Page 64 of A Match Made In Fall

"Well—I've met someone.”

"Oh?" Mom exclaims. "When did this happen? Who is it?”

Thinking of Isabella brings a smile to my face like always. "Her name is Isabella Martin. She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met before.”

“Ah, now I understand why you’re not happy about a trade,” Dad says knowingly. “She must be very special?”

"She's incredible, beautiful, smart…” The words describing Isabella keep popping in my head. She’s all these things and more. “We've grown very close in a short amount of time. I’m sure it sounds crazy, but I don't think I've ever felt this way about anyone. We can talk for hours and never run out of things to say. We have a similar sense of humor, the same values, and she really understands me.”

I pause, realizing how much it sounds like I’ve fallen for Isabella. And maybe I have.

"She makes everything feel easier," I continue, not giving either of them a chance to speak. "Even when things are stressful. For example, after that awful game the other night, she knew exactly what to say to calm me down. Normally I would’ve been up all night replaying the game, wondering what I could’ve done differently.”

"Oh, Austin," Mom says warmly. "This is great news. I’m so happy for you."

"Have you told her how you feel?" Dad asks.

I shake my head, even though they can't see me. "Not exactly.”

“Does she know about the potential trade?” my mom asks.

“No.” I pause. “I don’t want to say anything until I know for sure. Plus there’s more to our situation that makes it unusual. Isabella doesn’t live in North Carolina. She’s staying with her parents right now. We were only going to have a few months together before she returns home.”

“Oh wow, and now you might be the one leaving town,” my mom says.

“Exactly.”

“Where does she live?” Mom asks.

“She actually lives in LA.”

“So you’d both be in California?” Dad says. “It’s still long distance, but at least it’s the same time zone.”

“Yes, I’ve thought about that,” I say. “I guess it’s just difficult to think about leaving while we’re still learning about each other. I thought there would be more time, and I was looking forward to it.”

It’s quickly becoming clear that one way or another Isabella and I live two lives in different places and it’s inevitable that we won’t be close to one another, at least for now. If we want to give this a chance, both of us need to be willing because it will take some effort.

“So this change wouldn’t just effect your career, there are real feelings involved,” my mom points out.

“Yes.” Admitting this out loud feels like a huge breakthrough.

“Do you feel like you could handle a long-distance relationship?” she asks.

It would be hard, but I know Isabella is worth it. She’s the most amazing person I’ve ever met.

“I think I could, if she’s willing,” I answer. “She understands how my career works, and I understand hers.”

“Then you just need to be honest,” my mom says. “Don’t wait until it’s too late to talk about this. What if they say you need to leave tomorrow? Or the next day?”

She has a point. If the call comes, I’ll have to go. A new organization isn’t going to give me extra time to sort out my personal life.

“Thanks for listening,” I say. “I knew talking to you two would help.”

“We’re always here if you need us,” my dad reminds me.

“We’re so proud of you,” my mom adds. “Never forget that.”

I have the best parents. “I know. Love you guys.”