The sun streamed through my bedroom window, warming my face and nudging me toward consciousness. Another day in our small town, another day filled with youth group meetings, scripture memorization, and that all-too-familiar struggle of wanting to be a good Christian girl while harboring a crush on Jason, the quintessential golden boy of my high school. He was kind and funny, a perfect fit in the mold of the boys I was supposed to like.

But that morning, something felt different—like the fresh start of spring. I shook off the feeling and threw on my favorite T-shirt, one that reeked of teen spirit and innocence, and headed down for breakfast.

"Good morning, Celeste!" my mom chirped, her smile warm and inviting. "Are you excited for the youth group meeting tonight?"

"Yeah, sure," I replied, forcing a smile. If I could just focus on Jason and the plans for the evening, everything would be fine. Or at least, that’s what I kept telling myself.

After breakfast, I skipped out to my favorite park—my sanctuary. The smell of fresh grass towed in the sound of children laughing, and I breathed deeply, letting the air fill me up. I plopped down on a bench, book in hand, lost in the words of my favorite romance novel. That was when she walked by—the girl with long, flowing brunette hair and a carefree smile that lit up the afternoon sun. I blinked, confused as my stomach flipped.

She was stunning.

"Sorry!" she called out, nearly bumping into the bench. "I didn’t see you there!"

"No worries!" I replied, trying to shake the cobwebs of my thoughts. "What’s your name?"

“Luna,” she said, extending a hand, her grip firm yet gentle. “And you?”

“Celeste,” I mumbled, my heart racing as our hands met. There was a spark, a connection that tugged at something deep within me—something I had never allowed myself to explore.

As our conversation flowed, I learned Luna had just moved to town and was looking for friends. Her laughter was infectious, and soon we were planning to meet again. But as excited as I felt, a heavy blanket of confusion settled over me like fog. I shook my head, trying to clear the clouds. This wasn’t right! I was raised to like boys, to wait for marriage, and to seek out what God expected of me. But why was my heart betraying me?

Weeks passed, and my friendship with Luna grew. We spent afternoons studying together, shared laughs, and even attended youth group together. I could feel myself falling for her, and it made my insides twist into knots. Despite the joy she brought, guilt began to seep in, whispering doubts that left me spiraling.

Should I tell her? Should I even be feeling this way? Was it a phase, a rebellion against everything I’d been taught?

At church, during a discussion about self-love, I felt my dread twist into pride. “Have confidence in your feelings,” the pastor encouraged, and suddenly I realized how meaningful my emotions felt, how valid they were. Maybe it was okay to feel this way, that love wasn’t confined to a set of rules or expectations. It was messy, confusing, and oh so beautiful.

When I found out Luna was also a member of the youth group, I felt both thrilled and terrified.

Our connection deepened, and eventually, my resolve crumbled. As we hung out more, the lines between friendship and something more blurred. I could no longer ignore the way my pulse quickened whenever she brushed her fingers against mine or how my heart soared with her every smile.

After weeks of sleepless nights, I finally gathered the courage to ask her out. We were hanging outside after a youth group meeting; the sky was painted with orange hues as the sun dipped below the horizon.

“Luna,” I said, my voice trembling. “I know this might sound crazy, but would you want to go out with me… like, on a date?”

She paused, tilting her head with that captivating grin. “You’re serious?”

“Absolutely.” My heart thundered in my chest as I awaited her answer.

Her eyes widened in surprise before they softened with understanding. “I’d love to, Celeste.”

In that moment, every doubt, every fear melted away. I had chosen to follow my heart—an act of faith, truly—and it felt liberating.

Though the challenges ahead were daunting, I was ready to explore uncharted waters. My faith would shape me, but love would guide me. I may have started this journey a good Christian girl with a crush on a boy, but now, I was navigating the thrilling waters of who I truly could be—a girl in love, heart open wide to both wonders and uncertainties. And it felt good.