Bab 81: New start

As the plane began to taxi down the runway, I felt a strange mix of emotions—nervousness, excitement, and a lingering sense of melancholy. The kiss with Carmen had left me in a bubble of warmth, and I clung to that feeling as the reality of leaving settled in. Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed Isabel's hand on my arm.

"Elena, you need to put on your seatbelt," Isabel said gently, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Oh, right." I fumbled for the belt, feeling a bit foolish. Isabel chuckled softly, shaking her head.

"You've got it bad," she teased. "Carmen must have really done a number on you."

I blushed, snapping the buckle into place. "It's just... I didn't expect her to show up. It meant a lot."

Isabel patted my hand reassuringly. "I know. She's not the easiest person to read, but I think she cares more than she lets on."