“Y/N, the new neighbors are fully moved in now, so we’re going to go say hello in a bit,” my mom called from downstairs. + 

“Okay, I’ll start getting ready,” I replied, trying to sound casual. I’d been anticipating this moment all day. My mom had arranged to visit their house for dinner yesterday, after confirming with Maggie, the mom. + 

I caught a glimpse of a girl through the living room window, and I haven’t stopped thinking about her since. She was stunning, with vibrant blue hair and eyes that matched. + 

I pulled on a pair of simple jean shorts and a tank top. It’s ninety degrees in California today, and I wasn’t risking wearing anything that would soak with sweat in minutes. + 

If you couldn’t tell, I’m kind of crushing on this girl. What’s weird is that I haven’t even spoken to her yet. Something about her just sets my stomach fluttering. + 

It was finally time to go say hello. I was overthinking everything. I was just so nervous. Maybe she wouldn’t like me. + 

My mom and I walked next door. She knocked, and my heart sank. I was a mess of nerves just thinking about meeting her. + 

A warm, friendly woman answered the door. + 

“Hello, I’m Sarah, and this is my daughter, Y/N. We live next door,” my mom said. + 

“Oh, hello! I’m Maggie. Let me get my husband and kids. Come on in,” she said with a welcoming smile. + 

Their home felt cozy, despite the stacks of boxes filling the living room. I was sure they’d get sorted out eventually. + 

And there she was, walking down the stairs. She wore an oversized band t-shirt and shorts, and I fell in love with her style instantly. + 

She looked at me with a genuine smile, and I blushed, turning my head away so she wouldn't see me staring. + 

“Hey, I’m Billie,” she said to me. + 

“Well, as you know now, this is my daughter Billie, my son Finneas, and my husband Patrick,” Maggie said. + 

“I have a feeling you two will become great friends,” my mom said, looking at Billie and me. + 

“Well, I can show you my room if you want,” she said. + 

“Sure, I’d love to,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. + 

We walked upstairs, and I saw a room bathed in red light. + 

“This is where the magic happens,” she said with a chuckle. + 

“In what way?” I asked, realizing how that sounded. + 

“Well, my brother and I write all our music in here together, so it’s a very special place,” she said, smiling. + 

“You sing?” I asked. + 

“Yeah, I’ve actually gone on tour before,” she replied. + 

“That’s so cool,” I said excitedly. + 

“I guess, haha. You’re really pretty, by the way,” she said, then looked down, twirling her fingers together. + 

“Thanks, you too,” I said, my cheeks burning. + 

“So, how old are you?” she asked. + 

“I’m seventeen,” I replied. + 

“Same here,” she said, smiling. + 

“So, enough with the small talk. Tell me the deep shit,” she said. + 

I explained everything. I don’t know why, but I felt like we connected instantly. I told her about my dad passing away a few years ago, and how my distant family didn’t really talk to me. + 

“That shit sucks, I’m sorry,” she said, her expression sympathetic. + 

“What about you?” I asked. + 

She told me how music was her escape from inner turmoil. She struggled with depression, too. Her label also didn’t want her to come out as gay, fearing it would ruin her reputation. + 

“I’m so sorry, Billie,” I said, feeling her pain. + 

“It’s okay,” she said. “This may sound weird and cheesy, but you’re one of the people I trust the most, other than my brother, and it’s crazy because we just met,” she said. + 

“I feel the same way,” I said, smiling as I looked into her blue eyes. + 

“Hey girls, dinner is ready,” Maggie called. + 

“Okay, we’ll be down in a second,” Billie replied. + 

She turned and walked over to me, grasping my hand. She looked into my eyes and smiled. By now, I didn’t even feel awkward. It felt like I’d known her for years. + 

We walked downstairs, and she let go of my hand. I guessed she didn’t want to make it seem like something was going on in front of our families. Her mom had prepared a pile of burritos. + 

“Fuck yes, burritos!” Billie said excitedly. “Oops, sorry, excuse my language,” she said, embarrassed. + 

“Haha, it’s fine,” my mom said. + 

I guess that was her favorite food. I sat down next to her, grabbing one for myself. + 

“So, Maggie and I decided we wanted to hang out tomorrow at our pool,” my mom said. “I was thinking you guys could hang out as well tomorrow,” she said, smiling. + 

“Sounds fun to me,” Billie said. + 

“Same here,” I said. + 

“Mom, can Billie come over tonight?” I asked nervously. + 

“If it’s fine with Maggie, then sure, I’m cool with it,” she said. + 

“Sure! I knew you two girls would like hanging out,” Maggie said happily. + 