, I do. But if you're already with Caleb I won't push it."

"I like you too, I really do. And no there's nothing going on with me and Caleb." I said hastily, trying to preserve the moment. On the outside I looked happy for sure, but that was barely scratching the surface, considering the fact that my heart was doing palpitations with each word that came out Isaac's mouth.

As though the war in my chest wasn't enough, he bestowed me with a heart stopping grin that sent shivers down my spine, fixing his eyes on me. "You do?"

"I do."

Gently, he leaned into me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity I couldn't quite place, yet knew it was magic. The world went on outside the balcony, and the faint sounds of cheering and music assured me that our little world was between just the two of us, no one else would interrupt.

Although I never imagined my first kiss would happen in someone else's house in a party, in a foreign country, I couldn't help feeling it was familiar and right. And when Isaac's lips touched mine in the faintest greeting, I knew I was home.

My brain shut down for a whole second, merely basking in the intimacy of everything, and I heard myself sigh with relief. Sparks of electricity danced up my spine, pooling in my belly and ordering my hands around his neck. It was definitely meant to be.

Our lips moved in synchrony, although mine had no practice, and I was faintly aware of the world floating away, as it should've. It was just me, Isaac, and the warmth of our first kiss.

Breaking away caused an immediate disappointment to run through me, and I rested my forehead against his.

"Wow." He breathed out, licking his lips.

"Yeah, wow." I muttered, not knowing what to say. Although the moment was over, magic still danced around us, and I wondered if he felt it too.

"Will you go on a date with me Sunday evening?" Isaac asked, meeting my dazed gaze.

"Of course I will." I said, smiling. He wanted to continue.

"Thank you, Mavis." He replied, sending another sincere smile my way.

We both sat down on a set of chairs, allowing the cool breeze to fan over us and cool our raging hearts, and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening.

Isaac and I talked about a majority of things, ranging from Canada to his hometown in Osun state. He told me about his family, and also about his sister's wedding in August. He invited me to go with him, although I didn't mention I would probably be halfway around the world by the time August rolled around.

I tried to place a finger on the growing feeling in my chest, a mixture of longing and comfortability that only existed whenever Isaac was close to me, just the two of us. It was scary how I had become so invested in how I felt for him without even knowing, and things weren't official yet.

It was scary, yet it was beautiful. And I wouldn't have traded it for the world.

My imminent leave loomed in my heart, threatening to rain on the aftermath of my beautiful first kiss, taunting me with the knowledge that I'd probably soon leave Isaac behind when I had to go back to Canada.

"So, what's your favourite colour?" I asked him.

We were seated opposite each other, holding hands and twiddling our thumbs in an intense thumb war.

"Grey," he replied, smirking. "What's yours?"

"I like purple. It's such a chill colour." I responded. "Why do you always look sad when you have to go home?"

He thought for a whole before replying me. "Because my family isn't like most. My dad is one of the most respected men in this state. He gives us everything and anything, but he doesn't have much time for us. And unfortunately, outside of school and Faith's get togethers, I don't have much of a shot at a normal teenage life."

I nodded in understanding, squeezing his hand tighter to convey comfort.

"Where do you think you'll end up in university?" He asked me.

"To be honest, I really haven't thought of it. I don't know, probably I'll look into colleges closer to the time for SATs." I answered thoughtfully. "What about you?"

"I don't have my heart set on any university in particular as well. I might just go with the flow, see where it leads." He responded, smiling ruefully.

I shifted closer to him, resting my head on his shoulder. It felt so comfortable, the happiest I'd ever been. And when he wrapped an arm around my shoulder, I wanted to stay there forever.

---

Soon enough, Isaac and I had to join the party downstairs. Even without anyone saying anything, I knew I had a certain glow. He told me he would be leaving soon, and he had kissed me again. The joy in my heart felt like it would overflow, and I knew it was impossible for that joy to not radiate outwards.

When Isaac left, Faith appeared at my side immediately, and Mimi occupied my other side.

"So, are you guys dating now?" Mimi asked excitedly.

"Uh, no..." I replied, unsure.

"You don't sound confident o, madam." Faith said, rolling her eyes and smiling.

"Well..." I said.

"Oh my God!" Mimi said, eyes widening, and with a creepy grin to match.

"What?" Faith and I asked simultaneously.

"You guys kissed, didn't you? Oh this is gold, I swear!" Mimi cackled, looking ecstatic.

"Lower your voice, will you!" I hissed, looking around. Thankfully no one overheard us.

Meanwhile, Faith was dancing shaku shaku in celebration. I shook my head, giggling at the absurdity.

"So how was it?"

"Did you like it?"

"Did he ask you out?"

"Was there any tongue?"

They bombarded me with questions until I was clutching my stomach from extreme laughter. I felt so loved and happy, and I relayed the events to them, leaving some cherished parts out.

Faith and Mimi were so happy for me, dragging me out to the dance floor to celebrate and dance for hours.

The house cleared out eventually, leaving us girls together, worn out happily from a fruitful day. And as I listened to Faith gloat about how her party orchestrated everything, and Mimi place a bet on how soon Isaac would pop the question, I couldn't help thinking; there was no place on earth I'd rather be.

---

A/N

They finally kissssseeedddd😭💕💕 I'm so proud of my babies. And I'm aware this chapter is slightly shorter but the tongue action makes up for it yes?

Picture attached is how I picture Mavis. It took a while to find someone that sort of fit it, and I'm still not quite satisfied. You can picture her I'm sure you'd do her more justice than the picture😉

I really hope you liked this chapter, mistakes aside. It's a really important one as the book is basically figured out from here onward.

Tell me what you think

-Rhys💙