Isabella had been in Michael's shoes before, although the circumstances were slightly different. Her parent's divorce was not due to a loss of love, but because of her. She could not help but empathise with Michael and his current situation, having experienced a similar one herself. She understood the confusion, hurt, and anger that comes with such a major change in one's family dynamic.

In the three years since Isabella and her mother had relocated to Clearwater, a special bond had formed between her and Michael. It was as if they were the missing pieces of a puzzle, clicking together effortlessly. From the moment they first met, they were inseparable, and their friendship only grew stronger with time. Their connection was evident to anyone who saw them together, and it was clear that they had found a true friend in each other.

They were neighbors, living across from each other. From his bedroom, Michael could see Isabella's room. On the nights they were not together, Michael would climb up to his rooftop and Isabella would do the same. They had come up with a clever way to stay connected- a tin can telephone with a long string. As they gazed at the twinkling stars above, they would chat through the makeshift phone line.

Fifteen years old, Michael had always prided himself on being strong and composed, never wanting to show any sign of weakness. However, when it came to Isabella, he was not afraid to let his guard down. Even at his worst, when he found himself crying like a wimp, he knew she would not judge him. After years of friendship, Michael had come to realise that he couldn't imagine his life without her. They had formed a bond that went beyond friendship - they had become one. 

Michael might have been youthful and lacking in experience, but he was certain that Isabella held his heart as his very first love. Every time she greeted him with a simple "hi" or "good morning", he could not help but feel a sense of joy and importance. It was as though her acknowledgment of him completed his entire morning. The young girl was the embodiment of his desires. Their communication was impeccable, she possessed a charming and endearing personality, making it effortless for Michael to be in her presence. However, their time together was cut short as Isabella, his beloved, relocated. 

Michael considered her his closest friend, but the reality was that she meant much more to him. She was the one who truly understood him, and in her company, he could be himself without any facade. Michael was convinced that the root of his transformation into a callous and self-centered individual occurred after Isabella's departure and the subsequent divorce of his parents. From that point on, he became known as the contemptible and detested person everyone secretly hated. Following her sudden disappearance, Michael and Isabella never exchanged another word.

He spent countless sleepless nights eagerly anticipating her call, even if it was just to assure him of her safety or to hear her gentle and innocent voice, which he believed she still had after all these years. As days turned into weeks, and months turned into years, there were still no letters, no phone calls, no signs of her existence. It was as if Isabella had disappeared without a trace, leaving him haunted and tormented by her absence.

On the day that Isabella left, Michael could not help but feel a sense of loss and emptiness. As she took part of him with her, it became evident that she had left behind an empty shell, devoid of any genuine emotions. For years, Michael longed for her presence, reminiscing about the times they spent together watching scary movies and indulging in soda until their heads spun. Her absence left a void that could not be filled.

To Michael, Isabella was truly an amazing person. She had a way of treating others with such dignity and respect that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. But what made her even more special was her great sense of humour. No matter the situation, she never forgot how to laugh and could always find a silver lining. Michael missed her dearly. He missed watching her peacefully sleep, and seeing her playful spirit. One of his fondest memories was watching her lick the chocolate from the spoon whenever she came over to his house and his mom was baking brownies. 

On the night before Isabella disappeared, she expressed her deep feelings for Michael. She declared that he was the only person in her life who had never made her feel broken or incomplete in any way. Isabella professed her unconditional love for Michael, stating that he would always hold a special place in her heart. She declared him as her soulmate and herself as his, binding them together in a deep and profound connection.

On that memorable night, Isabella bestowed upon Michael his first true kiss. It was a moment that would forever be etched in his mind, for no other kiss he received after could even come close to comparing with hers. There was an indescribable quality to her kiss – the delicateness of her lips, the comforting warmth of her breath, and the alluring scent that lingered in the air.

After their kiss came to an end, Isabella could not help but let out a little giggle. She looked at Michael with adoration in her eyes. "You were so flustered when I went in to kiss you.” She teased him in a playful tone. 

Michael's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I am sure you understand. You are my first real kiss," he said with a hint of shyness in his tone.

“I wanted it to be absolutely special for you.” Her tone was filled with sincerity and affection. 

Michael gently brushed the strands of hair away from her face. "It was beyond perfect. It was pure magic, Bella," he murmured, gently caressing her cheek.

“I am happy you think so.”

Michael stared deeply into her captivating eyes. "The sensation of your kiss is beyond words. It's as if I have been whisked away to a heavenly realm. A world of pure beauty."

“Your words are so endearing, I haven't heard you speak like this before," Isabella murmured as she closed the little distance between them and pressed their foreheads together.