"when the world turns upside down"Riley's POV:My shift finally came to an end, but my mind was still spinning with a whirlwind of thoughts. I gathered my belongings and straightened my uniform, mentally preparing myself to leave for the day. As I glanced at the clock, I realized I still had one hour before Billie would pick me up. A mix of anticipation and nervousness fluttered in my chest at the thought of spending more time with her.It's been weeks since all the strange things began, and although I was confused and convinced that Billie was playing tricks on me to unsettle me, I couldn't seem to stay away. We spent nearly every day together, and to my surprise, nothing odd happened anymore. Sure, Billie would come over now and then to spend the night, and while I knew we were just building a friendship, there was something about her that pulled me in—something that made me crave more than just friendship.time skip....I stepped out of the restaurant, feeling the cool evening breeze. I scanned the street until I saw Billie's black car pull up. Excitement rushed through me as I approached the passenger seat."Hey, Lee," Billie greeted me with a warm smile, and I couldn't help but blush."Hey! Thanks for picking me up," I said, sliding into the seat.We chatted as she drove into the night, the streetlights casting shadows on us."So, any weekend plans?" she asked, glancing at me with that curious spark in her eyes."Not really, just looking forward to spending time with you," I replied shyly, feeling my cheeks heat up. "What about you?"Billie chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. "Well, I was hoping we could do something fun. Maybe a beach bonfire or a movie marathon at my place?""Beach sounds good, but i might get a bit tired, i had a long shift. " i said , grinning "I promise to keep you awake," she teased, shooting me a sideways glance.When we reached the drive-through, Billie ordered our food smoothly. I loved these simple moments with her. Our order came, and she handed me my favorite burger with a teasing smile. "I remembered your usual," she said, and my heart fluttered."Of course you did. You're the best!" I replied, taking a bite. "What about you? What did you get?""Just the usual vegan burger, but I might steal a few fries from you," she said, smirking."Not if I get to them first!" I laughed.As we drove toward the beach, I felt a wave of comfort wash over me. Once we arrived, the sound of waves greeted us as we stepped onto the soft sand under the moonlight. The sea breeze tousled my hair, and I felt calm."Thanks for bringing me here, Billie. It's beautiful," I said, looking around."I wanted to show you a special place," she replied, her voice softer now. "It's one of my favorites to clear my head.""Really? What do you think about when you come here?" I asked, intrigued."Mostly about life and stuff... but also about people I care about," she admitted, glancing at me with those piercing eyes.As the sun began to set, I said, "You should know you're one of those people for me, Billie." Her gaze lingered on me, and I could feel the weight of the moment. "I feel the same way," she said softly. "I'm glad we've become friends.""I hope we can be more than friends someday," I blurted out, surprising myself. Billie smiled, but the mood shifted slightly. "Let's just enjoy this for now, okay?""Yeah, okay," I agreed, trying to push my thoughts aside.We walked in silence for a moment, and i admired her profile in the streetlight. "Thanks for being here," I whispered, feeling the moment stretch out between us.Billie looked at me, her expression softening. "You're worth being here for,"As we reached the car, I grabbed the cool door handle and got in. The hum of the engine was comforting as we talked and laughed. I smiled at Billie's witty remark. "I love hearing you laugh, Lee. It's like music to my ears," she said, making me blush."Thanks, I really needed this tonight," I replied, feeling happy.When we got to my apartment, I turned to her, not wanting the night to end. "Thank you for tonight," I said, looking for any hint of her feelings. Billie took my hand, grounding me. "Anytime, Riley. I'm always here for you."Her words filled me with warmth. I smiled and opened the car door, the cool night air refreshing. "Goodnight," I whispered."Goodnight, Riley. Sweet dreams," she replied, her gaze mysterious.As she drove away, I felt a longing. I wished she could stay. Despite my past fears, she had shown a softer side tonight. Maybe I had overreacted.Once inside, the quiet reminded me of our evening together. I sank onto my bed, replaying the night in my mind. Billie's POV:My hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as I drove into the night, Riley's smile stuck in my mind like a haunting tune. The memory of our time at the beach brought a bittersweet ache to my chest. I parked outside my friend's house, craving distraction from the emotions Riley stirred in me.When I stepped out of the car and reached the door, my heart raced with anticipation. My friend greeted me with a warm smile, wrapping me in comfort. "Hey, Billie! I'm so glad you came!""I needed this," I said as we settled into the cozy living room, the candlelight softening the space. She poured us each a glass of wine, the rich aroma helping to dull my ache."How have you been?" she asked, concern in her eyes."I've been... okay," I replied, forcing a laugh. "Just trying to keep my head straight.""You sure? You seem a little distant tonight," she noted, tilting her head."Yeah, just some stuff on my mind," I said, trying to brush it off."Is it about Riley?" she asked softly.I paused, surprised she had guessed. "Maybe. We spent some time at the beach, and it stirred up a lot of feelings.""I remember how you were after that. Do you think it's worth pursuing?" she probed, her gaze steady."I don't know. Sometimes I feel drawn to her, but it's complicated. ""Have you thought about talking to her?""Honestly, I'm scared of what might happen," I admitted. "What if it changes everything?"She nodded, understanding. "But what if it doesn't? You could just be overthinking it. Life's too short to hold back."As we talked and laughed, the chaos inside me quieted for a while. But as the night wore on, Riley's absence became harder to ignore.time skip .. My fingers tapped nervously against my phone, the familiar anxiety curling in my stomach. I hesitated before dialing Riley's number, knowing I needed to see her—to feel her presence and unravel the mysteries that surrounded us.The phone rang once, twice, and then I heard her voice, soft and alluring, sending a jolt through me. "Hello?"I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. "Riley, it's me. Can we meet? I need to talk to you."There was a brief pause, and then her laughter tinkled through the phone, a sound that both comforted and unnerved me. "Of course, Bil. I'll be waiting."I closed my eyes, trying to steady my racing heart as a mix of excitement and apprehension washed over me. Tonight, I would confront my feelings, my fears, and maybe, just maybe, find the answers I had been seeking.I parked my car in front of the apartment I share with Riley. I waved to the receptionist as I walked over to the elevator and pressed the button for my floor.
It seemed like an eternity before the elevator finally stopped. I stepped out and walked to Riley's door, took a deep breath, and knocked.
Lee opened the door almost instantly. I gazed down at her, focusing hard not to lose myself in her light brown eyes. "Hey," I greeted softly, smiling at her.
"Hey, come on in," she said, stepping aside to let me pass. I entered, kicked off my shoes, and made my way into the living room."Can I get you something to drink?" she asked from the kitchen. "Do you have anything strong?""Uh, yeah, tequila?" she replied as she walked in from the kitchen, holding two glasses and a bottle. "Absolutely."She plopped down on the couch and started pouring. "So, you want to—" she began, but before she could finish, I downed my glass in one go. "Whoa, easy there," she laughed, refilling my glass. "Want to talk about what's bothering you?""Honestly, it's not a big deal. I was just feeling a bit overwhelmed. How about we watch something instead?" I suggested, trying to change the subject."Uh, yeah, sure, what about Halloween?" she asked as she opened Netflix on her TV."Sure," I replied with a slight smile, as I leaned down onto her couch.
The television's flickering light cast a dim illumination across the living room. Sitting cross-legged on the couch, I held a half-empty glass of tequila, the ice softly clinking as I moved. Riley lay beside me, her laughter resonating through the tense atmosphere, blending with the gentle sounds of the film.
"Did you notice that guy's expression?" she laughed, her voice vibrant and captivating. As her head tilted backward, revealing the gentle arc of her neck, my heart began to race at the view. "I expected him to burst into tears!" I responded, attempting a laugh, "It seemed more like he would yell." However, concentrating on the movie was difficult with her in close proximity. Every time she leaned closer, her body warmth touched mine, igniting sparks through my veins. "Billie," she whispered confidentially, "you must admit, this is the most incredible horror movie night we've experienced." "Yeah, as long as you're into cheap jump scares," I replied, attempting to sound casual, though my heart was racing wildly. Riley glanced at me, her eyes catching the light from the screen, wide with a playful gleam. "What's the matter? You're unusually quiet this evening."Riley was so close I could feel the warmth radiating off her, her pulse quickening just inches away from me. I'd wanted to tell her how she's been turning my world upside down, to finally make a move, but now, standing here, I felt an unfamiliar mix of nerves and excitement."Just wondering how far we can go," I said, my voice low. I watched her eyes widen, the weight of my words sinking in.She laughed, trying to keep it light. "Far? Like, in the movie?"I smirked. "Maybe. But I'm thinking of crossing a different line." My tone softened, voice barely a whisper. "What if we stop pretending?"She looked away for a second, then met my eyes, nervous but curious. "You mean... more than friends?""Exactly," I replied, leaning in, our faces inches apart. "I've felt this for a while, and it's driving me crazy." I could sense her heartbeat quicken, feel the tension between us building.When she kissed me, everything just clicked. It was like finally letting go of something we'd both been holding back, an electric moment that felt all-consuming. When we pulled apart, she looked at me, her eyes a mix of excitement and fear. "Where do we go from here?"I smirked, but something darker, deeper was tugging at me. "I think we explore every shadow between us," I whispered, my voice sounding almost foreign, like something had shifted.I felt my gaze darken, and I caught the shift in Riley's expression, her eyes searching mine. I couldn't quite read her look—was that fear? Uncertainty?Riley looked at me, her voice barely a whisper, "Are you... okay?"I felt this weird, intense vibe take over, something darker just under the surface. I forced a smile, but it was edged with something I couldn't control. "More than okay. I'm... ready. Aren't you?"I reached out, brushing my hand against her cheek, and I felt her tense up, her eyes watching me like she wasn't totally sure of what was going on. Her heartbeat felt like it was echoing between us. I was right here, right in front of her, but it felt like I was drifting somewhere else—somewhere only I could see.She laughed nervously, but her eyes were dead serious. "Who are you right now, Billie?"I leaned in, my smile softening, but I knew my eyes were giving me away. "Riley, oh, Riley..." My voice came out low, almost a whisper. "If you'd just open your eyes, you'd finally see the truth." I watched her freeze, her breath caught mid-gasp, eyes wide as if she finally sensed what lay just beneath the surface. The air thickened, shadows creeping closer, twisting and coiling around us, tightening like they had a life of their own. I could feel her slipping away, her grip on this moment loosening."Riley ... "
Riley woke up abruptly, and her eyes darted around before settling on me. I tried to get her attention by giving her a gentle shoulder shake."Riley, hey... you were having a nightmare," I said, keeping my voice soft but urgent, searching her eyes for any signs of fear.She took a shaky breath, her heart racing, and I felt the anxiety tighten in my chest. "It felt so real. I... we... we kissed, you kissed me, but all of a sudden you changed, you were different," she stammered, her voice trembling. "I wasn't sleeping, you literally kissed me."
Her words sent a jolt through me. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, but there was also something deeper, a strange mix of fear and excitement. I had to tread carefully now. "Riley, it was just a dream," I said, but the intensity of her gaze made me wonder if she really believed me.
"No, no, that can't be true," she murmured, shaking her head. "We were talking ... about the movie, about how we feel about each other, and then we kissed. It couldn't have been just a dream. I'm not losing my mind.""Lee, take a breath. I don't know what you're talking about—we didn't kiss. You fell asleep halfway through the movie," I said, trying to steady her."I can't shake this feeling that I'm losing my mind when you're around. It's like everything becomes a blur, and I can't tell what's real anymore. I don't know why this is happening, but it's driving me crazy."Something about her words sent a shiver down my spine, but I kept my expression steady, gave her a reassuring smile. "I'm here, Riley," I promised, letting my fingers linger on hers, grounding both of us. Maybe tonight is not the right time , to tell her that she is turning my world upside down .