Ara💗

The transition from being girlfriends to roommates had been ridiculously easy. By the time October rolled around, Azzi’s life had completely fused with the Bueckers’. Her favorite mugs were in the kitchen cabinets, her skincare products took up over half of the bathroom vanity, and her clothes were neatly integrated into Paige’s closet.

Living with Paige, Bob, and Drew felt like a constant embrace.

But with Paige’s eighteenth birthday approaching, a sense of determination had settled deep in Azzi’s chest.

Paige had given her everything. She had given her a home, a real family, and a love that made her feel entirely grounded. Azzi needed to give Paige the perfect gift. It couldn't just be a nice sweater or another lens for her camera. It had to be monumental.

An opportunity finally presented itself on a Tuesday afternoon while Paige was staying late after school.

Azzi hurried down the stairs, her heart doing a nervous flip against her ribs. She found Bob sitting in the living room.

"Hey, Bob?" Azzi called out softly, stepping into the room and nervously smoothing her hands down the front of her jeans. "Do you have a few minutes? I wanted to ask you something kind of important."

Bob looked up, his expression instantly softening into that warm, easygoing smile as he gestured to the couch across from him.

"Of course, Azzi. Come sit," Bob said, his voice deep and welcoming. "Everything okay? School going alright?"

"Yeah, school is great," Azzi smiled, walking over and sinking into the cushions, though she sat right on the edge. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves. "It's actually about Paige’s birthday. I really want to get her something special. She’s done so much for me this year, and your whole family has, and... well, I have a big idea, but I need your permission first."

Bob leaned back, a curious, amused glint entering his eyes. "Alright, what's the plan?"

Azzi gripped her hands together in her lap, looking Bob dead in the eye. "I want to get her a dog."

Bob blinked, completely caught off guard. He opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Azzi’s words came tumbling out in a frantic, passionate rush.

"I know it's a huge responsibility, and I promise I'm not just springing this on you!" Azzi insisted quickly, her eyes wide. "I know how badly Paige has wanted a dog for years. She talks about it every time we pass one in the park, and I’ve saved up enough money to pay for the adoption fees, the first vet visit, and all the food and supplies. And since I live here now, I will do all the training, the walking, the feeding…. you won't have to lift a finger. But it’s your house, and I would never do it without making sure you're okay with it."

Bob sat in silence for a long moment, watching the earnestness radiating from the girl sitting across from him. The initial shock on his face slowly melted away, replaced by a profoundly soft, touched expression.

"Azzi," Bob said gently, a warm crinkle forming at the corners of his eyes. "You don't need to pitch it to me like a salesman. Take a breath, kiddo."

Azzi let out a shaky, self-conscious laugh, finally leaning back against the couch cushions. "Sorry. I'm just really hoping you say yes."

"First of all, the fact that you sat me down to ask is exactly why I love having you in this house," Bob said, his voice thick with genuine affection. "You're a good kid, Azzi. And second..." He looked around the living room, a fond smile touching his lips. "Paige has wanted a dog since she was seven years old. I always told her we'd get one when she was older and could help take care of it, but then life got busy, and it just never happened."

He looked back at Azzi. "If you’ve got the savings, then you have my blessing. Go get our girl her dog."

A breathless, ecstatic gasp burst from Azzi’s lips. Her entire face illuminated with a massive, brilliant smile, all the tension instantly evaporating from her shoulders.

"Really? Oh my god, thank you, Bob!" Azzi cheered, practically bouncing on the couch cushions. "You have no idea how happy she’s going to be!"

"Oh, I think I do," Bob laughed, standing up from his chair and walking over to give Azzi a quick, reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Just make sure you keep it a secret. You know how Paige gets when she thinks someone is hiding something from her."

"My lips are completely sealed," Azzi promised.

—

The crisp October air bit at Azzi’s cheeks as she practically marched kk and Sarah across the gravel parking lot of the local animal shelter. She had a tight grip on each of their jacket sleeves, her energy so high she was practically vibrating.

"Az, slow down! The shelter isn't going to vanish into thin air in the next thirty seconds," Kk laughed, stumbling slightly as she tried to keep up with Azzi’s pace.

"You guys don't understand," Azzi said, her voice a breathless, excited whisper as she yanked open the heavy front doors of the shelter. "Bob gave me the green light on Tuesday, and I haven't slept a full night since. If I don't find the perfect dog today, I am going to die. Paige’s birthday is in four days!"

The lobby of the shelter was warm, smelling of pine cleaner and pet food. After checking in at the front desk, a kind volunteer named Luke led the three girls through the double doors into the main kennel area. Instantly, a chorus of barking, whining, and thumping tails echoed off the cinderblock walls.

For the next forty-five minutes, Azzi walked slowly down the rows. Kk and Sarah pointed out every single puppy, cooing at a pair of hyperactive golden retriever mixes and a tiny, fluffy hound dog that was practically bouncing off the walls. But as much as Azzi thought they were adorable, none of them felt entirely right.

And then, she reached Kennel 14.

The barking from the other cages seemed to fade into the background. Sitting perfectly still on a raised cot at the back of the kennel was a beautiful, stocky pit bull. Her coat was a stunning, deep blue-grey with a white patch across her chest. Instead of jumping against the fence or barking frantically, the dog simply tilted her head, her soulful, warm brown eyes locking right onto Azzi.

Azzi stopped dead in her tracks. "Oh," she breathed softly.

"What is it, Az?" Sarah asked, stepping up beside her.

Azzi didn't answer. She slowly dropped to her knees on the concrete floor, and pressed her hand gently against the gate.

The pit bull stood up. She walked over to the front of the kennel. She lowered her head and pressed her wet nose directly against the space between Azzi’s fingers, letting out a long, heavy sigh that vibrated against Azzi's palm.

Azzi felt a tug right in her chest. She looked up at the laminated card clipped to the gate.

Name: Roxy

Age: 3 Years

Breed: Pit Bull Terier Mix

Notes: House-trained, loves belly rubs, very quiet, looking for a forever couch to cuddle on.

"Look at those eyes," kk whispered, dropping down next to Azzi, her usual loud energy completely softening. "She’s so sweet, Az. She’s not even barking."

"She’s perfect," Azzi murmured, her voice thick with a sudden rush of emotion. She scratched her fingers against the wire, and Roxy immediately leaned her entire weight against the gate, wanting to be closer. "She’s three. Everyone wants the puppies, but look at her. Paige would absolutely lose her mind over her."

"Luke!" Azzi called out, her head snapping around to find the volunteer. "Can we please meet Roxy out in the play yard?"

Ten minutes later, they were sitting in a fenced-in grassy enclosure behind the shelter. The moment Luke unclipped Roxy’s leash, the dog didn't bolt or run wild. Instead, she trotted straight over to where Azzi, Kk, and Sarah were sitting on the wooden bench. Roxy rested her head right on Azzi’s knee, looking up at her with pure, uncomplicated devotion.

"Oh, yeah. This is it. You're a goner," Sarah laughed gently, leaning over to scratch Roxy behind her floppy ears. Roxy’s eyes closed in pure bliss, her tail thumping a steady, rhythmic beat against the grass.

Azzi wrapped her arms around Roxy’s neck, burying her face into her soft, grey fur. The dog immediately turned her head, giving Azzi a slow, comforting lick right on the cheek. Azzi gasped, a bright, ecstatic laugh bursting from her lips.

"I’m adopting her," Azzi announced, standing up with a look of absolute finality. "Right now. I'm filling out the paperwork."

Luke, who had been watching the interaction from the gate with a knowing smile, walked over with a clipboard. "I take it it's a match?"

"More than a match," Azzi said, her eyes shining as she looked down at Roxy, who had already sat down directly on top of Azzi’s sneakers. "But I have a really, really big request. This is a total surprise for my girlfriend’s birthday. Her birthday isn't until Wednesday morning. Is there any way I can pay for everything today, sign all the adoption papers, but leave Roxy here until Wednesday? I want to come pick her up first thing in the morning so I can bring her home to surprise Paige."

Luke bit his lip, looking down at his clipboard, then back at the way Roxy was looking up at Azzi like she had just hung the moon.

"Technically, our policy requires same-day or next-day pickup once the application is approved," Luke said slowly.

Azzi’s heart sank, her face dropping. "Please. I live with Paige and if I bring Roxy home today, the surprise is totally ruined. I can't hide a whole pit bull in our house for four days."

Kk stepped forward, placing a hand on her heart. "Seriously, Luke. You would be helping pull off the best birthday gift ever."

Luke let out a soft laugh, clearly charmed by the trio. He looked at Roxy, who let out another contented sigh and rolled onto her back, her four paws sticking straight up in the air as she waited for belly rubs from Sarah.

"Tell you what," Luke said, a generous smile breaking across his face. "Since our kennels aren't completely full this weekend... I'll talk to the director and log her as a sponsored hold for training. We can keep her fed, walked, and safe right here until Wednesday morning. But you have to promise me you'll be here the exact minute our doors open at 8:00 AM to get her."

A breathless, ecstatic squeal burst from Azzi’s lips. "I promise! I will be sitting in the parking lot at 7:45 AM!" Azzi cheered, her face completely illuminating with a radiant, brilliant smile.

She dropped back down to the grass, vigorously scratching Roxy’s chest, her mind already picturing Wednesday morning. "You hear that, Roxy? You're coming home with me. You're going to meet your person, and she is going to love you so much."

—

The morning light filtered through the blinds of Paige’s bedroom, but the warmth was completely lost on her the second her eyes opened.

Paige blindly reached out her arm, expecting to sink her hand into the familiar, soft warmth of Azzi’s waist. Instead, her fingers hit cold, flat sheets.

She sat up instantly, her hair rumpled and her brow furrowed in confusion. She blinked at the empty side of the bed. Azzi's phone wasn’t on the nightstand. Her car keys were gone from the dresser.

Paige sank back against the headboard, a heavy, sinking feeling hitting her chest. Today was her eighteenth birthday. It was a massive milestone, and for the last few weeks, she had been anticipating waking up to Azzi kissing her cheek, whispering a soft 'happy birthday, sweetheart' against her lips. They lived together now; they didn't do mornings apart. To find an empty bed on today of all days felt horrible.

The confusion rapidly curdled into a spike of irritation.

Throwing the heavy blankets off her legs, Paige aggressively pulled on a gray hoodie over her t-shirt and practically marched out of the room.

She stormed into the kitchen, the scowl on her face deep enough to cut glass.

Bob was standing by the counter, calmly pouring coffee into a mug. He looked up, his expression completely bright and untroubled. "Morning, birthday girl! How do you feel?"

"Like shit," Paige muttered, pulling out a kitchen chair with a loud, aggressive screech and slumping into it. She crossed her arms tightly over her chest, staring daggers at the kitchen island.

Bob paused, holding the coffee pot mid-air, a thoroughly amused but well-hidden glint in his eye. "Well, aren't we a ray of sunshine today? Did you wake up on the wrong side of the mattress?"

"I woke up on an empty mattress, Dad," Paige snapped, her voice thick with irritable friction. She rubbed her face with both hands, letting out a loud, frustrated sigh. "Where the hell is Azzi? She didn't leave a note. She didn't text me. She just completely vanished. It’s my birthday, and she couldn't even bother to stay and say goodbye before she ran off to do whatever it is she's doing."

Bob turned around, hiding a massive smirk behind his coffee mug as he took a slow sip. He knew exactly where Azzi was; sitting in a shelter parking lot, but he played his part perfectly.

"Oh, come on, kiddo. I'm sure she just had an early errand to run," Bob said smoothly, walking over and placing a warm hand on Paige’s slouching shoulder. "Don't let it ruin your day. It's a big day for you."

"Yeah, it is a big day for me," Paige muttered, her bottom lip pulling into a stubborn, childish pout as she stared at the floor. "That's exactly the point. Shes my girlfriend and she’s not here when I wake up on my birthday. It's annoying. I'm annoyed."

Bob just chuckled softly, shaking his head as he checked his watch. "Well, sit tight, grump. Why don't I start on some breakfast? She’ll probably be back soon."

Before Bob could even reach for the frying pan, Drew burst into the kitchen.

"Happy birthday, Paigey!" Drew shrieked at the top of his lungs, lunging forward and throwing his small arms around her, completely oblivious to the pure irritation radiating off his older sister. "You're eighteen! That means you're super old!"

Normally, Paige was a patient, loving older sister, but right now, the loud noise felt like a drill to her temples. Her jaw clenched tight.

"Yeah, thanks, Drew," Paige muttered, her voice flat and unamused. She didn't hug him back. "Go ask Dad for juice or something. I'm not in the mood."

Drew blinked, his big eyes looking up at her. He quickly scrambled over to Bob’s side of the counter.

For the next ten minutes, Paige sat at the kitchen table like a ticking time bomb. She aggressively tapped her fingers against the wood, her eyes drilling a hole into the wall. Every little sound; the clinking of Bob’s coffee mug, the hum of the refrigerator, Drew crunching loudly on a piece of toast, was pushing her closer to the edge. The sheer audacity of Azzi leaving her alone on her birthday was making her blood boil.

Finally, she couldn't take the silence anymore. She yanked her phone out of her hoodie pocket, her fingers flying across the screen.

Paige: Where the hell are you? It’s my birthday, I thought you would want to wake up with me but ig not.

She hit send then tossed the phone face-down on the table.

One minute passed. Then three. Then five.

The screen didn't light up. Azzi, who normally responded to her within thirty seconds, was completely ghosting her.

"Unbelievable," Paige muttered under her breath, as she crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, officially in the shittiest mood of her life.

Exactly ten minutes later, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the hallway.

Paige didn’t move an inch. She sat frozen in her kitchen chair, her arms locked tight over her chest, her jaw set into a hard, furious line.

"I'm back!" Azzi’s voice called out, practically singing through the house.

A second later, Azzi bounced into the kitchen. The second her eyes landed on Paige, her face completely lit up. She rushed right over to Paige’s chair, leaning down and wrapping her arms tightly around Paige’s shoulders, burying her face into her neck.

"Happy birthday, honey," Azzi whispered into her skin, before pulling back just enough to press a deep, lingering, incredibly sweet kiss right to Paige’s lips.

Paige didn’t kiss her back. She kept her lips firmly pressed together, her body completely rigid in Azzi’s embrace. When Azzi pulled away, Paige just stared up at her, a look full of irritation.

Azzi blinked, completely caught off guard by Paige’s reaction. She let out a soft, confused little laugh, her hands sliding down to rest tenderly on Paige’s shoulders. "What’s with the face, Baby? Why are you mad?"

"Where were you, Az?" Paige whispered, completely unable to keep angry tone. "I woke up and the bed was completely empty. You didn't leave a note, you didn't text me back. I was just excited to see you and it made me sad you weren’t there."

Azzi didn't get defensive. Instead, a soft, incredibly knowing smile began to tug at the corners of her lips. She reached down, gently taking Paige’s hands and rubbing her thumbs over her knuckles.

"Oh, baby," Azzi cooed softly, her voice thick with affection. "I am so sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel like that, I promise. I just had to handle something super early because the doors opened right at eight. I have a surprise for you, and it’s waiting right out in the driveway."

"I don't care about a surprise, Azzi, I wanted—"

"Paige, just trust me. Come outside," Azzi interrupted gently, pulling on her hands and giving her a pleading look.

Paige let out a loud, frustrated groan, but the sheer sweetness in Azzi’s eyes was impossible to resist. She aggressively shoved her hands into her pockets and stood up, stomping past Azzi and toward the front door. Bob and Drew exchanged a secret, thrilled look from the counter, quietly slipping out onto the porch behind them to watch.

Paige yanked the front door open, stepping out into the cold morning air. She marched down the porch steps, her eyes locked on Azzi’s car parked in the driveway.

"Well? Where is—" Paige started, turning around, but Azzi just pointed a finger toward the passenger side window.

Paige looked back at the car. And then, her heart stopped.

Pressing a large, blocky, blue-grey snout directly against the glass of the passenger window was a dog. The dog's floppy ears were perked up, her brown eyes staring right out at the driveway, her tail visibly thudding against the leather seat in a rapid, blurring rhythm.

Paige froze dead in her tracks. Her jaw dropped completely open, the anger, the irritation, and the shitty mood instantly vaporizing from her system, replaced by a shock so violent it made her knees weak.

"Oh my god," Paige choked out, her hands flying out of her pockets to cover her mouth."Oh my god. Az... what is that? Is that... is that a dog?"

"Go look," Azzi whispered, a smile breaking across her face as she reached into her pocket and clicked the unlock button on the key fob.

Paige practically sprinted the rest of the distance to the car. She yanked the door open, and the moment she did, the pit bull didn't hesitate. Roxy scrambled right over the console, her tail wagging so hard her entire back half was shaking. She stepped right out onto the driveway, letting out a loud, happy whine.

"Oh my god! Oh my god!" Paige started freaking out, dropping directly to her knees on the cold concrete. She threw her arms completely around the dog’s neck, burying her face into the grey fur.

"Azzi!" Paige shrieked, a breathless, hysterical laugh bursting from her throat as tears instantly flooded her eyes. She gripped the dog tighter, her chest heaving. "Are you serious? Whose dog is this?! Azzi, please tell me you're not joking!"

"She's yours, Paige," Azzi called out as she walked over, her heart exploding at the sight. "Her name is Roxy. She’s three years old, she’s from the shelter, and she's officially ours. Happy birthday, sweetheart."

"She’s ours?" Paige choked out, her voice cracking completely as she looked up from the concrete. "Azzi, you’re... you’re not messing with me, right? She’s really mine?"

"She’s really yours," Azzi laughed, wiping her own eyes as she stepped closer, looking down at the pure joy in her driveway. "I promise."

Paige let out a loud, breathless laugh, wrapping her arms around Roxy one more time and squeezing the pit bull tightly. Roxy responded by letting out a heavy, content sigh, her tail thumping a frantic rhythm against the side of the car.

"Come on, girl! Come on, Roxy!" Paige pushed herself up from the ground, her face entirely transformed. Every trace of her earlier irritation was gone, replaced by a wild, giddy energy. She didn't even bother closing the car door, immediately guiding the dog toward the house. "Dad! Drew! You have to see this!"

Bob and Drew were already standing by the front door, grinning from ear to ear. The second Paige burst through the entryway with Roxy trotting happily at her heels, Drew let out a high-pitched shriek of pure delight.

"A DOG!" Drew screamed, dropping to his knees on the entryway rug. "Paige! You got a dog!"

"Look at her, Drew!" Paige yelled back, her voice matching his level of excitement. She dropped back down to the floor right next to her little brother, her chest heaving as she watched Roxy immediately gravitate toward Drew, giving his face a massive, wet swipe of her tongue. "Her name is Roxy. She’s ours. She’s actually ours!"

"She's so big!" Drew giggled hysterically, trying to wrap his small arms around Roxy's torso. Roxy just soaked up the attention, leaning her entire weight into the little boy and letting her tongue hang out in a happy, goofy smile.

Paige looked up at her dad, her eyes wide and swimming with a fresh wave of tears. "Dad, did you know about this?"

Bob walked over, a massive, proud smile on his face as he crossed his arms. "Of course I did. Azzi sat me down days ago to get permission."

Paige's head snapped over to Azzi, who was leaning against the front doorframe, watching the entire scene with the softest, most radiant expression. Paige stood up, her legs a little shaky, and walked straight into Azzi’s space. She didn't say a word at first; she just grabbed Azzi by the waist, pulled her flush against her chest, and buried her face into the crook of Azzi’s neck.

"I can't believe it," Paige whispered, her voice muffled against Azzi's skin. She was holding onto her so tightly, her arms locked around Azzi’s waist like steel. "I actually cannot believe she’s our dog. I’ve wanted this my whole life, Az."

"I know you have, P," Azzi murmured, wrapping her arms around Paige’s neck, her fingers gently tangling into Paige’s hair. "That’s why I got her for you. You deserve everything."

Paige pulled back just enough to look into Azzi's eyes. "I'm sorry I was such a jerk this morning."

"You're forgiven," Azzi teased softly, reaching up to rub her thumb against Paige's cheek. "But only because it’s your birthday. Now go back over there, I think your dog misses you."

Paige laughed, giving Azzi one a deep, lingering kiss before scrambling right back down to the floor, completely helpless to the pit bull who was currently rolling onto her back on the living room rug, waiting for belly rubs.

—

The winter air of February rattled the kitchen windows, but inside, the entire household was crammed around the kitchen island. Dinner was half eaten and sat largely forgotten on the counter, the usual lively dinner chatter replaced by silence. At the center of the granite island sat Azzi’s laptop, its screen glowing with the portal login page for NYU's School of Fashion; her absolute dream school.

Azzi was a total, unmitigated nervous wreck. She was sitting on a barstool, her knees knocking together beneath the counter, her fingers buried so deeply into the fabric of her hoodie that her knuckles were starting to get sore.

"I can't look," Azzi whispered, her voice cracking as she violently shook her head, pulling her hood completely over her face to block out the screen. "Someone else click it. I’m going to throw up."

Standing right behind her, Paige slid her large, warm hands over Azzi’s shoulders, applying a firm, grounding pressure. She bent down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to the side of Azzi’s head through the fabric of the hood.

"Hey, breathe, baby," Paige murmured, her voice low and steady despite the rapid thumping of her own heart. "You’ve been working toward this since the day I met you. Your portfolio was flawless. Just take a deep breath."

On the floor next to Paige, Roxy seemed to sense the nervousness in the room. The pit bull let out a low, sympathetic whine, resting her chin right on Azzi’s foot and giving her ankle a slow, comforting lick.

"Yeah, Azzi, don't worry!" Drew piped up from seat next to the island. He was practically vibrating with excitement, his hands gripping the edge of the counter as he stared at the laptop. "You make the coolest clothes ever. If they say no, I’ll go to New York and yell at them!"

A breathless, watery laugh escaped Azzi’s throat from beneath her hood.

Bob, who was leaning against the counter with his arms crossed, let out a chuckle. "As much as I appreciate the muscle, Drew, I don't think it'll come to that. Azzi, kiddo, we've seen you lock yourself in the room for days, sewing until your fingers bled. You earned this. Whatever that screen says, we're proud of you. But you've gotta click it, because the suspense is killing me."

Azzi slowly pulled the hood down, her golden skin looking a little pale as she stared at the flashing cursor. Her hand was trembling visibly as she reached out and grabbed the computer mouse.

"Okay," Azzi whispered, her eyes wide, swimming with a mixture of terror and hope. "On three. Help me count, Drew."

"One!" Drew shouted.

"Two," Paige murmured, her grip tightening supportively on Azzi’s shoulders.

"Three!" Drew squealed.

Azzi clicked the mouse.

The screen spun for a fraction of a second; a brutal, agonizing loading wheel, before the page refreshed. A massive, colorful banner instantly exploded across the top of the portal.

CONGRATULATIONS, AZZI! > Welcome to the NYU Tisch School of the Arts – Department of Fashion Design, Class of 2030.

Before anyone could even breathe, Azzi’s eyes darted down to a flashing blue link labeled Financial Aid & Merit Status. With a frantic, shaking finger, she slammed the trackpad. The screen loaded a secondary letter, and right at the top, highlighted in bold gold lettering, were the words:

DEAN'S SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: FULL TUITION & HOUSING COVERAGE (100% REWARD)

For one single, agonizing second, the kitchen was completely silent as Azzi’s brain struggled to process the words. A full ride. Every single dime paid for.

Then, the kitchen absolutely, violently erupted.

"OH MY GOD!" Azzi shrieked at the top of her lungs, shattering the silence.

She violently threw herself off the barstool, the chair screeching against the floor, and started jumping up and down. "I GOT IN! AND IT’S A FULL RIDE! IT’S FREE! EVERYTHING IS FREE!"

Everyone started screaming. Drew let out a piercing, earsplitting yell, jumping up and down right alongside her. Azzi lunged forward, scooped Drew completely off his feet, and hoisted him into her arms, spinning him around while Drew cheered at the top of his lungs, "YOU WIN, AZZI! YOU WIN!"

"YES SIR! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!" Bob bellowed, his deep voice booming over the chaos as he pumped a fist into the air, a massive, triumphant grin splitting his face. He grabbed a kitchen towel and waved it around like a flag, completely over the moon.

Paige was losing her mind. She let out a wild, breathless shout, practically tackling Azzi the second Azzi set Drew back on his feet. Paige hooked her arms around Azzi’s waist and lifted Azzi completely off the ground, spinning them in a frantic circle in the middle of the kitchen.

"A FULL RIDE!" Paige yelled, her voice thick and raw with pride. "I KNEW IT! I FUCKING KNEW IT, BABY!"

Down at their feet, Roxy was caught up in the madness, barking frantically and spinning in circles, her thick tail thumping against the cabinets like a drum.

When Paige finally set her down, Azzi was laughing and crying all at once, the happy tears streaming down her flushed, glowing cheeks.

"Everything is covered, Paige," Azzi sobbed happily, her hands framing Paige’s face, her fingers tangling in her hair. "I’m going to New York. I’m going to my dream school."

"Damn right you are, sweetheart," Paige whispered, her own eyes glassy and dark with adoration. She pulled Azzi down into a deep kiss right there in the center of the kitchen, while Bob and Drew kept shouting and celebrating around them, a loud, messy, completely whole family.

—

Exactly seven days after Azzi’s NYU acceptance, Paige was sitting on the barstool, staring at the glowing laptop screen with a look of pure terror. The portal for Fordham University was open, the loading page just one click away from revealing whether she had been accepted.

For the last week, while everyone else was still floating on cloud nine from Azzi’s full-ride news, a knot of anxiety had been twisting itself deep in Paige’s gut. Fordham was in New York City. If she got in, she’d be just a short subway ride away from Azzi. They could keep their life together. They could survive.

But if she got a rejection letter... it meant staying behind while Azzi moved to Manhattan. It meant the one thing Paige’s heart couldn't handle: long distance.

"I can't do it," Paige muttered, her voice dropping into a whisper. She slammed her forehead down onto the counter, her hands gripping the back of her own neck. "Az, close the laptop. Seriously. If it’s a no, I’m going to lose my mind."

Azzi stepped right into Paige's space, sliding onto the stool next to her and wrapping her arms completely around Paige's shoulders. She pulled Paige's head up from the counter, forcing Paige to look at her.

"Hey. It’s okay, baby," Azzi commanded softly. She reached up, her hands cupping Paige’s jaw, her thumbs tracing the tense lines of her face. "Your grades are perfect. Fordham would be lucky to have you."

"Az, you don't get it," Paige breathed, her eyes swimming with a panic as she looked at her girlfriend. "You're going to New York. You're supposed to. But if I don't get this... if I'm stuck here while you're there... I can't be hundreds of miles away from you."

On the floor, Roxy whined softly, leaning her shoulder against Paige’s leg, while Drew sat uncharacteristically quiet on his stool, sensing that his big sister was genuinely scared.

Bob walked over from the sink, placing a heavy, reassuring hand on top of Paige's head, giving her hair a firm rub. "Whatever happens, we handle it as a family. But you've worked so hard for this, Paige. Have a little faith in yourself."

Azzi shifted, grabbing the mouse and sliding it right under Paige’s trembling hand. She laced her fingers through Paige’s, locking them together over the plastic grip, pinning Paige’s hand flush against her own.

"We do it together," Azzi whispered against Paige's cheek, her heart hammering against Paige’s shoulder. "On three, sweetheart. Just click it."

Drew didn't yell this time; his little voice was quiet and supportive. "One..."

"Two..." Azzi murmured, pressing her cheek closer to Paige's.

"Three," Paige choked out.

Together, their fingers slammed down on the trackpad.

The white loading screen flashed. For two agonizing seconds, the internet connection seemed to drag, the spinning wheel threatening to drive Paige insane. And then, the page snapped into view.

A massive maroon header flooded the screen, and right beneath it, the first word was written in giant, bold letters:

CONGRATULATIONS!

It is our pleasure to welcome you to Fordham University’s Manhattan Campus as a member of the incoming Class of 2030, majoring in Computer Science & Programming.

Paige’s brain completely short-circuited. She stared at the word Congratulations as if it were written in a foreign language, her chest freezing mid-breath.

"Paige..." Azzi gasped, her voice instantly cracking as she read the text over her shoulder. "Paige, look! You got in! You're going to New York!"

The realization hit Paige like a blow to the chest. The terrifying vision of airport goodbyes, lonely late-night FaceTime calls, and hundreds of miles of separation instantly disintegrated into nothingness. They were staying together.

"OH MY GOD!" Azzi shrieked, the dam finally breaking.

Azzi lunged sideways, throwing her entire weight onto Paige, her arms wrapping around Paige’s neck as she tackled her into a massive hug. Paige caught her instinctively, her arms clamping around Azzi’s waist, pulling her flush against her chest as a wild, breathless, disbelieving laugh burst from her throat.

"Fordham!" Bob roared from the background, slamming a heavy hand down on the counter in pure triumph. "That's my girl! New York City better get ready!"

Drew started jumping up and down on his barstool, screaming at the top of his lungs, "NO LONG DISTANCE! NO LONG DISTANCE! PAIGE IS GOING TO THE NEW YORK CITY, TOO!"

Roxy caught on to the joy and went wild, barking happily and running in circles around the kitchen island, her tail thumping loudly against the refrigerator.

Paige stood up, lifting Azzi completely off her feet without even trying, burying her face into the crook of Azzi’s neck. A few hot, emotional tears of pure relief slipped down Paige’s cheeks, soaking into the fabric of Azzi’s shirt. She held Azzi so tightly, her thumbs pressing firmly into the small of Azzi's back.

"We're going together," Paige choked out, her voice thick and raw with an overwhelming, dazzling happiness. "We're actually going together, baby girl."

Azzi pulled back just enough to look down at her, her skin glowing under the kitchen lights, her face covered in happy tears. "I told you, I told you we were a team."

Paige leaned up, capturing Azzi’s lips in a kiss that carried every ounce of the relief, the love, and the absolute certainty of their future. There would be no long distance. No goodbye. Just two girls, their dog, and a whole new city waiting for them.

Paige slowly lowered Azzi back to the floor, though neither of them let go of each other. Paige kept one arm hooked securely around Azzi’s waist, her chest still heaving with the sheer relief of it all. Azzi kept her hand resting against the back of Paige's neck, her thumb sweeping over the hairs there, her

eyes absolutely shining through her tears.

That was when Bob stepped forward.

He had thick tears welling in his own eyes, a soft, incredibly emotional smile completely overtaking his face. He didn't say a word at first. He just extended his arms and wrapped them entirely around both girls, pulling them firmly into his chest at the exact same time.

It was a massive, crushing hug. He enveloped them so completely that Azzi and Paige were pinned flush against each other inside his embrace.

Bob buried his face into the tops of their heads, his shoulders shaking just a tiny bit as he held them tight.

"I swear, I have the smartest daughters in the whole damn world," Bob choked out, his deep voice thick and rough with an overwhelming wave of pride. He squeezed them even tighter, anchoring them to him. "I love you two so much. I am so incredibly proud of you both."

Hearing the word daughters; the casual, unyielding certainty with which Bob included her into his family, made a fresh sob catch right in Azzi’s throat. She closed her eyes, squeezing Paige's waist with one hand and reaching around to grip the back of Bob’s flannel shirt with the other, letting herself completely sink into the unconditional love of the only real father she had ever known.

Paige rested her forehead against her dad's shoulder, a breathless, teary laugh escaping her lips. She reached her free arm around his back, returning the hug with all the strength she had.

"Thanks, Dad," Paige whispered, her voice cracking. "We wouldn't have had this without you."

"Damn right," Bob murmured, pulling back just enough to look down at them, his hands remaining firmly on their shoulders. He wiped a stray tear from his cheek with the back of his hand and gave them both a proud, commanding look. "You two worked your asses off. I couldn't ask for anything more."

Drew scrambled over, aggressively wedging his small body right between his dad’s legs to join the huddle, throwing his arms around Paige and Azzi's knees. Roxy shoved her big grey head right into the center of the family pile, letting out a long, contented whine that made everyone burst into a bright, watery laughter.

—

The morning sun of early June streamed through the bedroom window, casting a bright, golden glow over the familiar walls. The room was a beautiful mix of their past and their future; half-packed boxes for New York sat stacked in the corner, while two identical graduation gowns hung neatly from the closet door.

After months of anticipation, the day had finally arrived.

Paige stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting the collar of her crisp white polo. She smoothed the front of her tailored white slacks Even though she was putting on a calm face, her fingers were trembling just a fraction as she tried to get the hem of her shirt to sit perfectly straight.

Before she could stress about it, two warm, familiar arms wrapped around her waist from behind.

Azzi pressed her front completely against Paige’s back, letting out a soft, contented hum. She was wearing a stunning, short white dress that contrasted beautifully with her rich, golden skin. Her dark hair was styled to perfection, curling gently over her shoulders, and she smelled faintly of vanilla and springtime.

"Look at you, baby," Azzi murmured, her chin resting on Paige’s shoulder as she met Paige's eyes in the mirror. A soft, breathless smile curved her lips. "You look absolutely incredible. So pretty."

Paige’s heart swelled, the lingering tension instantly melting away at the touch. She turned around slowly within Azzi’s embrace, her hands automatically finding Azzi’s hips, her thumbs tracing the smooth fabric of the white dress. She looked down at her girlfriend, her eyes filled with adoration.

"Look who's talking," Paige breathed, her voice dropping into a low, rough rumble. She reached up with one hand, her fingers gently tucking a stray curl behind Azzi’s ear, her knuckles lingering to caress the soft skin of her jawline. "Az... you look perfect."

Azzi leaned her face into Paige’s palm, her eyes fluttering shut for a brief moment to savor the gentle touch. "We actually made it," she whispered, her hands sliding up Paige’s chest to rest against the collar of her white polo, her fingers playing with the fabric. "No long distance. No goodbyes. We’re graduating today, and then we're going to New York."

"Together," Paige reminded her softly. She leaned down, pressing her forehead gently against Azzi’s, their breaths mingling in the quiet room. "Every step of the way."

Paige slid her hands down to grasp Azzi’s, intertwining their fingers tightly. She lifted them up, pressing a tender, lingering kiss to the back of Azzi’s knuckles, her eyes never leaving her girlfriend's face.

Azzi smiled, a tear of pure, overwhelming happiness glistening in the corner of her eye. She wrapping her arms around Paige’s neck to pull her down into a slow, sweet, deeply affectionate kiss. It was soft, reverent, with the promise of their shared future.

The gentle creak of the floorboards outside their door broke the silence.

"Hey! You two nearly ready up there?" Bob’s voice carried a distinct, emotional crackle from the hallway. "We gotta hit the road soon!"

Azzi giggled against Paige’s lips, the soft vibration warming Paige's chest. "We should probably go."

"Yeah," Paige murmured, her voice carrying a lazy, love-struck warmth. She let her hands slide slowly up from Azzi's hips, smoothing over the fabric of her white dress until they rested against her shoulder blades, pulling her in for one last, firm squeeze. "In a second."

Paige leaned down and pressed a long, soft kiss right to the center of Azzi's forehead, then to the tip of her nose, making Azzi squeeze her eyes shut with a bright, radiant smile.

"I love you so much, Az," Paige whispered, her thumb gently wiping away the tiny, happy tear that had gathered at the corner of Azzi's eye. "Let's go get these diplomas."

"I love you more," Azzi breathed, her fingers giving the collar of Paige's white polo one final, affectionate pat.

Together, they stepped toward the closet, each grabbing their heavy graduation gowns. As they walked out the door hand-in-hand, the hallway light hitting them both, the sheer weight of what they had achieved finally felt real.

—

The football field was a sea of bright caps, fluttering gowns, and absolute chaos. Air horns were blaring in the distance, families were sobbing and hugging, and the grass was completely trampled under hundreds of pairs of dress shoes.

Right near the fifty-yard line, completely isolated in their own little bubble of happiness, Paige and Azzi were taking pictures. Bob was behind the camera, aggressively wiping his eyes and barking instructions.

Paige had her arm thrown securely around Azzi’s shoulders, pulling her flush against her side. They were both holding their diplomas, laughing brightly as Bob snapped another photo.

"Alright, smile big, girls! One more!" Bob called out, his voice practically bursting with pride.

But before the shutter could click, the joyous noise of the crowd seemed to dull. A stiff, heavy silence settled over their immediate area as two figures stepped out from the sea of people, walking purposefully toward them.

Azzi’s smile faltered first. Her body instantly went rigid against Paige’s side, her eyes widening in shock. Paige felt the sudden shift in her girlfriend's posture and looked up, her eyes narrowing as she recognized the two people approaching.

It was Tim and Katie, Azzi’s parents. They looked entirely out of place dressed in immaculate designer clothing that practically screamed London high society, their expressions completely detached from the celebration around them.

They stopped a few feet away, their eyes scanning Azzi’s white dress and graduation gown with a clinical, passing interest.

"Well," Katie said, her voice smooth, and entirely devoid of any real warmth. "Congratulations, Azzi. You managed to finish."

Tim offered a tight, formal nod, adjusting the cuff of his tailored suit jacket. "Yes. Congratulations."

Paige’s grip on Azzi’s shoulder tightened instinctively.

Azzi blinked, her chest heaving as she let out a sharp, incredulous breath. She stepped forward, slightly out of Paige’s embrace, her arms crossing over her chest. "What... what are you doing here? Why didn't you tell me you were coming home from London for this?"

Katie raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, letting out a faint, dismissive sigh. "Azzi, please. It’s your high school graduation. It was expected that we would be here. There was no need to make a grand announcement about a standard family obligation."

A standard family obligation. The sheer audacity of the phrase; considering they hadn't called, visited, or supported her for the most critical months of her life, made a hot flash of annoyance flare deep in Azzi’s gut. For a split second, the old, familiar ache of wanting their approval threatened to tighten her throat.

But suddenly, the annoyance in Azzi's chest just... evaporated. Looking at her parents, she realized they didn't hold any power over her anymore. She didn't feel sad. She didn't feel broken. She just couldn't find it in herself to care.

Azzi let out a quiet, almost amused breath, her shoulders relaxing completely. She looked back at Tim and Katie, her expression turning polite but entirely detached.

"Right. Of course," Azzi said smoothly, her voice steady and mature. "Well, thank you for coming. We’re actually heading back to our house right now. Bob ordered barbecue, and we're having family dinner to celebrate. You're welcome to come back with us."

Tim and Katie exchanged a brief, subtly uncomfortable look, clearly caught off guard by Azzi’s total lack of desperation, and even more by her calling Bob's place our house.

Katie cleared her throat, smoothing down her designer blouse as she looked at her husband, then back to her daughter. "Well... we do have a dinner reservation in the city later this evening, but we can cancel it. We’ll come back to the house and eat with you all."

"Okay, great," Azzi replied. A bright, completely genuine smile broke across her face; not out of a need to please them, but out of the sheer, beautiful confidence in the life she had built without them.

Bob’s pickup truck led the way back to the house, filled with the loud, chaotic energy of Drew singing. Trailing behind them was Tim and Katie’s pristine, silent rental car.

When they finally pulled into the driveway, the screen door slammed open almost immediately, and the rich, savory scent of warm brisket, mac and cheese, and fresh rolls, wafted out into the afternoon air.

Inside, the living room was a tight squeeze. Tim and Katie stood awkwardly near the edge of the kitchen counter, looking completely out of place against the backdrop of half-packed cardboard boxes labeled NYC and the cluttered comfort of the home. Until today, they had simply assumed she and Paige were high school friends sharing a temporary space before heading to college.

Azzi, however, had absolutely no intention of hiding the truth or playing along with their stiff, unspoken boundaries.

The moment they kicked off their shoes, Azzi bypassed her parents entirely and walked straight over to Paige, who was standing by the dining table helping Bob set down a heavy tray of food. Without a shred of hesitation, Azzi slid her arms smoothly around Paige’s waist from behind, pressing her chest flush against Paige’s back and resting her chin right on her shoulder.

"Can you grab the extra napkins from the pantry for me, baby?" Azzi murmured, her voice carrying clearly across the quiet room.

Across the kitchen, Katie’s posture went instantly rigid. Her eyes darting sharply over to the table. Tim’s eyebrows knit together in a hard, confused line, his gaze dropping to the casual, possessive way Azzi’s hands were resting on Paige’s hips. They exchanged a swift, profoundly uncomfortable look, the reality of their daughter's life crashing down on them all at once.

Paige didn't miss a beat. Today, she felt an unshakeable sense of belonging. She turned around slowly within Azzi’s embrace, her hands coming up to naturally rest on Azzi’s waist, completely ignoring the judgmental stares from the kitchen.

"Yeah, of course, Az," Paige rumbled softly, leaning down to press a casual, lingering kiss right to the side of Azzi’s temple before stepping toward the pantry.

The absolute, discomfort radiating off her parents was palpable. They stood swallowed by an awkward silence, completely unnerved by the intimacy on display. Rather than addressing Azzi directly or confronting the relationship head-on, Tim stiffened his spine, cleared his throat, and looked past the girls toward the head of the household.

"Bob," Tim said, his voice clipped and tight with forced formality. "If you have a moment before we sit down to eat... could Katie and I speak with you privately in the other room?"

Bob, who had been aggressively piling brisket onto a plate, slowly set his tongs down. He didn't look surprised, and he certainly didn't look intimidated.

"Sure," Bob boomed quietly, his voice carrying the weight of a protective father. He gestured toward the back hallway. "We can use the den."

The heavy wooden door of the den clicked shut, instantly muting the clatter of silverware and Drew’s laughing from the dining room.

Bob didn't sit down, but he didn't tower over them aggressively either. He stood with his hands loosely in his pockets, his posture calm but firm as he turned to face Tim and Katie.

Tim wasted no time, though his posture remained incredibly stiff. "Bob, look... we appreciate you letting us join you today. Truly. But we have to ask, how exactly are you comfortable with seeing them interact like that right in front of you?"

Katie nodded, her mouth set in a tight, uneasy line. "It’s just that we aren't used to seeing people of the same gender be affectionate like that. It’s highly unconventional and it’s frankly a lot to take in."

Bob listened quietly, his face unreadable. He took a slow breath, consciously choosing to keep his temper in check. He didn't agree with their discomfort, and he certainly wasn't going to validate it, but for Azzi’s sake, he wanted to avoid an explosion that would ruin her night.

"Look," Bob said, his voice level and steady, carrying the patient tone of someone trying to explain a simple concept to a stubborn child. "I get that it’s a shock to you. And this isn't what you expected to see today. I understand that."

He stepped closer, looking at them both, trying to make them see the bigger picture.

"But you need to understand something," Bob continued, his tone firm. "I’m comfortable with it because I actually look at them. I see how hard they work, how much they care about each other, and how much better they are when they're together. Azzi makes my daughter really happy, and Paige does the exact same for yours. When you see that kind of genuine support every single day, the rest of it just doesn't matter."

Tim shifted his weight. "Are they... are Paige and Azzi girlfriends? Is that what this is?"

"Yeah," Bob said plainly, not sugarcoating the reality. "They are."

"And if that's the case," Katie asked, her voice laced with a mix of confusion and judgment, "why on earth do you let them stay in the same bedroom under your roof? We find that highly inappropriate."

Bob’s eyes narrowed just a fraction, a brief flash of irritation crossing his features before he reined it back in. He let out a short, heavy sigh, refusing to apologize for how he ran his household.

"I hear you, and I know how it looks from your perspective," Bob said, his voice dropping into a lower, non-negotiable register. "But they trust each other, and I trust them. They're good kids, and they've earned that trust."

He walked over to the door, placing his hand on the brass knob but turning back to look at Tim and Katie one last time, setting a clear boundary for the rest of the evening.

"Look, you don't have to fully understand it or even agree with it right this second," Bob said, his tone perfectly final. "But today is Azzi's night. She worked incredibly hard to get that diploma, and she deserves a stress-free celebration with the people who care about her. So, we're going to go back out there, we're going to eat dinner, and we're going to keep things happy for her. Can we do that?"

Tim and Katie exchanged a long, silent look. Recognizing the firm boundary Bob had set, and realizing he wasn't going to back down or argue, Tim finally gave a stiff but compliant nod.

—

The den door clicked open, and the tension that had filled the small room drifted out into the hallway as Bob, Tim, and Katie stepped back into the house.

In the living room, the atmosphere couldn't have been more different. Paige and Azzi were on the couch. Azzi was sitting completely sideways on the cushions, her back propped up against the armrest while her legs were stretched out completely across Paige’s lap. Roxy, was snoring softly on the floor right beside them, her head resting heavily on Azzi's dangling foot. Paige sat solid and relaxed beneath her, her l hands moving in slow, practiced motions as she gently massaged Azzi’s calves, her thumbs kneading away the ache of standing in high heels on a football field all afternoon.

The moment Katie stepped into the room, her eyes locked onto the sight, and her entire face pinched with an immediate, deep-seated discomfort. Tim stiffened beside her, clearing his throat with a sharp, pointed cough that did absolutely nothing to disrupt the girls' rhythm.

Katie walked a few steps closer, stopping right at the edge of the coffee table. She crossed her arms over her designer blouse, her voice dropping into a tight, strained, reprimanding whisper.

"Azzi," Katie said, her tone dripping with l disapproval. "Please. We are about to sit down for dinner. Could you two please tone it down a bit? It's completely unnecessary to be doing... that in the middle of the living room."

Paige’s hands paused for a fraction of a second, her eyes flicking up to Katie with a calm, unblinking stillness, waiting to see how her girlfriend wanted to handle it. She didn't move her hands away.

Azzi didn't blink either. She didn't scramble to sit up, she didn't flush with embarrassment, and she didn't look for Bob’s protection. "No," Azzi said.

The word was short, quiet, and final. It sliced right through the awkward silence of the room.

Katie’s jaw practically dropped, her eyes widening in utter shock at the flat refusal. "Excuse me?"

"No," Azzi repeated, her voice perfectly pleasant but completely immovable as she reached down and casually rested her hand over Paige’s, signaling her to keep going. Paige’s thumbs immediately resumed their slow, soothing massage. "My legs hurt from graduation, Paige is helping me, and this is our home. We aren't doing anything wrong, Mom. We're not toning anything down."

Tim’s face darkened, he stepped up beside Katie, as he leveled a stern, authoritative glare at his daughter.

"Azzi, that is enough," Tim barked, his voice dropping into the commanding tone he usually reserved for boardrooms. "You will listen to your mother. Sit up properly and show some decency while we are guests in this house."

Azzi didn't flinch. She didn't cower under his gaze the way she might have a year ago. Instead, she let out a soft, almost pitying sigh.

"Why should I?" Azzi asked, her voice incredibly calm, devoid of any anger or heat.

Before Tim could even process the question, Azzi shifted her weight. She leaned inward, her hand sliding up to cup the back of Paige’s neck, and pulled Paige down into a slow, deliberate, and deeply affectionate kiss right in front of them. Paige leaned into it seamlessly, her large hand resting on Azzi’s thigh, completely unfazed by the storm brewing across the coffee table.

When Azzi pulled back, she kept her arm draped casually over Paige’s shoulders, looking back at her parents with total composure.

Katie looked absolutely aghast, her hand flying to her chest as if she had just been slapped. "Oh, my god. You are being incredibly disrespectful, Azzi! To flaunt this... this behavior in our faces after we flew all the way from London for you? It’s completely ungrateful."

"Extremely disrespectful," Tim echoed, his fists clenching at his sides. "We came here to celebrate your achievement, not to be subjected to a blatant disregard for our feelings and our values."

Azzi let out a quiet, ironic chuckle, her fingers gently playing with the collar of Paige's white polo.

"You didn't fly here for me," Azzi said softly, the truth of it ringing through the living room. "You flew here because you felt like you were obligated too. If you actually cared about ms, you would have checked on me months ago. You don't get to walk into the home I live in with the people who actually love me and tell me how to act. If you find my life disrespectful, the front door is exactly where you left it."

Paige shifted on the cushions, her hand moving from Azzi’s leg to wrap securely around her wrist.

"Azzi," Paige said, her voice dropping into a low, incredibly steady whisper that acted like an instant comfort. "Look at me. Take a deep breath."

Azzi’s chest was still heaving, as she glared at her parents. But at the sound of Paige’s voice, her jaw twitched, and she slowly turned her head to look down at her girlfriend.

Paige didn't look angry, and she wasn't intimidated by Tim and Katie’s glares. She just looked at Azzi with a calm, unshakeable finality, her thumb gently tracing a soothing circle over the delicate skin of Azzi's wrist.

"Come on," Paige murmured softly, her eyes holding Azzi's with total certainty. "Let's just go sit down at the table and eat. Come with me."

Azzi didn't say another word to Tim and Katie. She didn't give them the satisfaction of a fight.

"Okay," Azzi whispered, her voice quiet but completely compliant.

She let Paige pull her gently off the couch. Holding tight to Paige’s hand, Azzi let herself be led away from the living room and straight toward the dining table, leaving her stunned parents standing in the silence of the room behind them.

The clatter of serving spoons against bowls felt incredibly loud in the silence of the dining room. Bob sat at the head of the table, methodically passing the platter of brisket, while Drew focused entirely on his food, wisely keeping his head down. Paige and Azzi sat side by side, their thighs brushing under the table, directly across from Tim and Katie.

Azzi was entirely checked out, her eyes fixed on her plate as she moved a forkful of mac and cheese around, the tense line of her jaw showing she was still irritated.

Paige looked at her girlfriend’s closed-off expression, then over at Tim and Katie, who were eating with a rigid, clinical politeness. Despite the awkwardness, Paige didn't want Azzi’s graduation dinner to be completely ruined by silence. She swallowed hard, forced a polite smile, and tried her absolute best to bridge the massive gap between them.

"So, Tim, Katie," Paige started, her voice a bit rough as she tried to sound casual and welcoming. "How was the adjustment to London?"

Katie paused, her fork hovering an inch above her plate. She looked up, her expression perfectly pleasant but entirely blank, as if she were speaking to a casual acquaintance she had no interest in knowing.

"London is quite lovely, thank you," Katie said, her tone smooth and clipped. "The pace is standard for European business quarters. Very manageable."

She didn't ask a follow-up question. She simply took a neat, precise bite of her food and looked away.

Paige cleared her throat, her smile tightening just a fraction, but she refused to give up. She shifted her focus to Tim, leaning forward slightly to show genuine interest. "Azzi told me you’re really into architecture, Tim. We’re actually hoping to visit some of the historic spots in New York once we get settled. Do you have any recommendations for places we shouldn't miss?"

Tim wiped his mouth with a napkin, adjusting his cuffs with a slow, deliberate movement. He gave Paige a tight, formal nod that felt entirely transactional.

"The architecture in New York is standard," Tim replied, his voice flat and devoid of any conversational warmth. "Most of it is in any basic guidebook. I’m sure you’ll find what you need there."

The response was a dead end. It was glaringly obvious that they had absolutely no desire to connect with Paige, to understand her role in their daughter's life, or to engage in anything resembling a real family dynamic.

Under the table, Azzi reached out and squeezed Paige’s knee, a silent, comforting acknowledgment of the effort Paige was making.

"It is fascinating, though," Katie started. "You seem like a very grounded, practical young woman, Paige. Which makes us wonder... why exactly is it that you want to be in a relationship like this? With another woman?"

Tim nodded, folding his hands on the table and leaning forward, pinning Paige with a judgmental stare. "Yes. From a purely logical standpoint, it seems like you are choosing a very difficult, unconventional path for yourself. Why pursue a relationship with another woman when it clearly complicates so much of your future?"

Azzi’s body went completely rigid against Paige's side, her grip on Paige's knee tightening so hard her knuckles turned white. Across the table, Bob’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing dangerously as the fragile peace they had just built threatened to shatter completely.

Paige felt the tension in the room. Beside her, Azzi was ready to snap.

Paige took a slow, deep breath, consciously forcing her shoulders to relax. She wasn't going to let them bait her into an argument, and she wasn't going to apologize for who she was. Instead, she let out a soft, low chuckle, a genuine smile pulling at the corner of her lips as she looked across the table.

"Well, for one thing," Paige said, her voice smooth and perfectly calm as she offered a playful shrug, "women are incredibly beautiful. I mean, can you really blame me?"

A tiny, breathless laugh escaped Azzi’s lips, the anger in her chest loosening just a fraction at the answer.

Paige’s expression then softened, the joking tone giving way to something deeply sincere and grounded. She turned her head slightly, looking right at Azzi, her eyes filled with that familiar, steady adoration.

"But honestly? It's just about Azzi," Paige continued, her voice steady as she looked back at Tim and Katie. "She is the most incredible partner I could ever ask for. She’s brilliant, she’s loyal, and she has this way of bringing light into a room no matter how tough things get. We just make sense together."

She reached under the table, covering Azzi’s hand with her palm and squeezing tightly.

"Our personalities just complement each other perfectly," Paige explained, looking between her girlfriend's parents with total confidence. "We balance each other out. So, to me, there's nothing complicated about it at all. Being with her is the easiest decision I’ve ever made."

Katie’s face tightened, her eyebrows knitting together as she looked at Paige’s hand resting over Azzi's on the table. The sincerity in Paige's words hadn't softened her; it had only made the reality of the situation more undeniable, and clearly more uncomfortable.

"That’s all very poetic, Paige," Katie said, her voice dismissive. She shifted her gaze to her daughter. "But the fact remains, Azzi, you never had this... attraction growing up. Before we left, you had boyfriends. Boys from good families. Those relationships made sense. They were practical, and they lined up with the future we always envisioned for you."

Tim nodded firmly in agreement, tapping his napkin against his mouth. "Exactly. It just seems different from who you’ve always been."

Azzi let out a sharp laugh that cut right through the stuffy tone her parents were trying to maintain. She dropped her fork onto her plate and leaned forward.

"If any of those boys actually made sense, Mom, I’d still be dating them," Azzi said, her voice dripping with clear irritation. "But they didn't. Because I was miserable."

She took a deep breath, tightening her grip on Paige’s hand under the table, drawing strength from the solid, warm presence beside her.

"And for the record," Azzi continued, her voice perfectly steady and firm. "I’ve always liked girls. I knew it long before you packed up and moved across the world. I just never acted on it until I met Paige."

Tim stiffened at the admission. "Azzi, there is no need to be so aggressive about—"

"No, Dad, I'm done," Azzi interrupted, her tone completely final as she sat back in her chair. "This is my life, my relationship, and my future. You two haven't been present in my life for as long as I can remember, and you don't get to just show up on my graduation day to place your judgement on my sexuality. You need to mind your own business."

—

The awkward dinner had finally wrapped up. Tim and Katie had moved out to the back deck with Bob, while Drew was currently sprawled out on the living room rug, completely distracted by a video game on his iPad.

Inside of the kitchen, the tension of the afternoon finally began to evaporate. Paige stood by the sink as she rinsed the last of the plates.

Azzi stepped up beside her, carrying a stack of empty glasses. The moment she set them down on the counter, Paige turned off the faucet and dried her hands quickly on a towel. Without a word, Paige reached out, her hands finding Azzi’s waist and pulling her firmly against her front.

"Hey," Paige murmured, her eyes softening completely as she looked down at her girlfriend. "You survived."

"Barely," Azzi breathed, a tired but happy smile instantly breaking across her face. She wrapped her arms around Paige’s neck, leaning into her strength. "Thank you for trying with them. And for defending me."

"Always, baby," Leaning down, Paige initiated a deep, slow, and incredibly reassuring kiss. It was the first time all day they could completely breathe into each other without feeling judged. As the kiss deepened, Paige’s hands slid down from Azzi's waist, her palm wrapping around the curve of Azzi’s ass through the fabric of her short white dress, pulling her hips flush against her own with a squeeze. Azzi let out a soft, breathy hum against Paige’s lips, her fingers tangling tightly into the hair at the back of Paige's neck.

Meanwhile, just outside the open kitchen window on the back deck, Tim stood clutching a mug of coffee, his eyes glued to the scene inside. His posture was completely rigid, his face twisting into a mask of discomfort as he watched the display of affection.

Bob stood a few feet away, leaning casually against the deck railing, a relaxed look on his face as he watched the twilight settle over the yard.

Tim cleared his throat sharply, pointing a stiff finger toward the kitchen window, then shifting his gaze over to where Drew was sitting in the living room, completely visible through the screen door.

"Bob, look at that," Tim muttered, his voice tight and dripping with disapproval. "Drew is so young. He’s just a boy. I frankly don’t understand why you let him be exposed to that kind of behavior under your own roof. It’s highly inappropriate for a child his age."

Bob didn’t look inside. He just took a slow sip of his drink, his eyes fixed on the horizon as the evening breeze rustled the trees in the yard. When he finally turned his head to look at Tim, there wasn't a trace of anger on his face, just calm, deeply rooted certainty.

"You know, Tim, I actually appreciate you bringing that up," Bob said, his voice smooth and steady.

He leaned back against the railing, crossing his arms over his chest. "I think it’s beneficial for children to grow up seeing good, healthy examples of romantic love. They need to see what it looks like when two people genuinely care for each other, respect each other, and have each other's backs through everything."

Bob let out a soft, reflective breath, his expression softening as he glanced toward the living room where Drew was happily tapping away on his ipad.

"Things didn't work out with Paige’s mom, and they didn't work out with Drew’s mom," Bob continued, his tone open and completely honest. "I couldn't give him that example myself in this house. So, honestly? I’m incredibly grateful to Paige and Azzi for giving Drew that. They show him every single day what a loving, supportive partnership actually looks like."

A proud smile touched Bob's face as he looked back at Tim, completely dismissing the man's discomfort with a wave of his hand.

"And as for Drew being exposed to it? The kid absolutely adores them," Bob chuckled softly. "They're his favorite people. He doesn't see anything inappropriate. He just sees his big sisters being happy. And in this house, that's exactly what we value."

—

Tim and Katie gathered their designer coats from the rack near the front door. The thin veil of politeness they had managed to maintain during dinner was completely gone, replaced by cold finality.

Azzi stood near the end of the hallway, her back straight, watching them with an unbothered, detached expression. Paige stepped up quietly behind her, her hand settling firmly on the small of Azzi’s back.

Tim zipped his coat with a sharp, aggressive jerk and turned to face his daughter, his eyes hard. "Well, Azzi. We are going to head back to the hotel now, and then we're catching the earliest flight out tomorrow. We won’t be coming back here."

"Good to know," Azzi replied smoothly, crossing her arms. "I'll make sure not to clear my schedule for you next time."

Katie flinched at the sarcasm, her face tightening with a mix of offense and self-righteous anger. "You don't need to be so hostile, Azzi. We truly tried to be civil today. We flew all the way here, we sat through that dinner, and we tried to give you a chance. But we simply cannot support this lifestyle. We cannot support this... choice you are making."

"A choice?" Azzi let out a sharp, cynical laugh, her golden eyes flashing. "Mom, I never asked for your support. I didn't ask you to buy a plane ticket, and I certainly don't care whether you approve of my life or not."

"You should care!" Tim stepped forward, his voice rising. "We are your parents, Azzi! We gave you everything. We provided for you and this is how you repay us? By throwing your life away on a whim and acting like a stranger?"

"You are strangers," Azzi countered. "You gave me money and a house to live in alone, but you never gave me a family. You haven't been present in my life for as long as I can remember. So don't act like my life is a betrayal to you when you weren't even around to see it happen."

Katie looked absolutely aghast, her hand flying to her chest as she looked at Paige, then back to Azzi. "We were building a future for you! Everything we did was to ensure you had a proper, respectable life. And now you’re throwing it all away to live in New York with... with a woman? It’s completely unnatural, Azzi. It’s a phase, and it’s a mistake."

"If one day you decide to come to your senses, grow up, and realize how the real world works; if you decide to marry a good man, a real partner who can give you a proper family, then we would be happy to talk to you again," Tim said, his voice clipped. "We would welcome you back. But until you are ready to live a normal life, we have absolutely nothing left to say to you."

Azzi looked at her father, then at her mother, feeling absolutely no sadness, no regret, and no pain. All she felt was a beautiful sense of freedom. She leaned back just a fraction against Paige’s chest.

"Then I guess this is the last time we'll ever speak," Azzi said, a faint, genuinely happy smile touching her lips. "Don't hold your breath, Dad. You won't be missed."

Katie gasped slightly, opening her mouth to fire back another reprimand, but Tim simply gripped her arm, pulling her out onto the porch. "Come on, Katie. She’s made her bed."

Without another word, they stepped out into the dark. The wooden door swung shut with a loud, definitive thud, the lock clicking into place with total finality.

—

Inside the car, the AC was blasting, the radio was low, and the backseat was packed tight with duffel bags and a cooler full of drinks.

As Paige turned the car off the main highway and onto the bumpy, dirt road leading to her family’s cottage, a soft smile tugged at her lips. She glanced over at Azzi in the passenger seat, who was looking out the window at the tall pine trees, a little relaxed but with just a trace of that quiet, lingering nervousness that usually came with family gatherings.

"Almost there, Az," Paige whispered, reaching across the console to rest her palm over Azzi’s knee.

"I'm excited," Azzi said, turning to smile at her, her golden eyes bright. "Just hoping everyone’s happy to see me."

"Oh, they will be," Paige teased.

The car bounced over the final ridge, and the familiar, sprawling wooden cottage came into view, sitting right on the edge of the lake. The gravel crunched loudly under the tires as Paige pulled into the driveway and shifted into park.

Almost instantly, the front screen door of the cottage flew open with a loud, chaotic slam.

Just like they had the previous summer, a blur of loud voices and bright summer clothes came bursting out onto the porch. Paige’s cousins; Lauren, Maya, Brooke, and Chloe came sprinting down the wooden steps, their flip-flops slapping against the dirt.

Paige let out a deep chuckle, bracing herself as she opened her door and stepped out into the humid air, fully expecting to be tackled to the ground by the usual sea of hugs.

"Hey, guys—" Paige started, throwing her arms out wide.

But the group didn't even slow down. They didn't even look at her.

"Where is she?!" Lauren yelled, completely bypassing Paige’s open arms without a single glance.

"Is she in the car?! Azzi!" Maya squealed, veering sharply around the front bumper.

Paige stood frozen by her open driver's side door, her arms still awkwardly extended in mid-air as her cousins completely ignored her presence. She blinked, a look of bewilderment crossing her face as she slowly dropped her arms to her sides.

"Wait... what?" Paige muttered to herself.

Lauren, Maya, Brooke, and Chloe swarmed the passenger side of the car just as Azzi opened her door. Before Azzi could even swing her legs out onto the grass, the door was pulled wide, and she was hit with a chorus of excited screams.

"Azzi! Oh my god, hi!" Brooke cheered, instantly leaning into the car and wrapping her arms tightly around Azzi’s neck.

"We missed you so much!" Chloe squeaked, crowding in right behind her to join the group hug, trapping a laughing, startled Azzi against the passenger seat.

Maya and Lauren were practically bouncing on their heels, waiting their turn, throwing their arms around Azzi the second she managed to stand up completely.

"Hi! Oh my god, hi guys!" Azzi gasped, hugging them back just as fiercely. "It's so good to see you!"

Paige leaned her hip against the driver's door, crossing her arms over her chest as she watched the chaotic, loving ambush. A slow, incredibly warm smirk spread across her face, her eyes softening with affection as she watched how effortlessly her family had claimed Azzi as one of their own.

"Hey," Paige called out across the roof of the car, raising an eyebrow in mock offense. "I drove the whole way here. Do I get a hug or something? A hello?"

Lauren broke away from Azzi for a split second, waving a dismissive hand at Paige without even looking at her. "Yeah, yeah, hi Paige. Move your truck, you're blocking the path to the dock."

And with that, the four girls immediately linked arms with Azzi, turning their backs on Paige entirely and guiding Azzi toward the porch, all talking over one another about how excited they were that she was finally here.

Azzi threw a playful, triumphant look back over her shoulder at Paige, sticking her tongue out slightly before being swept into the house. Paige just shook her head, a laugh escaping her chest as she reached into the backseat for the bags.

The moment Paige stepped into the living room, carrying the cooler, her grandparents’ faces lit up. Grandma was already out of her rocking chair, her arms open wide, while Grandpa stood up from the recliner with a wide, proud grin.

"There’s my girl!" Her Grandma beamed, pulling Paige down into a tight hug that instantly made Paige feel like she was ten years old again. "Look at you, you look so beautiful."

"Hey, kiddo," her Grandpa beamed, clapping a firm, calloused hand onto Paige’s shoulder, his eyes crinkling. "Good to have you back at the lake."

Paige smiled warmly, sinking into the comfort of her grandparents' affection. "Good to be back, Grandpa. Missed you guys."

But Azzi’s attention was instantly captured by something else.

On a colorful playmat in the corner of the living room, sitting up perfectly straight and chewing contentedly on a plastic stacking ring, was Paige’s cousin Aria. She was officially a year old now, sporting wavy brown hair, chubby sun-kissed thighs, and a blue swimsuit.

Azzi’s jaw practically dropped. "Oh my god," she gasped, her eyes widening with pure delight.

She didn't hesitate for a second. Azzi bypassed the rest of the family entirely, dropping her tote bag onto the floor, and rushed right over to the corner. She sank down onto her knees on the playmat, her face lighting up with a radiant, breathless smile.

"Aria! Hi, beautiful girl!" Azzi cooed, her voice dropping into that sweet, high-pitched register reserved strictly for babies.

Aria looked up, her big dark eyes blinking at Azzi before her mouth split into a toothy, drooling grin. She dropped her toy and held her chubby little arms up into the air, instantly recognizing her favorite person from the previous summer.

"Oh, I missed you so much! Look how big you are!" Azzi cried happily. She slid her hands gently under Aria’s arms and lifted the toddler up effortlessly, cradling her securely against her chest as she stood up.

Azzi buried her face into Aria’s neck, blowing a loud raspberry that made the little girl squeal with delighted, bubbling laughter. Azzi was completely beaming, planting a dozen soft, lingering kisses all over Aria’s chubby cheeks, her forehead, and her tiny nose. "You are so smart, yes you are! Did you miss me? I thought about you the whole drive!"

Aria let out another loud screech of joy, her little hands coming up to pat clumsily against Azzi’s cheeks, entirely enamored with her.

Across the room, Paige froze.

She was still half-tangled in her grandfather’s embrace, but her eyes had locked onto the sight in the corner, and her brain completely short-circuited.

Watching Azzi bounce Aria in her arms; watching the effortless, maternal softness in Azzi’s posture, the way her eyes melted as she looked at the baby, and the sound of Aria’s giggles mixing with Azzi’s laugh, hit Paige like an absolute freight train.

A wave of horrible baby fever crashed over Paige so fast it practically took the breath right out of her lungs. Her chest tightened, and her throat went completely dry. She stood entirely still, her eyes wide and glazed over with yearning as she stared at her girlfriend.

Oh, my god, Paige thought, her heart hammering against her ribs. We need one. We need one right now.

Her Grandpa looked from Paige’s completely stunned expression over to Azzi and the baby, a knowing, amused smirk instantly spreading across his face. He gave Paige a sharp nudge in the ribs with his elbow.

"Careful there, Paige," her Grandpa chuckled softly, his voice full of teasing. "You look like you're about to run out and buy a stroller before sundown."

Paige didn't even laugh. She swallowed hard, her eyes still absolutely glued to the way Azzi was now letting Aria play with the collar of her shirt, completely captivated.

"Yeah," Paige mumbled, her deep voice a little rougher than usual as she rubbed the back of her neck. "Yeah, no kidding."

Azzi shifted Aria on her hip as she stepped right into Paige’s space. "Look who it is, Aria," Azzi murmured, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Let’s go see your cousin Paigey."

The second the baby was within arm's reach, Paige melted, and she stepped forward, completely helpless. She reached out her hands, carefully easing Aria out of Azzi’s arms and cradling the toddler against her chest.

"Oh, look at you," Paige cooed, she gently bounced Aria, a massive, soft smile breaking across her face. "Hi, chunk. Hi, beautiful girl. Oh, I missed you so much."

Aria let out a squeal of delight, her tiny hands immediately slapping against Paige’s cheeks. Paige closed her eyes, leaning down to plant a series of loud, dramatic kisses all over Aria’s forehead and chubby cheeks, making the little girl dissolve into a fit of breathless giggles. "Yes, I did! I missed you the most," Paige spoke happily.

Azzi stood back, crossing her arms as she watched the display. Her heart did a dangerous flutter at how natural Paige looked holding a baby, but she wasn't about to let Paige completely take over.

"Alright, alright, hold on a second," Azzi joked, stepping back in with a dramatic gasp. She reached out and playfully scooped Aria right back out of Paige’s arms, tucking the toddler securely onto her own hip. "You can't just steal my baby, Paigey. I found her first."

"Hey!" Paige protested, her arms suddenly feeling entirely too empty as she glared at Azzi with a look of pure, agonizing baby fever. "I was having a moment."

"You had your turn," Azzi teased, her dimples showing as she adjusted Aria, who was happily babbling away. Azzi turned her attention back to the little girl, rubbing her nose against Aria's. "You don't want Paigey to smother you with kisses anymore, do you? No, you don't."

Azzi gave Paige a wink before shifting her weight toward the front door. "Hey, sweet girl, do you want to go for a walk? Let's go look at the lake."

Aria let out an excited bounce, and Azzi immediately started heading back toward the screen door, leaving Paige standing in the middle of the room, completely dazed, deeply in love, and more determined than ever about their future.

Paige stood in the middle of the living room for a fraction of a second, before her brain kicked back into gear. Seeing Azzi stride out onto the porch with Aria on her hip was too much to handle.

"Hey! Wait up," Paige called out, quickly jogging across the floorboards. She pushed through the screen door, letting it slam behind her as she hurried down the cottage steps to catch up with them on the grassy path leading down to the lake.

Azzi looked over her shoulder, a knowing, amused smirk playing on her lips as Paige easily fell into step beside her, her stride cutting the distance in seconds. Aria was babbling happily, pointing a chubby finger toward the water.

Paige walked in silence for a moment, her eyes glued to the way Azzi was holding the toddler, her heart hammering against her ribs. The baby fever had officially taken total control of her steering wheel.

"We should have a baby," Paige blurted out, her voice completely deadpan, without a single trace of hesitation.

Azzi instantly choked on her own breath, stopping dead in her tracks on the dirt path. She snapped her head around, her eyes wide with shock as she stared up at her girlfriend. "Paige. We are eighteen."

"So?" Paige countered, totally unfazed, crossing her arms as she looked down at them.

"And we've been together for literally a year!" Azzi laughed, gesturing between the two of them with her free hand before adjusting Aria, who was thoroughly enjoying the sudden stop. "People don't just go out and get a baby at eighteen because they saw a cute toddler at a lake house!"

"You literally told me last year you wanted to be a young mom," Paige pointed out, raising an eyebrow, her tone entirely serious as she doubled down. "I’m just trying to fulfill your dreams."

Azzi rolled her eyes, a massive, breathless grin breaking across her face as she started walking again. "Yeah, a young mom, Paige. Not a teen mom. Young means like, mid-twenties. After we actually finish college and have real jobs." She paused, her voice softening just a fraction as she looked up at Paige with a tender, deeply affectionate gaze. "Plus... I want to be a wife first."

Paige froze for a split second, the word wife echoing through her chest. A slow, incredibly confident smirk spread across her face.

"Bet," Paige challenged. "We'll get married tomorrow. I'll find a courthouse. And then we go straight to the IVF clinic the day after."

Azzi burst out laughing, a bright sound that made Aria giggle along with her. She reached up with her free hand, playfully shoving Paige’s shoulder away. "You are completely insane! Stop it."

"I'm just saying, I'm a woman of action," Paige grinned, finally relaxing her posture and wrapping a arm around Azzi's shoulders, pulling both her and the baby tightly against her side as they continued their walk down to the water. "Tomorrow morning. Be ready."

"Absolutely not," Azzi said, her voice dropping into a firmer, more grounded tone. The laughter in her eyes softened into something deeply affectionate but entirely realistic as she adjusted Aria’s weight on her hip. "We are not getting married tomorrow, Paige. And we are definitely not going to an IVF clinic the day after."

Paige’s shoulders slumped, the playful smirk completely vanishing from her face. She let out a long, heavy breath, her lower lip rolling out in a genuine pout. She looked down at her shoes for a second.

"Fine," Paige mumbled. "Obviously, you're right. Absolutely not."

"But look," Paige insisted as she looked between Azzi and the baby. "If we're not doing it tomorrow... we still need to talk about it. Our future. What it's actually going to look like."

Azzi blinked, surprised by the sudden shift in gravity. She leaned her shoulder against Paige’s chest, her golden eyes softening completely. "Okay. What about it?"

"I'm serious, Azzi," Paige said, her palm resting gently on the small of Azzi’s back, her thumb tracing a steady line through the fabric of her shirt. "I want to talk about the timeline. I want to know exactly how many years you want to wait after we graduate. I want to talk about where we're buying a house, how many bedrooms we’re going to need, and how we’re handling everything. I need to know what the plan is. I need that future with you."

The sincerity in Paige’s voice made Azzi’s breath hitch. The banter completely melted away, replaced by the realization of just how deeply, unconditionally loved she was.

"Okay," Azzi whispered, her voice warm and steady as she reached up to cup Paige’s jawline. "We can talk about the plan. We can figure out exactly how it's gonna look. But we do it while we walk, because this chunk is getting heavy."

Paige’s expression instantly broke into a soft, relieved grin. She immediately reached out, her hands easily sliding under Aria’s arms to transfer the toddler to her own chest.

They walked slowly along the edge of the lake, the water lapping gently against the shore as the afternoon sun cast long, golden shadows across the grass. Aria was contentedly resting her head against Paige’s shoulder, completely relaxed as Paige’s m hand securely supported her back.

Azzi linked her arm through Paige’s, leaning into her side as she thought about the future they were suddenly mapping out.

"Okay, so realistically," Azzi began, her voice practical but thoughtful as she looked out over the water. "We need to focus on working through college first. You could probably just do your photography, you’re so talented, Paige, you could easily get freelance gigs or shoot events. And I’ll try to get a fashion job right out of the gate. But if not, I can do something like waitressing to keep us afloat while I build a portfolio."

Paige nodded slowly, listening intently, her eyes fixed on the path ahead as she absorbed every word.

"And a house isn't really necessary right away," Azzi continued, glancing up at Paige. "So maybe just a nice apartment in the city, if we can afford it. Which makes me wonder... do you think you’re going to want to stay in New York after college?"

Paige didn’t hesitate to answer. “Yeah I think that’s what would be best for your career. I can program computers and take photos anywhere.”

A grateful smile broke across Azzi's face. She squeezed Paige's arm, her eyes lighting up as she allowed herself to dream a little bigger. "I really want to have my own clothing brand one day. To design things completely from scratch." She paused, her cheeks flushing a little as she looked up at her girlfriend, her tone becoming incredibly tender. "And... about the other stuff. I would actually be open to getting married in college, if that’s really what you want. We don't have to wait until graduation for that."

Paige’s chest tightened, a sense of warmth flooding through her at the admission. She looked down at Azzi, her eyes filled with devotion.

"But for kids," Azzi added, a soft laugh escaping her as she looked at Aria, who was yawning against Paige's chest. "Maybe when we're twenty-four or twenty-five. And only two. No more than two."

"Two sounds perfect," Paige rumbled, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Still thinking girls?"

Azzi smirked, tossing her hair over her shoulder with a playful, confident shrug. "I think two girls is chic. Imagine the outfits."

Paige let out a chuckle, the sound vibrating against Aria’s back. "Two girls it is. Cool as hell. I'm holding you to all of this."

"You know," Paige rumbled, her voice dropping into a slightly conspiratorial tone, "I actually have some new baby name ideas."

Azzi instantly stopped walking, snapping her head up to look at Paige with a mixture of terror and amusement. She pointed a warning finger at her girlfriend's chest. "Paige. I swear to god, if it’s some play on your own name like Paige Junior, or the name of a NBA basketball player, I am going to flip. We are not naming our child LeBron or Shaquille."

"Hey! Give me some credit," Paige laughed, holding her free hand up in self-defense. "No, it's not basketball names. I put actual thought into this, I promise."

Azzi crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow, though a faint smile was already tugging at her lips. "Alright. Let's hear them."

Paige cleared her throat, a rare, slightly nervous flush hitting her cheeks as she looked down at Azzi. "Okay. So, for the first one... Noa. N-O-A. Just simple and strong." She paused, watching Azzi’s reaction closely before continuing. "And for the second... Colette. But we'd call her Coco for short."

Azzi stared at her for a beat, her defensive posture completely melting away. Her eyes softened, widening in genuine surprise. "Wait..."

"Yeah," Paige said, rubbing the back of her neck with her free hand, suddenly looking a little shy. "Too much?"

"No," Azzi breathed, a dimpled smile breaking across her face. She reached out and grabbed Paige’s arm, pulling herself close. "Paige, I actually love them. They sound like they’d be such cool girls."

"Damn right they would," Paige smirked, visibly relieved and clearly proud of herself. "I told you I had good taste."

"You got lucky," Azzi teased, leaning her head against Paige's bicep for a brief second as they started walking back toward the cottage.

—

The sweltering August heat was trapped between the concrete buildings of Manhattan, making the city feel like a giant oven. A month had flown by since that Fourth of July weekend at the cottage, and now, the time had finally come. Paige and Azzi had finally arrived in New York City, each headed to different schools within the city. The journey of hauling suitcases, duffel bags, and boxes up flights of stairs was a blur, but they had finally split up to get unpacked into their separate dorm rooms across town.

Over in her dorm, Azzi was standing in front of her newly unboxed desk, trying to make the cramped, white-walled room feel a little more like home. Her new roommate, Ines, was across the room, busy folding a stack of oversized sweaters into a dresser drawer.

Azzi smiled, carefully smoothing down the edges of a framed photo she had just placed on her desk. It was a picture from the lake house; Paige with her arm wrapped securely around Azzi, who was beaming with a wide, dimpled smile.

Ines paused her folding, glancing over at Azzi's desk. She tilted her head, pointing a finger toward the frame. "Oh, cute picture. Who’s that with you?"

Azzi’s face instantly lit up, a wave of excited, radiant energy taking over her expression. "That’s Paige! She’s my girlfriend. She’s actually just a few neighborhoods over at her campus."

"Oh, nice!" Ines said, a genuine, welcoming smile breaking across her face. She leaned against her dresser, wiping her hands on her shorts. "That’s so cool. I actually have a girlfriend, too. Her name is Claire."

Azzi’s eyes widened with instant delight. "Really?! Oh my god, that’s amazing! How long have you guys been together?"

"Almost two years," Ines chuckled, clearly happy to have found a kindred spirit right off the bat. "She’s staying back in Boston for school, so we’re doing the whole long-distance thing, which is going to be a trip. But yeah, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one here."

"Definitely," Azzi beamed, already feeling a massive wave of relief wash over her.

Meanwhile, across the city in her own dorm room, the atmosphere around Paige was a bit louder. Paige was currently trying to figure out where to fit all of her camera gear and sneakers into her closet.

Her roommate, Aaliyah, was already halfway unpacked on the other side of the room. Aaliyah had an energetic personality that instantly matched Paige’s blunt demeanor, and hip-hop music was playing softly from her phone on the windowsill, cutting through the awkwardness of moving day.

"You need me to move these boxes out of your way?" Aaliyah asked, tossing a bundle of hoodies into her closet. "I know your tall ass needs the legroom."

Paige let out a chuckle, shaking her head as she carefully set her favorite camera lens on her desk. "Nah, you're good. I'm just trying to make sure I don't crush my gear. Thanks, though."

"For sure," Aaliyah said, looking over Paige’s massive frame and the impressive camera setup with a nod of approval.

That night, the city heat finally began to break, replaced by a cool breeze that swept between the brick buildings. Inside the dorm, Paige stood in front of the small mirror attached to her closet, meticulously fixing the collar of her shirt. She was wearing a dark button-down with the sleeves rolled up to her forearms, paired with cream colored slacks. She sprayed a splash of cologne and slicked her hair back into a low bun, trying to get it to sit just right.

Aaliyah, who was lounging on her unmade bed scrolling through her phone, looked up and let out a low whistle. "Damn, look at you. Where are you going all dressed up? We're supposed to hit up that party for our first night in the city."

Paige didn’t turn around, but a soft, uncharacteristic smirk touched her lips. "Can't. I'm heading out to take my girlfriend on a date. She’s over at her campus waiting for me."

Aaliyah sat straight up, her eyes widening in disbelief as she tossed her phone onto the mattress. "Hold up. A girlfriend? Why the hell didn’t you tell me you had a girlfriend earlier when we were getting to know each other?"

"Didn't come up," Paige answered, finally turning around and shoving her wallet into her back pocket.

"Uh-uh, you don't get to just drop that," Aaliyah laughed, leaning forward with an instantly nosy, excited expression. "What’s her name? You got a picture?"

Paige let out a low laugh, but she didn’t hesitate. She pulled her phone out, tapped the screen, and flipped it around to show Aaliyah her lock screen. It was her favorite candid shot of Azzi, the afternoon sun hitting her eyes perfectly, her hair blowing slightly across her face, and that radiant, dimpled smile completely lighting up the frame.

Aaliyah stared at the screen for a second, then looked up at Paige, completely deadpan. "Stop playing. You are lying. That is literally a model. Did you download a Pinterest photo just to trick me?"

"I'm not lying," Paige said, rolling her eyes but unable to hide the smug grin tugging at her mouth.

"No way. Show me a picture of the two of you together right now, because I know you're catfishing me," Aaliyah demanded, crossing her arms.

"I am not catfishing you, we've been together for over a year," Paige countered. She swiped past her lock screen, unlocked her phone, and opened her camera roll to pull up a picture from the cottage. She turned the screen back around.

In this one, Paige was standing behind Azzi with her arms wrapped securely around her waist, her chin resting on Azzi's shoulder with a rare, soft smile, while Azzi was throwing her head back laughing, looking effortlessly stunning.

Aaliyah snatched the phone right out of Paige's hand, leaning in close to stare at the screen. Her jaw literally dropped. "Shut up. Are you serious right now? Paige, she is gorgeous. Oh my god, she looks like she belongs on a billboard in Times Square. How did you pull her?"

Paige’s chest swelled with pride, and she reached out to take her phone back, pocketing it safely. "I have charm. Her name's Azzi."

"Man, you are lucky as fuck," Aaliyah teased, shaking her head in pure awe. "Go on, get out of here before you're late. But you're bringing her by the dorms soon, because I need to see if she's real."

"Whatever," Paige smirked, grabbing her keys off the desk and heading for the door. "Don't wait up."

—

Three months had flown by in a blur of college classes, date nights, and navigating a new city. The crisp November air was rattling the glass of the dorm window, but inside, the room was warm and quiet.

Paige and Azzi were tangled up together in Azzi’s bed, the sheets messy around them. Paige was lying on her back, her body taking up most of the mattress, while Azzi rested her head comfortably on Paige’s chest, tracing lazy circles over her shirt. Ines was out for the weekend visiting Claire, leaving them with the rare luxury of total privacy.

Paige stared up at the ceiling for a moment, her fingers gently combing through Azzi’s curls. Out of nowhere, she spoke up.

"We should get matching tattoos."

Azzi stopped her tracing, lifting her head up from Paige's chest to look at her. Her eyes blinked in surprise, a faint, amused smile forming on her lips. "Matching tattoos? Where is this coming from?"

"I don't know," Paige said, shifting slightly so she could look down at Azzi, her eyes completely serious. "We've been in the city for a few months now, everything is changing, but we're still here. I just want something permanent. With you."

Azzi’s expression softened completely, the sheer romance of the thought melting away any hesitation. She propped herself up on her elbows, leaning in closer. "Okay. What should we get?"

"Each other's initials," Paige suggested without a second thought. She lifted her hand, using her thumb to gently trace the inside of Azzi’s wrist, right over her pulse point. "Right here. Simple, hidden, and classy."

Azzi looked down at her wrist, visualizing the neat, minimalist lettering. A spark of spontaneous excitement rushed through her, and she broke into a wide, dimpled smile.

She pushed herself right off Paige's chest, throwing the blanket off her legs.

"Okay," Azzi said, her voice bright and determined as she swung her feet over the edge of the bed. "Let’s do it. Get up, let’s find a tattoo shop right now before we lose our nerve."

Paige blinked, a slow, triumphant smirk spreading across her face as she watched her girlfriend instantly shift into action. She sat up, stretching her arms. "Look at you. Miss Decision Maker. Let's go."

Hand in hand, they walked briskly down the block until they found a small, neon-lit tattoo parlor tucked between a record store and a coffee shop. The shop was warm, smelling of soap and rubbing alcohol, with music humming in the background.

After sketching out the lettering with a quiet, focused artist, it was time to decide on the exact placement.

"I changed my mind about the wrist," Azzi murmured, looking at the tiny stencil of the letter P. She looked up at Paige, her eyes bright with excitement. "I want it behind my ear. It's more hidden. Like a little secret."

Paige's eyes softened, a gentle smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "I like that. Go first. I want to watch."

Azzi sat in the leather chair, tilting her head to the side and pulling her hair up into a high bun. Paige stood right beside her, holding her hand tightly. The buzz of the tattoo gun filled the small station, a sharp, buzzing hum. Azzi winced slightly at the first scratch of the needle against the sensitive skin right behind her earlobe, her fingers tightening around Paige's.

"You good?" Paige whispered softly, leaning down closer.

"Yeah," Azzi breathed, closing her eyes. "It just stings."

It took less than fifteen minutes. The artist wiped away the excess ink and held up a small hand mirror. Azzi tilted her head, admiring the delicate, P nestled perfectly against her hairline. It was sharp, elegant, and completely hidden unless she wore her hair up. "Oh, I love it. It's perfect."

Then, it was Paige's turn.

Paige sat back in the chair, looking entirely relaxed. She extended her left arm, pointing firmly to the inside of her wrist, right over her pulse point. "Put the A right here."

Azzi stood right where Paige had been, watching intently as the needle met Paige's skin. Paige didn't even flinch; she just kept her eyes locked on Azzi's face, a lazy, contented smirk resting on her lips.

When the artist finished and wrapped Paige’s wrist in protective film, Paige stood up and immediately held her arm out next to Azzi’s face.

Azzi tilted her head, pressing her neck slightly forward so they could see them both in the shop's mirror.

"Look at us," Azzi whispered, a radiant, dimpled smile taking over her face as she looked at their reflections. "We actually did it."