Chapter 1-New Bloom

BRYCE'S POV

There I was, digging on the Baker's yard with a shovel in my hand, struggling as I was not used to yard work. I came up with an idea of how to apologize to Juli, I know simple words won't do the trick so I came up with something more meaningful, as we all know, actions speaks louder than words. Well.. I sure do hope so.

I was finishing up my work on the Baker's yard as I heard their door flew open. Juli came running at me, furious, but was quickly stopped in her tracks by what stands next to me.

"Is that a uh.. " Juli asked.

"Yeah, It's a Sycamore tree. I knew you really loved the one back at the bus stop so I thought you might like to have one right by your house. It's really tiny though, like a baby." I explained. Though its not much of explain things but frantically talking just to avoid awkward silences. Have I told how much I hate awkward silences?

"It's beautiful Bryce! Thank you!" Juli said as she turned her gaze towards me, a smile and a blush appearing on her face. Its been a while since I saw her like that.

"Uhmm.. Uhh.. You're uhh.. Welcome." I stutter as I felt blood rushing through my face. I felt limp, not sure how to react to that angelic smile she had shown me.

Juli turned again her gaze at the sapling, admiring it. And there I was, stunned, admiring her admiring the tree. How I longed for this moment, to see her smile. Not just a simple smile, but a smile that I was the reason for. Nothing could make me happier!

"Hey Bryce." I snapped back to reality as I heard her sweet voice. "I'm sorry for being angry at you.. I just couldn't bring myself to forget.. You know.. The accident." Juli said, with eyes that seems strangely happy yet a hint of sadness still lingers.

"Don't worry about it. I totally understand. Well, just recently, but I understand." I jokingly said to ease the tension a little bit.

"Hey juli, I wanna ask you something I 've been meaning to tell you for a while now." I said, gathering every ounce of courage I can muster.

"I uhh.. I want to know you more Julianna Baker!"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean I want to get to know the real you. The real Juli, the one I've been running away from since 2nd grade."

"I uhh.. I.. I honestly don't know what to say." Juli said as her cheeks flare up again with embarrassment for me and what I just said.

"Please say yes. That's all I'm asking." I said, pleading for her to agree.

"Sure! I'd love to get to know you Bryce Loski!" She grins, like a maniac for that matter.

"So Bryce, can I call you my bestfriend?" Juli uttered.

As I heard those words, those dreadful group of words, slipping away from her lips. I can't believe what I just heard. My world crumbled, my heart shattered, stunned to the sudden realization of my error, my mistake, a huge mistake!

"What's wrong Bryce? If you don't like me calling you that, its fine."

"No no no! Its fine." I said to her while forcing a smile.

"But is it? Is it really FINE?" I said to myself, still trying to figure out the situation.

"Good! I guess I'll see you later then!" Juli smiles as she waves off good bye to me.

"Yeah. See ya later." I said while waving my hand.

After seeing Juli enter her house, I decided to go home as well. As I entered the house I was greeted by grandpa.

"Hi there Bryce. How'd it go?" grandpa asked with surprising amount of curiosity. Well, I can't blame him though, it's his plan after all, to plant a sycamore tree at the Baker's to win Juli back.

"It went fine, grandpa." I said, forcing a smile.

"I don't think so.. If it all went well then why do you look like the heavens came all down at you?" grandpa asked, anxious for the truth.

"I really can't hide anything from you huh?" I chuckled, delaying the conversation as much as I can.

"You can't, as well as you shouldn't." grandpa said sternly.

*Sigh* "Well, I'm glad Juli liked the tree and we managed to agree that we want to get to know the real us.."

"Then?"

"Then she asked me if she can call me her bestfriend.." I said as tears started to form.

"Oh Bryce.. I'm sorry to hear that. But everything is not all black and white, especially when it comes to the matters of the heart. You need to be brave, not just for yourself but for the once you love as well. You won't get what you want if you just wait around for it to be served in a silver platter. That will never happen. You should grab what you desire the most every chance you get. Because those chances doesn't always come too often."

"Thank you grandpa. I appreciate it. I won't let you down." I said as I compose myself.

"That's my boy!" as he slowly extended his arms to hug me.

I slept that night knowing what I got to do. I need to tell Juli Baker what I really feel. From then on, I know there's no turning back, its all or nothing, a fight against my own cowardice I need to win not just for myself, but for Chet, my family, and especially, for Juli.

Hey guys! If you enjoyed my story, please review, be it positive or negative, I'm looking forward to reading them :) but please be gentle, its my first time writing here :)