This is the prequel to The Heart's Lesson. I know it didn't BEGIN like that, but it IS like that, so please read!
UNFORBIDDEN LOVE
Dear Jake-
Everyone expects love to last forever. But I guess that doesn't work if the love wasn't really ever there in the first place- would it? I know this will hurt, but I can't pretend anymore.
Everyone thinks they know the 'real story' about us. But no one- not even you, and not even me- really knows. But I know the most.
Rachel. Marco. Tobias. Ax, even- think we're in love. Ax will ask why we hold hands and Rachel will ask for details of all the time we spend together. But how can we be in love- if I don't love you?
I used to. Used to- back before the war changed you, changed me. But both of us changing- I just didn't love you like that anymore. Not to love your sweet, hamburger and fries smell-your sharp, yet smooth profile- your silky brown hair- I kept pretending because I knew you would break down. Like you probably are now. You might not go on without me. Just like if Tom or Rachel or Marco died- me not loving you would be like that. But you need to now.
Jake, know I still like you. I love you like a brother, not like a lover. I love you like that. Please forgive me, for not loving you and for pretending I did for so long- but I can't deceive you any longer. I'm so sorry.
Your friend-
Cassie
