Chapter 80: LXXX.

Isadora's POV.

I felt a pounding ache in my head even before I opened my eyes. But the pillow I

was lying on was too soft, and I wasn't ready to get up. So, I snuggled closer

to it. When I felt something holding my lower back, realization dawned on me.

When did my pillow develop arms?

My eyes flew open and, shocking enough, I was not lying on a pillow. I was lying

on someone's chest. Specifically, my best friend Trisha's chest.

My eyes widened as I studied her sleeping face up close. She still looked deep

in sleep, though her face wasn'tn completely free of last night's makeup.

What happened last night? How did we end up like this?

We have slept in the same bed multiple times, but we have never slept in such an

intimate position.

A memory flashed in my mind from last night, and I quickly sat up, eyes wide in

shock. I was hoping I didn't disturb Trisha's sleep. The last thing I needed was

for her to wake up at this particular moment.

The memory became vivid, the image clearing in my head. Last night, I had been

so drunk that I kissed Trisha. I... I kissed my best friend.

I gulped hard in fear as I stared down at Trisha, who was still sleeping

peacefully beside me. A strong feeling of guilt threatened to overcome me. How

could I have let that happen? Of all people I could have kissed when drunk, it

just happened to be my best friend!

I got out of bed quickly and rushed to the bathroom, ignoring the pounding headache that made me dizzy. I turned on the faucet and splashed cold water on

my face.

I looked at myself in the mirror. The fear was obvious. Why did I kiss Trisha? This could do a lot of harm to our friendship. I am straight, and Trisha is, too. What would she think of me now that I carelessly, in my drunken state, made a move on her?

What if she ends up hating me? What if I lose her because of this?

I shook my head quickly to get rid of that thought. Trisha is the most understanding person I've ever met. She knew I was drunk last night, and I'm sure she's not going to make a big deal out of it.

Right?

A knock on the bathroom door startled me, but I relaxed when I heard Trisha's voice. "Hey, Izzy, are you okay?"

I gulped and tried to find my voice. "I'm fine, Trisha. I'll be out in a second."

"Are you sure? You drank quite a lot last night. I can get you some aspirin if you want."

"No!" I exclaimed. "I don't need it, Trish, but thanks though."

There was a small pause on her end before she sighed and gave up. "Alright, if you say so."

I gulped again, still feeling weird about last night. How can I go out there and face Trisha without feeling awkward? I might not be able to handle it and end up doing something stupid.

But what if I'm panicking for nothing? Trisha doesn't sound mad or weirded out by me. Maybe she doesn't even care, and I'm the one making a big deal out of things.

But what if she does care, and this ends up putting a dent in our friendship?

I tried not to scream out loud as I messed up my hair in frustration. Why am I seriously getting so worked up by this?

After a few minutes, I decided to just go out there and face whatever consequences awaited me. It was the only option left, anyway.

Summoning my courage, I walked out of the bathroom to find Trisha seated at the edge of my bed, glancing through her phone.

She paused whatever she was doing to stare at me. She had her glasses on now, though I'd admit she really looked cuter without them.

She smiled gently. "Izzy, are you sure you're okay? You took quite long in the bathroom."

I swallowed hard and tried not to fidget. I've never been so nervous in my life. Especially not in front of Trisha.

"I'm fine, Trisha. I just..." I paused and bit my lip before looking up at her. She actually looked confused by my attitude. I finally summoned the courage and blurted out, "The kiss last night, I didn't mean it, Trish. It was..."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Izzy, calm down," Trisha said, stepping closer to me. She must have sensed the anxiety in my tone. She gave me one of those assuring smiles of hers. "Izzy, if you're worried about kissing me last night, then you really don't have to be. You were drunk and not in your right senses. So I'm not going to think about it. It's no big deal."

I studied her face, searching for any traces of lies or discomfort, but there was none. Once again, Trisha proved to be the understanding best friend.

"Trisha, are you sure it's fine? You're not mad at me?"

She shook her head, still maintaining that beautiful smile. "I'm not mad, Izzy. You were really sad about being rejected by Ethan. I understood why you did it. You were drunk, and there were a lot of reasons not to hold it against you."

I let out a deep sigh of relief and engulfed Trisha in a hug. "Oh, thank God, Trish. I was scared you might be creeped out or something. I'm really sorry."

"Yeah," Trisha said in a low voice. "I wasn't going to think you're a lesbian and you're in love with me or something."

I chuckled, pulling away from the hug. "Were you thinking I might be a lesbian because I kissed you?"

She shrugged with a small smile that looked almost sad. "I kind of wondered, but I knew it was impossible." For a second, I thought I saw pain in her eyes as she added, "You've loved Ethan for so long. I don't think there's anyone out there who can win your heart again. Be it man or woman."

I don't know why, but something in her eyes made me speechless, and I had no idea how to reply.

Why does she look at me like that? She looks at me like I...

"Princess, aren't you up yet?" Dad's voice interrupted my thoughts, followed by a knock on my door.

I snapped out of it and stared towards the door. "Uh... Yes, Dad, I'm up."

"Okay, dear. I know you had your phone at that party last night, but we are leaving for the airport in an hour. Start packing if you haven't."

At his words, I remembered that we were going on a business trip today. "Sure thing, Dad. I'll start packing now, give me some minutes."

"Good. See you downstairs for breakfast, and if your friend Trisha is still there with you, ask her to join us for breakfast."

"Alright, Dad. We'll be down soon."

I heard his footsteps leaving and looked back at Trisha. That weird look was no longer in her eyes. Instead, she smiled softly. "Come on, I'll help you pack up."

She was back to being all nice, and I decided to let the conversation die there.

I smiled at her. "Thanks, Trish." I meant it from the bottom of my heart.

She smiled back, soft and gentle. "Always, Izzy."