Disclaimer: As usual, I own nothing of Sky High and its characters.
When I first saw you, I glared. You were Stronghold's silly little hanger-on and that made you very wrong in my book. Every time I'd see him, you were there and because I instantly hated him, I instantly hated you as well. Every day, I'd see you with him. And every day, I'd try my best to contain my anger. In class, you'd look at him adoringly. I sneered at that. In lunch, you'd laugh at all the stupid things he'd say. I'd grit my teeth at that. When we talked for the first time and my suspicions were confirmed, I wanted to scream in frustration. You really were nothing but Stronghold's silly little hanger-on. A silly, lovesick hanger-on. How pathetic.
It wasn't until I saw you dancing with him in the end, after all the smoke had cleared and we'd won the battle, that I understood everything. Things were put in an alarmingly clear perspective. Let me explain.
When I first saw you, I glared. But it was only because I couldn't believe that Will Stronghold was hanging out with someone as beautiful as you. When I kept seeing you with him, I'd try to contain my anger. But that was only because I got angry at how oblivious he seemed to your refreshing presence. When I'd see you stare at him adoringly, I sneered. But that was because I couldn't believe he didn't notice the mesmerizing warmth of your beautiful brown eyes. Whenever you giddily laughed with him, I grit my teeth. But that was because I wanted you to share that breathtaking smile and laugh with me. And when my suspicions were confirmed and I knew that you were in love with Stronghold, my inner scream of frustration was because I wanted you to be in love with me instead.
And right now, as I continue with this facade of disinterest, pretending like I don't and never did like you that way, I have one more achingly painful realization: that I could glare, and grit, and scream as much as I want, but that will never get me the one thing I truly desire: you.
I love you, Layla Williams. I loved you before I even realized it was happening. You brought out the best in me, even when I didn't want that best to resurface. And even though I may never get my chance with you, just know that I will continue to patiently wait, in the background, with open arms, just in case.
