Flowers of various shapes and sizes decorated the garden's paths. The colors formed a rainbow from the flowerbeds, and their fragrance filled the air with a sweet scent. It was a garden like one might find in a storybook or fairytale, where every detail seemed to have been crafted with care to create a magical atmosphere. The paths meandered through vibrant beds of tulips, daisies, and roses, each contributing to the garden's enchanting tapestry. Butterflies fluttered from blossom to blossom, adding a touch of whimsy as they danced in the sunlit air. In one corner, a small stone fountain trickled gently, its soothing sound mingling with the birds' cheerful songs. It was a place where time seemed to slow down, inviting anyone who entered to pause and soak in the serene beauty that surrounded them.

This garden was in the backyard of the Kensington family. The garden behind the Kensington family home was a true haven of beauty and tranquility. Its design was a testament to the family's appreciation for nature and aesthetics. Each flowerbed was a canvas of vivid colors, creating a living mosaic that shifted with the changing light of day. The carefully tended paths guided visitors through a sensory experience of vibrant blooms and fragrant air, while the gentle murmur of the fountain provided a calming soundtrack to the scene. Butterflies and birds added a dynamic element to the serene landscape, making the garden feel alive and ever-changing. Whether one sought a peaceful moment of reflection or a whimsical escape from daily life, the Kensington garden offered a perfect retreat, capturing the essence of a storybook paradise.

The Kensington house was a charming two-story residence that complemented the enchanting garden perfectly. Its architecture featured a blend of classic elegance and cozy warmth, with a facade adorned in soft hues that harmonized with the garden's vibrant colors. The house had large windows that allowed natural light to flood the interior, offering views of the meticulously maintained garden outside. A spacious front porch with inviting seating provided a perfect vantage point for admiring the garden's beauty. The front entrance was framed by climbing ivy and seasonal blooms, creating a welcoming and picturesque approach. Inside, the home exuded a sense of comfort and charm. Rooms were filled with plush furnishings and tasteful décor, and a feeling of warmth permeated the entire space. From the inviting front porch to the beautifully appointed rooms, the Kensington house was a perfect embodiment of elegance and coziness. Each room was thoughtfully designed to enhance the home's welcoming atmosphere, with an emphasis on comfort and style.

If you couldn't tell yet the Kensington family loved flowers and the garden. But this story is not about their love for flowers. This story is about their only child Tallulah Kensington. She This story is about their only child, Tallulah Kensington, who was as enchanting as the garden itself. Tallulah, with her vibrant personality and curiosity, often found solace among the flowers, where she would immerse herself in the magical world her parents had lovingly created. From a young age, Tallulah was captivated by the garden's beauty. She spent hours exploring its nooks and crannies, imagining herself as a character in one of the many fairytales she loved to read. The garden was her playground and her sanctuary, a place where her imagination could run wild amidst the colors and fragrances.

Her parents, devoted to nurturing her interests, encouraged Tallulah's creativity. They often found her in the garden when she was little, making up names and stories for the plants and flowers. And when they would find colorful stickers covering the garden's flowerbeds or tiny fairy houses hidden among the flowerbeds, they would smile at her imaginative touch. Tallulah's love for the garden only deepened with time, and it became a central part of her childhood. Tallulah's passion for the garden followed her into adolescence and beyond. As she grew older, she developed a deeper appreciation for the garden's beauty and how it contributed to the overall aesthetic of the house. She learned how to maintain the garden, keeping the flowerbeds and pathways clean and free of weeds. She also took on the responsibility of watering and fertilizing the plants, ensuring that they would thrive in their enchanted surroundings. Tallulah's dedication to the garden was evident in every detail, and her parents were proud of the young woman she was becoming.

As Tallulah grew older, her fascination with the garden transformed into a passion for art and storytelling. She began to draw inspiration from the vivid colors and whimsical atmosphere of her backyard paradise. Her sketchbooks filled with intricate drawings of flowers, butterflies, and enchanted scenes, each reflecting the magic she experienced in the garden. Tallula's artistic talent was nurtured by her parents, who supported her in pursuing various creative endeavors. They enrolled her in art classes, where she honed her skills and developed her unique style. Yet, no matter how far her artistic journey took her, the garden remained her favorite muse — a source of endless inspiration and solace.

Today was another typical day, but when she woke up she realized she wasn't in her room. She squinted at the brightness of the sun peeking through the curtains. As her mind slowly woke up, she realized she was in Theo's room. Theo Barnes. Her next door neighbor and best friend since they were babies. They've always been inseparable since then. They were each other's first friends, they went to school together, and they even lived right next door to each other. Now they're fifteen and still the best of friends.

Talullah sat up and stretched while she glanced over at Theo, who was still asleep, his face peaceful and calm as the soft light filtered through the curtains. She remembered they had a movie marathon last night and must have fallen asleep halfway through the last one. Smiling softly, Tallulah stretched, careful not to wake Theo. She took in the familiar surroundings of his room — Posters of various movies, shows, and comics adorned the walls, and, of course, the little plant she had gifted him that sat on the nightstand by his bed and by his alarm clock. His shelves were cluttered with comics, books, video games, action figures, and random trinkets that seemed to reflect his curious nature. The faint scent of pine, mixed with the lingering smell of popcorn from the night before, hung in the air. 

Tallulah couldn't help but smile, admiring his messy bed head and the peaceful look on his face. He always looked so peaceful and relaxed when he was sleeping, like all the worries of the world were forgotten. Hair fell into his eyes and his chest rose and fell steadily with each breath. It was hard not to admire the beautiful sight. Tallulah reached over and gently brushed the hair out of his eyes, careful not to wake him. She froze when he moved suddenly and this was when she realized his arm was around her waist. But they had always been affectionate so it didn't faze her. His arm tightened and pulled her closer so there was no space between them. Their faces were mere inches apart. Theo's eyes opened slowly, his eyelashes fluttering as he adjusted to the bright sunlight streaming through the window. Tallulah felt her heart skip a beat as she met his sleepy gaze, his eyes like warm pools of honey in the morning light. She couldn't help but marvel at how handsome he was, especially first thing in the morning.

He smiles sleepily at her and murmurs, "Morning, Tulip."

"Good morning, Theo." She returned the smile, trying to ignore the fluttering feeling in her stomach.

Tallulah had known Theo since before she could remember. They were neighbors and best friends, growing up together and spending practically every day of their lives with each other. He knew her better than anyone else, and she knew him just as well. They were inseparable and they never kept secrets from each other. Until now.

Lately, Tallulah had started to feel differently towards Theo. She found herself staring at him for longer than necessary and thinking about him at the oddest times. Her heart would race whenever he smiled at her or when they would cuddle like this. She would feel her face flush when he'd kiss her cheek. Tallulah was falling for him and she had no idea what to do.

He buries his face in her neck and mumbles, "It's too early, go back to sleep."

Tallulah giggled, the feeling of his breath on her skin sending shivers down her spine. She couldn't believe she was acting this way because of Theo. Theo who had always been her best friend. She couldn't let her feelings get in the way of their friendship.

"You know we have to get up eventually, right?" Tallulah pointed out.

"Yeah, but not yet." Theo mumbles, tightening his grip on her. "It's Saturday, let's just enjoy the day off."

She laughs and tries to wriggle out of his grasp. "You're so lazy!"

He smiles mischievously and pinned her down, straddling her hips. "I'll show you lazy." He grabbed both her wrists so she couldn't get away, pinning then above her head while grinning at her. She couldn't stop smiling. Her heart was beating a mile a minute and her face felt hot. This wasn't the first time they've done something like this but it felt different somehow.

"Let me go, you goofball!" She laughed, trying to free her wrists.

He raises an eyebrow. "Is that any way to talk to your captor? You should be nicer or else I might have to keep you here forever." He teasingly threatened.

Her breath hitches and her face flushes. She didn't know why but the thought of being with him forever sounded pretty great. Tallulah laughs, but the warmth spreading through her chest made her pause for a moment. "Forever, huh?" She teased, trying to sound lighthearted, though her mind was already spinning with emotions she didn't quite understand. Theo noticed the brief hesitation in her laugh and loosened his grip slightly, his playful demeanor softening.

"What? Don't think you could handle me for that long?" He grinned, his eyes twinkling with that familiar playful spark. But there was something more in his gaze — something deeper that she couldn't ignore anymore. Something that made her stomach flutter and her heart skip a beat. Something that made her want to stay in his arms forever.

"No, I think I could handle you just fine." She said softly, meeting his gaze with a smile.

Theo's grin softened at her response, and for a moment, neither of them said anything. The air between them seemed to shift, as if the playful banter had opened a door to something unspoken but powerful.

He let go of her wrists and gently rested his hands on her sides, his touch warm and grounding. "You know," He began, his voice quieter now, more serious, "I think I could handle you too." Tallulah felt her heart stutter. It wasn't just the words — it was the way he said them, the look in his eyes. The teasing had always been a part of their friendship, but this...This felt different. More real.

She swallows, suddenly feeling nervous but also exhilarated. "Theo..." She whispered, her voice barely above a breath, unsure of what to say next.

He didn't respond right away, his gaze still locked with hers, searching for something. Slowly, he leaned down, his forehead resting against hers. Tallulah's breath caught in her throat, her pulse racing. Was he really going to... She squeezed her eyes shut, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Then, ever so gently, his lips brushed against hers. It was just a light, hesitant touch at first, but the warmth of his mouth sent tingles all over her body.

Tallulah couldn't believe it was finally happening. They'd been dancing around this tension for weeks now, and she was sure it was just wishful thinking on her part. But as his lips met hers, all doubts were swept away. It felt like everything was falling into place, as if the world had suddenly clicked into place and she was where she was meant to be. It felt perfect. His hand slid up to cradle her cheek, his thumb brushing across her skin. She shivered at the contact, her entire body feeling alive with sensation. Theo's kiss was tender and tentative, but filled with an intensity that made Tallulah's heart race. She responded instinctively, leaning into the kiss, her hands finding their way to his shoulders. 

It was as if every moment they had spent together, every laugh, every shared secret, had led to this — this perfect, electric connection. The world outside seemed to fall away as they kissed, leaving just the two of them in this quiet, intimate bubble. Theo's touch was gentle, his lips moving against hers with a sweet, slow rhythm that made her feel as if time had stopped. This was everything like she imagined it would be but so much better. Everything else melted away until the only thing she could focus on was the warmth of his mouth, the softness of his lips, and the feeling of his fingers tracing along her jaw. She never wanted it to end. 

"Tallulah! Tallulah!"

Tallulah jolted up in bed with a gasp. Her heart pounded in her chest as she woke up, her breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. She glanced around her room, disoriented and confused. The morning light filtered in through her curtains, casting a warm glow on the familiar surroundings. Tallulah's heart was still racing, and she took a moment to collect her thoughts, trying to shake off the remnants of the dream that had felt so real. 

And now she felt disappointed that it was all just a dream. The moment felt so real, so intimate. Her heart ached at the thought of it all being just a figment of her imagination. She wanted to kiss Theo and actually feel the sparks fly. But reality was cruel and dreams were only that — dreams. There was no way Theo could ever feel the same way about her. She was his best friend, nothing more. "Tallulah, honey, are you up yet?"

It was her mother, calling from the kitchen downstairs. And she was in her room. Alone. No Theo. No cuddling. Nothing. Just her and her stupid crush. Tallulah sighs. "Yeah, mom, I'm up!" She calls back, running her hands through her messy hair. "I'll be down in a few minutes." She flopped back down on the bed, groaning as she buried her face in the pillow. She felt the weight of her disappointment settling over her. The dream had been so vivid, and the feelings it stirred up were still lingering, making it hard for her to shake off the sense of longing.

Tallulah lay there for a few more minutes, trying to calm her racing heart. She took deep breaths, reminding herself that it was just a dream. She needed to get up and face the day, but it was challenging to muster the energy when her emotions were still tangled up in the dream. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a door opening. She grumbles, thinking it was her mom. "Mom, I said I'm up-" She pauses when she saw Theo closing the door to her balcony. "Theo. What are you doing here?"

"Good morning to you too, Tulip." Theo chuckles. "Did you forget we always meet up and go to school together?" Tallulah felt herself getting lost in his beautiful blue eyes that reminded her of the ocean. She was afraid of drowning, but she didn't mind drowning in his gaze. The dream and her lingering feelings all came rushing back as she looked at him. She struggled to keep her emotions in check, but the sight of him made her heart flutter.

Theo raises an eyebrow, concern filling his gaze. "Are you okay? You're all red. Do you have a fever?" He walked over to her, reaching his hand out to check her temperature.

She couldn't help but lean into his hand, her heart fluttering at his touch. He was so sweet and thoughtful. But when she realized what she was doing, she quickly backed away, shaking her head. "No, no. I'm fine. Sorry, just had a weird dream." She avoids his gaze, climbing out of bed. "I'm gonna get ready for school. I'll meet you downstairs."

She walks over to her closet and quickly rummaged through it. Theo frowns, watching her. "What was the dream about?"

Tallulah's cheeks were bright red as she tried to think of something. Anything that wasn't the dream she had. "You know what, I already forgot what it was about. I'm sure it wasn't important."

"Come on, you can't just leave me hanging." Theo whined, his lips forming into a pout.

Tallulah's stomach churned at the sight. She wanted nothing more than to kiss his cute little pout away. She turned away from him, trying to hide her blush. "Seriously, it wasn't that interesting."

"Oh come on, tell me!" Theo insisted, stepping closer.

Tallulah was so nervous, she accidentally backed into a stack of books on her desk, causing them to fall to the floor and her to stumble backwards into Theo. His arm instinctively wraps around her waist, keeping her from falling. "Whoa, careful there." He said, his voice close and soothing. Tallulah's heart raced even faster as she felt his arm around her, the warmth of his body pressed against hers. The proximity made her face flush and she could smell the faint hint of his cologne. 

She wanted to stay in his arms forever, but the sound of her mother calling out for her snapped her back to reality. "Tallulah, dear, is everything alright up there? What was that loud noise?"

Tallulah scrambles to pull away from Theo, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Everything is fine! Sorry, my clumsy self just knocked some books over. I'll clean it up right away!" She said, quickly crouching down to pick up the fallen books.

Theo frowns and crouches down, helping her pick up the books. Theo's presence was comforting, even if Tallulah was feeling flustered. As they gathered the scattered books, he glances at her with concern. "Are you sure you're okay? You seem pretty shaken up."

Tallulah avoids his gaze, focusing on the books in her hands. "Yeah, I'm fine. Really. Just a bit of a rough start to the day."

He nods and reaches out to squeeze her hand, giving her a soft, reassuring smile. "Alright. But if you need anything, you know you can always talk to me, right?"

She returns the smile, the warmth of his touch sending a pleasant shiver up her arm. "I know. Thanks, Theo."

He stands up, holding his hand out to her. "No problem. Now come on, let's get going before your mom starts to worry." Tallulah nodded, taking his hand as he pulled her up. His touch was comforting and grounding, helping to ease the flurry of emotions inside her.

She takes a deep breath and turns to gather her things, trying to shake off the dream and her feelings. "Right. I'll meet you downstairs."

Theo smiled at her and kissed her head before he walked out. The gesture made her heart flutter and the warmth on her cheeks returned. Tallulah had it bad and she had no idea how she was going to survive the day. Or the rest of the year. She'd have to find a way to push aside her feelings, no matter how difficult it was. But for now, all she could do was try her best not to let her emotions get the better of her.