The vibrant sounds and colours of the campus fair surrounded us as we walked through the entrance, excitement buzzing in the air. The fair was a highlight of the semester, with games, food stalls, and live music drawing students from all corners of the campus. Izzie and I were joined by Angelo and his best friend, Javier, who was equally charismatic and friendly.
"Look at all these booths! We have to try everything," Izzie exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Definitely," Angelo agreed, slipping his hand into mine. I felt a warm thrill at the touch, my heart fluttering.
We started with the game booths, where Javier and Izzie immediately challenged each other to a ring toss. Laughter erupted as Javier dramatically missed his first few attempts, only to finally land a ring with a triumphant cheer.
"Beginner's luck," Izzie teased, nudging him playfully.
We moved on to the food stalls, indulging in cotton candy, hot dogs, and freshly squeezed lemonade. Angelo and I shared a funnel cake, our fingers brushing as we tore off pieces, making my cheeks flush with a mix of sugar and joy.
As the evening progressed, we found ourselves at the Ferris wheel. Angelo suggested we all take a ride, and soon we were climbing into the small carriages. Izzie and Javier took one car, while Angelo and I shared another.
The Ferris wheel began to turn, lifting us high above the fairgrounds. The view was breathtaking, with the lights of the fair twinkling below us. Angelo turned to me, his expression soft and serious.
"Isa, I've really enjoyed these past few weeks with you," he said, his voice barely audible over the hum of the ride. "I feel like we have something special."
I looked into his warm, brown eyes and felt a surge of emotion. "I feel the same way, Angelo."
He smiled, leaning in closer. "Isa, would you be my girlfriend?"
My heart skipped a beat, and without hesitation, I nodded. "Yes, I'd love to."
Angelo's smile widened, and he gently cupped my face with his hand. As the Ferris wheel reached its peak, he leaned in and our lips met in a soft, sweet kiss. The world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us suspended in that perfect moment.
When the ride ended, we rejoined Izzie and Javier, who immediately noticed our glowing expressions.
"Oh my God, did you two finally kiss?" Izzie asked, grinning from ear to ear.
"Maybe," I replied, feeling a happy blush spread across my cheeks.
"About time," Javier said, giving Angelo a congratulatory pat on the back.
The rest of the evening was a blur of laughter and fun. We played more games, won a few silly prizes, and danced to the music that filled the night air. By the time we left the fair, I felt a deep sense of happiness and contentment.
As we walked back to our dorms, hand in hand, Izzie and Javier walked ahead, giving us a bit of space. Angelo looked at me, his eyes reflecting the lights of the fair behind us.
"I can't wait to see where this goes, Isa," he said softly.
"Me too," I replied, feeling a warmth spread through my chest.
Back at the dorm, Izzie and I said goodnight to the boys. Once inside, she turned to me, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"So, how was it?" she asked, barely able to contain her curiosity.
"It was perfect," I said, smiling widely. "Just perfect."
As I lay in bed that night, replaying the day's events in my mind, I couldn't help but feel grateful for how everything had turned out. The campus fair had been more than just fun—it had marked the beginning of something truly special between Angelo and me.
The rest of the term flew by in a blur of classes, late nights at the library, trying new things with Izzie, and spending more time with Angelo. I felt giddy every time I called him my boyfriend, savoring the newness and excitement of our relationship. I even made a new friend in my chemistry class, a girl named Claire who was smart, funny, and as passionate about science as I was. Slowly but surely, I felt myself coming out of my shell.
But just as the holidays approached, my happiness was dampened by an unexpected phone call from my dad.
"Isa, I'm really sorry," he began, his voice tinged with regret. "I won't be able to make it home for the holidays. There's an emergency at site in Washington, and I can't leave."
My heart sank. "So, I'll be spending Christmas with Miss Odessa and Dina?"
"Yes, Isa. Odessa has already agreed to have you over. I know it's not the same, but you'll have a good time, I promise."
I tried to keep the disappointment out of my voice. "Okay, Dad. I'll be fine."
After we hung up, I couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness wash over me. I had been looking forward to seeing my dad, especially since I hadn't spent much time with him lately. I knew Odessa and Dina would welcome me warmly, but it wasn't the same as being with my dad.
Later that evening, Odessa called to catch up. Hearing her cheerful voice made me feel a bit better, and I ended up telling her everything.
"It's not that I don't want to spend time with you and Dina," I explained. "I've just really missed Dad."
"I understand, Isa," Odessa said gently. "We'd love to have you, though. It'll be fun, and we'll make sure you have a great holiday."
"Thanks, Odessa," I replied, grateful for her kindness. "I'll try to keep my spirits up."
The week before Christmas, Izzie noticed my melancholy and suggested an alternative plan.
"Why don't you come with me to my family's place in San Diego?" Izzie offered one evening as we sat in our dorm room. "My mom has been dying to meet you, and it would be so much fun!"
"San Diego?" I echoed, surprised by the invitation. "I don't know, Izzie. I don't want to impose."
"You're not imposing at all," she insisted, her emerald eyes sparkling with excitement. "My mom will be thrilled, and it'll be a great way to take your mind off things. Come on, Isa. Please say yes!"
I hesitated but saw the earnest look in Izzie's eyes. The idea of spending Christmas with a lively family appealed to me, especially when the alternative was moping around, missing my dad.
"Okay," I agreed finally. "Let me call Odessa and my dad first."
Odessa answered quickly, and I explained the situation. "Miss Odessa, Izzie invited me to spend Christmas with her family in San Diego. What do you think?"
"Oh, Isa, that sounds wonderful!" Odessa exclaimed. "I think it'll be great for you."
"But what about Dad?" I asked, still uncertain.
"Don't worry about him," she reassured me. "I'll talk to him. You need this, Isa."
I hung up and called my dad next. As expected, he was reluctant at first. "I don't know, Isa. I just want to make sure you're safe and comfortable."
"Dad, I'll be with Izzie and her family," I said, trying to sound convincing. "It'll be fine. I really want to go."
Odessa chimed in on the other line, her voice firm. "She'll be perfectly fine, Dwayne. Isa deserves to have a good Christmas, and this will be good for her."
After some more nudging from Odessa, my dad finally agreed, albeit reluctantly. "Alright, Isa. Just promise you'll text me every day."
"I promise, Dad," I said, feeling a mix of relief and excitement.
With the plan set, I tried to make the most of the remaining days with Angelo. We went ice skating, watched movies, and enjoyed quiet evenings together. Each moment was precious, and I cherished the time we had before the holidays separated us.
Finally, the day arrived. Izzie and I packed our bags and headed to the train station. The journey to San Diego was filled with chatter and laughter, Izzie sharing stories about her family and what to expect.