I don’t think I qualify as a late-bloomer (I’m too young, I think), but my friend certainly does.

Here’s my story. I’m posting here to get some insights so I can maybe better understand what she’s going through, and I’ll warn you, it’s unusual.

Up until about a month and a half ago, I (20F) thought I was a very conventional person when it came to love and romance. I was completely straight (well, obviously we're all on a LGBTQ spectrum, but for the most part straight) and dated/hooked up with guys my age. But since then, I've had a very weird procession of events that's caused me to question everything I knew about myself.

I went to visit a friend of mine over spring break, and we stayed at her mom's house. Her mother (49F) is going through a divorce, and one night, I happened to catch her crying. She and I started talking, and really bonded in the conversation. Then....much to my surprise, she kissed me. It was an absolute shock (to both of us), and we awkwardly hurried to our separate beds.

A few days later, when I was back at school, she reached out to me. We had a very reassuring conversation about what had happened (particularly in light of my friend/her daughter), and had agreed to just pretend it didn't happen. But we still continued talking and texting regularly, mostly normal things (about her work/divorce and my school), but with a tinge (probably on my side) of flirtation.

She'd honestly been on my mind a lot. Not entirely sure why, though I have a feeling it speaks to some issues I probably have.

Then...a couple days ago, something happened. I had posted on r/advice about my situation (I didn't DARE to tell anyone about this in my "real" life), and received some very good advice about why the situation was inappropriate.

But...apparently I'm a fucking idiot because I didn't follow the advice. I suppose I told myself I was going to her house to just clear the air and make sure we could just be friends. I don't know. But I went to her house, nonetheless.

She and I hung out and talked a LOT about the situation. She was respectful and caring and listened to my concerns, while I listened to hers, about the confusion and guilt and unexpected feelings. We cried together. But...I also spent the night. In her bed. With her. And, not to get into any details, but we both experienced a first-time milestone.

The next morning, in the "afterglow", and in the ensuing calls/texts, we came to an agreement to continue hanging out together (it's crass to call it an FWB situation, but I'm not sure how else to describe it) until one of us finds another more "appropriate" partner. There's a lot of mutual guilt about keeping it a secret from my friend, obviously. That's something we both need to deal with, and will, maybe, have to eventually tell her.

But right now? Holy fuck does she make me happy. I'm not naive, and I know this is probably some sort of temporary euphoria, but....I've been thinking about her constantly, and we're going to have a "date" this weekend.