When You Least Expect It

by Haley Cass

“I didn’t even think about what it would look like. Which is stupid, because I know you’re…” She trails off, staring at Caroline, her eyes running slowly over her face. She sips her water. “A lesbian. You can say it, it’s not a bad word.”

ily

“I know it’s not a bad word, I just. I mean. You’re really beautiful and I’m sure you have much better prospects than me. And I’m still married and –”

damn girl got her babblin already and we're barely five mins in, the power u hold

Her condo door flings open only moments later, Abbie having given up knocking several weeks ago.

UNLI ACCESS TO UR CONDO ??? gurl u are in love

“World class mother, best barista in the city, incredible cook, architecture expert, and my personal defender.”

mhm mhm

But mostly, she wishes that Hannah could look in the mirror every day and see that she shines as bright as the moon and has twice the gravitational pull.

okay lawyer and poet

Hannah is so very much like a sunset – with all of the layers that make her who she is, every single one of them different and absolutely beautiful, but sometimes concealing what else is in the sky – Caroline can’t quite read all of the emotions under that vulnerability.

u should write a book bro

“So, say goodnight again.” Abbie’s bottom lip pokes out in a pout, but she acquiesces. “’Night, Caroline. Love you.” “Love you, too,” she manages to get out even though she sounds just as dazed as she still feels.

how cute 🥹

“Caroline may have been my best, though. Definitely up there in my top three.”

aye aye 🫡

She kind of still can’t believe she’d essentially had in-person phone sex with Hannah, because it sounds extremely unlike what she would ever intend to do in the sober light of day.

IN PERSON PHONE SEX BAHAHAHHA

The urgency in Hannah’s voice cuts through that. “God, baby, what happened?

GAHHHHHHH

Happy birthday, Caroline!!! Thanks for hanging out with me and taking me places and always answering my questions and never rolling your eyes or anything. You’re my favorite person and I love you.

awhhhh thats so cute 🥹

No, today she only has eyes for Hannah.

as you normally do any other day babe

Abbie’s face is the picture of concentration as she gently pokes at the crust dough, bending down to see how thinly it’s rolled out. “No, she can date. Just… not him.”

lil cupid

“For the record, I’m wearing the Suffolk law shirt you forgot here once. And my underwear. Goodnight.”

BAHAHAH sneakyyyy

Caroline can feel the surprise emanating off of Hannah as she takes it all in, before she slowly slips off her jacket. The high-waisted jeans she’s wearing distract Caroline from the fact that the entire population of Santa’s workshop threw up in her living room.

BAHAHAHAH

“I’m letting you guide us. I don’t want to… push you.” She’s trying so hard not to cross any boundaries, even though with every single day that goes by, she wants more. Hannah leans back against the door, her tongue sliding slowly over her bottom lip, and Caroline’s eyes trail after it, hungrily, before snapping to Hannah’s. “Push me,” she rasps.

AYOOOOOO

She flips again, and it’s her – sleeping. It might be the most detailed image of her she’s ever seen. The blanket is rumpled over her waist, her shirt is rucked up slightly, and the skin of her waist is on display. It looks soft, even in the drawing.

GRAHHHH I KNEW IT