Jake and Dallas were sitting on a park bench one day just after a deep cold spell had brought tons of snow and ice to their city. Jake looks over at Dallas and asks "Why have you been so distant lately?"
"I haven't been distant Jake."
"Yes you have. Everyone else has noticed too."
"Well you know me dont you."
"Yes, I do and what are you hiding."
"Im not hiding anything. I told you what was bothering me and you blew it off like it was no big deal. Its a big deal to me."
"Well Im sorry. I told you to keep your feelings to yourself. Didnt I?"
"Yes you did. But, you never told me what you truly felt when I told you that I have developed
deeper feelings for you than just my best friend. You said it wasnt a big deal but that I needed to keep my feelings to myself."
"And thats what I meant for you to do Dallas."
"Jake, why do you have to be like this. You don't ever show me your true feelings. You always try to cover them up with something else. Either it bothers you, or it don't. If it dont then obviously theres a small part of you that has the same feelings for me."
"Dallas, I already told you I dont have the same feelings. Yes you are my best friend and a damn good one. But I am not at all attracted to you in the same way."
"Ok Jake, I get the point. I will not ever bring it back up to you again."
"Dallas, the truth is, I was very hurt by one of my best friends a few years ago and I am not ready to face that again. It hurt too bad and left lots of hard feelings and I am not over that yet."
"Well Jake, I wish you had told me that sooner. I wouldnt have offended you. I feel terribly sad for inflicting this pain on you again. Will you please forgive me?"
"Dallas you know I have already forgiven you. Its just I am not ready to move on yet."
"Well Jake, I want you to know my feelings will never change. As long as you are my best friend, I will be here for you when you are ready if it ever comes to that point. If it doesnt I understand. One thing is for sure, I cant ask for a better friend. I love you Jake and I will never betray you like you have been treated before. Take your time and work through whatever it is that you need to and I will forever stand beside you through anything you allow me to."