Chapter 22
After spending a few precious days with Michelle, an overwhelming sense of tranquility enveloped Carla. Deep down, she recognised her love for Lisa, but speaking with Michelle had solidified that truth in her heart.
One evening, Michelle and Lisa had come over to the flat, transforming the cozy space into a sanctuary of laughter and joy. The three of them became lost in hours of spirited revelry—glasses clinking, smiles brightening the room, and the rhythm of their favorite songs inviting them to dance like no one was watching. Michelle poured her heart and soul into getting to know Lisa, her enthusiasm infectious as she sought to dive deeper into the world of her best friend’s beloved. Watching the sweet, effortless bond blossom between them filled Carla’s heart with an overwhelming swell of gratitude and warmth, as if she were witnessing the magic of friendship unfold before her eyes.
Now that Michelle had returned home to Ireland, a lightness replaced the heavy weight that had once settled in Carla’s chest, lifting her spirit and illuminating her days. With Michelle’s departure, it felt as though a new dawn had broken, casting brighter rays over her relationship with Lisa. The atmosphere between them felt charged with newfound strength, a promise of assurance that had been renewed. It seemed that Lisa had begun to set aside the demands of her work, even if just for a fleeting moment, to revel in the simple pleasure of their time together. Carla found a deep solace in knowing that her girlfriend was safe, content, and enveloped in the warmth of their shared love.
After enduring the whirlwind of stress from the past weeks, Carla made a heartfelt decision: it was her turn to whisk Lisa away on a romantic date. She yearned to treat Lisa to a well-deserved escape from the chaos of life, to show her just how profoundly she loved her—despite still grappling with the words that felt stuck in her throat. Reflecting on Michelle's insightful advice, Carla knew she needed to share her feelings soon, yet a deep-seated fear gripped her. What if Lisa didn’t feel the same?
That fear held her back, but Carla promised herself she would find the right moment. Until then, she was determined to shower Lisa with love and kindness in every possible way, cherishing the beautiful connection they shared.
That morning, Carla couldn't contain her excitement as she called Lisa before work, her voice bubbling with joy. She shared just enough about her plans for their upcoming date, keeping the details tantalisingly vague—only revealing the time and dress code, determined to keep it a delightful surprise. Lisa’s enthusiastic agreement only added to Carla's thrill, her girlfriend's anticipation mirroring her own.
As evening descended, washing away the day’s stresses, Lisa arrived at the Bistro, where Carla was waiting with a bright smile. Carla, faced with her driving ban, had taken the initiative to arrange a taxi for Lisa, not wanting her girlfriend to feel the burden of driving, especially on a night meant for celebration and romance—a night Carla had meticulously planned just for them. Watching Lisa step out of the taxi, her blonde hair cascading softly in the evening breeze, Carla felt a rush of happiness. The warm glow of the restaurant illuminated their surroundings, but the real light came from Carla’s eyes, brimming with joy and affection. Though Lisa was still in suspense about the details of the evening, an exhilarating sense of anticipation danced within her.
As they settled into their intimate corner of the Bistro, with cozy lights and the gentle hum of laughter around them, Carla made sure the first round of drinks was ready, eager to toast to their unspoken love. The atmosphere was electric, and as Lisa took a sip of her drink, the corners of her mouth curled into a smile that warmed Carla from the inside out. It was the perfect beginning to a night they would cherish forever.
Finishing their drinks at the Bistro, Carla felt anticipation bubbling within her. The soft glow of the restaurant's lights surrounded them, but her heart raced with excitement for what lay ahead. Lisa, still blissfully unaware of the surprise, laughed and chatted about her day, her smile infectious.
“Ready for a little adventure?” Carla asked, winking at Lisa as she stood up. The dinner crowd began to thin, and the evening air beckoned them outside, rich with possibility. Carla took Lisa’s hand, guiding her towards the exit while trying to contain her enthusiasm.
Once outside, the soft evening breeze wrapped around them like a warm embrace. Carla inhaled deeply, savoring the moment. “Okay, I have a surprise for you. Just trust me,” she said, her eyes sparkling like the stars beginning to appear above them.
Curiosity danced in Lisa’s eyes as they walked down the cobbled street. They strolled hand in hand, their laughter echoing in the night air. “So, do I get any hints?” Lisa teased, trying to pry more information from Carla.
“Not a single one,” Carla replied playfully. “But, I promise it’s going to be worth it.”
As they approached the park, Carla could see the twinkling lights she had asked Ryan to set up, illuminating the area ahead. She felt a rush of gratitude and excitement, knowing this moment would create a lasting memory for both of them.
When they finally reached the park, Carla led Lisa to a clearing where a cozy blanket was spread out, adorned with fairy lights strung delicately from the surrounding trees. A carefully packed picnic basket sat at the center, enticing and warm, inviting them to sit and enjoy.
“Surprise!” Carla exclaimed, her heart racing as she watched Lisa's face light up with wonder. Lisa glanced around, taking in the glowing lights, the soft blanket, and the treats laid out in front of them.
“Oh my god, Carla! This is beautiful!” Lisa exclaimed, her eyes wide with delight.
Carla grinned, her heart swelling with happiness as she watched Lisa take it all in. They settled onto the blanket, the world around them fading into the background as they shared laughter, delicious food, and the music Carla had thoughtfully prepared on her phone. Beneath the blanket of stars, the evening blossomed into a beautiful celebration of their love—a night they would cherish forever.
As the gentle notes of their favorite song wafted through the cool night air, Carla took a moment to steal a glance at Lisa. The way the soft glow of the lights danced across her features made Carla’s heart skip.
“Is this too cheesy?” Carla asked, her playful nature surfacing as she nibbled on a slice of cheese, trying to gauge Lisa's mood.
Lisa chuckled, shaking her head. “Not at all! It’s perfect, actually. You really outdid yourself.” She settled closer, wrapping her arms around her knees, her body slightly turning towards Carla, an inviting gesture that made Carla’s chest flutter with warmth.
Taking a deep breath, Carla leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees. “I just wanted to do something special for us. Sometimes, life gets so busy, and I wanted to slow down… with you.”
Lisa’s expression softened, her eyes searching Carla's for depth. “I appreciate it more than I can say. It’s moments like this that make everything feel right in the world. Like… we’re in our own little bubble.”
“Yeah,” Carla replied, her voice barely above a whisper. The world around them felt still—time suspended—allowing them to fully immerse in the tranquility of the evening and each other’s presence.
As the song shifted to a slower tune, Lisa leaned closer, resting her head on Carla’s shoulder. Carla’s breath caught in her throat at the warmth radiating from Lisa’s body, the way the subtle scent of her hair enveloped Carla's senses. It was an intimacy that felt electric yet calm—a cocoon of comfort and connection.
“You know,” Lisa began, her voice muffled against Carla’s shoulder, “I’ve been thinking about how much I’ve come to rely on you… on us.” There was a vulnerability in her tone, and Carla’s heart raced at the significance of the moment.
“Me too,” Carla replied, her pulse quickening. “I didn’t expect to feel this close so fast. You bring… something out of me. Something good.”
Lisa pulled back slightly, her gaze locking onto Carla’s. The look in her eyes was intense, sparking an unspoken understanding. “I feel like we’re building something really special,” she murmured, her voice tremulous with emotion. "It's like… everything seems brighter."
Carla felt her cheeks warm, the vulnerability creeping in as she met Lisa’s gaze. “It is special. It’s… it’s confusing and wonderful all at once.” Carefully, Carla reached out, brushing a stray hair behind Lisa’s ear. The simple touch sent a wave of warmth radiating through her, accompanied by a flutter of nerves. “I don’t know where this is going, but I want to explore it with you,” she admitted, her voice steady despite the racing of her heart.
Lisa smiled, a softness washing over her features. “Yeah. I want to see where this takes us, too.”
Carla’s breath caught again, feeling the weight of those three little words that she longed to say. But there was a delicate honesty in the air, one tethering them together without the need for grand declarations just yet.
As the music played softly in the background, they relaxed into each other, laughter blossoming with each silly joke and shared memory. The stars twinkled above as if reflecting the light igniting between them, the night a testament to uncharted territory in their relationship, filled with promise and a touch of magic.