The Mountain's best kept Secret

2. Naïve Bella

(Isabella’s POV—THREE YEARS AGO)

Isabella sat at the desk facing away from the door. Even as her long blond hair swayed in the wind, she didn’t notice the storm outside. Next to her, the phone rang for the second time. Unfazed, she glanced at the name on the screen, but ignored it like before. Her final exam was coming up, so she stayed home to study. Melissa invited the class to a house party tonight, whilst her parents went away for the weekend. Therefore, Travis persisted, although yesterday, she already declined his offer to accompany him.

Books were her best way to pass time, but Travis kept himself busy on the sports field. The two couldn’t be more different. Distracted by her thoughts, his image flashed through her mind; tall, muscular with emerald green eyes. Every girl’s dream except hers, because a relationship would further complicate her feelings. Since her eighteen birthday, a loneliness weighed her heart down. Day by day, it chipped away pieces of her. As a result, she slowly lost her old self.

She bit the tip of her pencil, staring out the window. Storm clouds threatened with thunder throughout the sky. The wind howled and brought air smelling of rain through the window. Deep in thought, she sunk her teeth deeper into the pencil and recalled the first time she met Travis.

Each year the school hosted a fundraiser. They encouraged students to sign up with a partner, in order to raise enough funds. Isabella kept a low profile throughout the years. However, today she wanted to change this, but struggled to muster up the courage to do so. After class the following day, she wrote her name on the sign-up sheet. Took a few steps, then paused; “What am I thinking?” she murmured, turned back, and scratch out her name. Embarrassed, she bolted out the door.

She didn’t notice Travis watching her from the back of the class. Amused by her indecisiveness, he stayed quiet until she left. She instantly caught his attention. They lived only a couple of streets apart, and occasionally walked the same route to school, but their different friendship circles rarely allowed their paths to cross. With a smirk, he walked up to the board and rewrote her name, followed by his. If they get partnered up, it’s the perfect opportunity to get close to her.

The following day, their teacher announced the teams for Saturday’s event. To Isabella’s surprise, she got partnered with Travis. “What? There must be a mistake. I never signed up.” She exclaimed. “Miss Ross, do we have two of you in this class? No? It's settled then.” The teacher pointed out. Stunned, she wondered if she scratched out the wrong name. Suspiciously, she glared at Travis in the back. His smug grin gave him away. “Is there a problem, miss Ross?” The teacher asked. There’s no turning back now, so she shook her head and sat back down. ‘Such a bully’, she whispered.

As soon as the bell rang, Isabella followed Travis out of class. “Did you put my name on the sign-up sheet?” she asked. “Yes” Travis answered with a playful tone. “Wh… why would you do that?” She stuttered, uncomfortable in his presence. “You needed the push.” he said over his shoulder while walking away. ‘What is he playing at?’ Isabella wondered, dragging her feet towards the exit.

Rain splatted against the window and pulled her out of the memory. She smiled, because Travis made a greater attempt to impress her, rather than participating in the race. Having nothing in common, she didn’t expect to become Travis’s friend. Since that day, their unlikely friendship grew stronger.

“Hallo miss daydreamer. You haven’t answered my texts? Are you avoiding me?”. Surprised, Isabella glanced up and saw Penny leaning on the door frame. “What? Why would you scare me like that, Penny? How did you get in? Is my mom back from work already?” Startled by her friend’s abrupt appearance, she noticed the half dozen text from Penny. ‘I must have missed them while ignoring Travis’s calls,’ Isabella thought.

“Sorry, my phone was on silent.” Isabella lied and looked away to hide her guilty face. If Penny knew Travis proclaimed his love for her, she wouldn’t drop the matter. Rather, she would encourage the relationship.

“Where is my best friend? What did you do to her? I have known you for years, and this moping girl, is not you. What’s going on?” Penny asked, annoyed. As the dark clouds drifted away, Isabella also secretly wished for an answer. Again, she got lost in her own thoughts while Penny chatted on. Since the start of her senior year, the noose around her heart has gotten tighter. At first, it was barely noticeable, but as time passed the sense of longing grew worse.

“Bella, are you listening?” “Yes, sorry, what were you saying?” Isabella quickly replied. “It’s because college starts in a couple of months, huh? Unconsciously, you’re afraid, but Bella, I’ll be there! We’re going to have the time of our lives!” Penny loudly exclaimed, causing Isabella to cover her ears. “I also know of a certain ‘someone’ attending the same college next year.” Penny continued in a flirtatious tone.

The name ‘Travis’ crossed Isabella’s mind. Their friendship was fine until he wanted to be more than friends. Even after she rejected him, he still had hope. This didn’t throw off his pursuit for her heart. Thus, it should stay secret from Penny for now. “Did you hear me? What is up with you?” Penny’s irritation obvious. “I’m sorry, Penny, what IS wrong with me? Lately, I have not felt like myself.” She looked away to hide her genuine emotions.

“You think too much, that’s your problem. I miss the girl always laughing at my jokes, although we both know they’re not funny.” She tried to lighten the mood. “You’re right, Penny, this is not me. I have no reason to be unhappy.” Isabella softly replied. “Hopefully, it’s just the reality of moving out on my own. You said it yourself; I overthink everything.” Isabella affirmed. “Truth be told, hiding behind your books wouldn’t solve anything. You need to get out more.” Penny pulled up her shoulders.

“You’re right…” hesitantly, Isabella answered. She understood what her friend tried to insinuate and fell right into her trap. Penny dashed over to hug her, but both fell on the bed. Penny was like this, passionate and caring. Isabella tried not to get squashed when she heard her say: “Come on! Get dressed, we are going to the party”. “What party?” she tried to play dumb. Penny walked to the closet while ignoring her comment. “You need to have fun for a change! Travis is going to be there… O, and he is head over heels about you!” “I know…” Isabella let out a sigh.

‘I will have to face him eventually, but why tonight?’ Isabella thought. “Can’t we just go to the movies like normal teenagers?” she tried pleading. “Ha! You’re naïve, that’s NOT what ‘normal’ 18-year-olds do! Come on, get dressed!” Penny showed no remorse pulling Isabella off the bed. “That’s why I texted you; please come with me to Melissa’s party?” Penny begged with her puppy eyes.

“Ok!” Isabella moaned. She pushed herself up from the bed and walked towards Penny. “It’s raining, how are we getting to the party?” Isabella protested again, but Penny quickly pointed out that the rain has stopped. Defeated, she rolled her eyes and stood in front of the full-length mirror. It reflected a young girl with wavy blonde hair and striking blue eyes. She preferred her natural self and rarely attempted to doll up. Penny cheerfully dangled a mustard-coloured dress and matching sandals in front of the mirror. She enjoyed her victory a bit too much. After putting on light makeup, she inspected her reflection and smiled. Satisfied with her appearance, they left for the party.

The sky turned orange as the sun went down in the distance. The friends happily chatted as they walked to their destination. A chilly breeze swirled around, even after the rain stopped. Luckily, Allen street wasn’t far from Isabella’s house, so they arrived after a twenty-minute walk. As soon as they arrived, she regretted attending the party. Teenagers danced on the front lawn to the loud music escaping from the double-story house.

Before long, a familiar voice greeted them from the front door, “Ladies! You made it!”. “Look what the cat dragged in!” Penny exclaimed while pointing at her friend. She executed Travis’s plan perfectly by encouraging her to come. Isabella snapped her head toward Penny and whispered, “You planned this together?”. “You gave us no choice—Travis told me earlier you were avoiding his calls. Stop being a bore. Enjoy yourself a little.” Penny replied. Chuffed, she walked to Travis, leaving Isabella behind. “She’s all yours.” Penny winked at him before she entered the house.

“Travis, hi…” Isabella shyly replied. She felt her cheeks burn. He looked more handsome than the last time they saw each other. “So glad you changed your mind. By the way, you look stunning…” Travis took a step closer. He always made her feel uncomfortable with his charming compliments. Her face turned a deep scarlet red by his touch. “It’s so cute when you blush. Come on, let’s get a drink.” he led the way.

Melissa’s house was enormous. “How can her parents allow a party in their beautiful home?” Isabella rhetorically asked. “I doubt they know about it.” Travis frowned at how naïve she could be. She followed Travis to the kitchen and found Penny there. Inside the kitchen, she saw many bottles filled with poor decisions scattered all around.

As they pushed their way through the drunk teenagers, Penny noticed her anxious expression. “Bella, why so worried? We’re not planning to get you drunk—or are we?” saying this, Penny winked at Travis with mischief written all over her face. “What?” Isabella quickly reacted. ‘What are they planning? The last thing I need is to get drunk and make an i***t of myself.’ She panicked. “No, thank u!” she stared at her friends with a disgusted expression. “The taste of liquor is appalling!” She scrunched up her nose, thinking about it.

Not giving her a choice, the three friends found seats in the living room, each with a drink in their hand. Travis sat opposite Isabella with his knees against hers. Even after rejecting him once again, he didn’t give up pursuit to win her heart. At first, she felt awkward with him sitting so close, but before long he had her laughing at his jokes. Once Isabella relaxed, the conversation flowed naturally between them, as it always did. Penny got them more drinks, made some vague excuse and disappeared into the crowed.

Feeling a bit tipsy, Isabella’s eyes fell on Travis’s tight T-shirt. It perfectly hugged his muscular arms. Rationality and logic didn’t seem to make sense. As the night progressed, he became more of an ‘yes’ than a ‘no’ in her heart. He noticed her staring and returned a sexy smile. It deepened the already tense atmosphere between them.

Without warning, Penny interrupted their moment by dragging Isabella from her seat. “Come on, let’s dance!” She exclaimed. Secretly relieved to break away from him, Isabella willingly followed her friend to the opposite side of the room. As she stood amongst the crowd, she saw them swaying their hips from side to the other. The scene unfolded in slow motion. Girls seductively twisted their arms around their partners and a hot sensation crept up Isabella’s neck.

With every sip of her drink, it became easier to get lost in the song’s rhythm. Strands of hair slipped and lightly brushed over her face. It didn’t go unnoticed by Travis that recently joined them. Isabella saw an amused smile creeping over his face while watching her. Lost in the moment, they became more attracted to each other. He gently grabbed her wrist and led her outside. Soon, they stood under the stars engaged in a silent conversation. The alcohol left her limbs weak and judgment non-existent. Slowly, he pulled her into his embrace. In return, her arms encircled his neck. “I want you.” Travis whispered against her ear.

Saying this, he bent down and met her lips. At first, he hesitated since she has rejected him before. So, he searched her eyes for permission. “I… Um…” Isabella stuttered. “Do you want this?” He asked. “… Yes…” she answered him. Passionately he continued their kiss, that left Isabella breathless. As he crushed her lips, her body wanted more. She returned his passion with her own, gnawing his bottom lip. Entangled with each other, drops fell from the sky. Unfazed, they continued their kiss in the rain. Suddenly, someone called out to him, “Travis, we need your help! Gareth started a fight.” Forced to break their kiss, he stared at her blushing face. “Mine, at last.” He whispered before running off.

She made herself a promise before they came to the party; to leave the lonely girl behind. ‘There’s no reason to feel lost…’, she scolded herself. Naïve Bella stood in the rain without expression. She softly touched her lips where his kiss still lingered. All she felt was regret… The passionate kiss didn’t ease the struggles within her heart, but left her feeling more alone than before.