Disclaimer: No money is made off this; it is purely for pleasure and the sake of writing. Plot (what little there is of it) belongs to me. Anything recognizable, such as Jess and Tony, do not belong to me.

Thank You For Loving Me

I watched him say the words.

"We'd like your blessing. We're getting engaged."

Tony, oh, Tony, dear, sweet Tony. You'd give up your happiness for me to pursue mine?

"I like you, Jess, but I don't want to marry you."

"We're getting engaged."

"No, Jess. I really like Beckham."

"We're getting engaged."

Tony, how could you? You've always been my best mate, and I knew you cared...but I didn't know you cared so much.

"Oh, my, that's wonderful!"

"You're such a lucky girl, Jess!"

I shake myself awake before this gets out of hand.

"No."

The room stops.

"He's lying." And I pour my heart out in front of my relatives, and they all listen, each understanding in their own way.

And...I realize something, too. About you, Tony.

See, I always thought you were just another guy. But you've changed. We both have. You're no longer just a fanatic football boy; you've become a man. Since you decided to risk your future for my dream, I've realized something else.

You love me. You love me as a brother would a sister, willing to do anything to make me happy. You love me as a friend would, creating a bond so strong that it will never be broken.

And...I've realized something else.

I love you. I love you as a sister would her brother. And I love you for doing what you've done for me.

Thank you for loving me, Tony.

~Fin~

For all of my "siblings" out there - thank you.