"Dude, you're embarrassing me!" I cried through my lungs, barely audible through all my outrageous laughing.

He caught me by the waist to keep from falling. "You were never one for balance," he enjoyed this.

"Hey, that's not true! It's just pretty hard to keep control when we're like this," I pouted at this, and struggled free from his grasp.

"You don't like spending time with me?" he scoffed. "And I thought we were best friends."

I took a look at his face. The signs of doubt were very visible. Believable, even. "Of course I do! What kind of a question is that?"

He smiled my favorite smile, and took me in his arms. "I'm just messing with you, Tay. I wouldn't doubt you for a second," he said in my ear.

An electric current flowed through my body. His words were so sure, so honest. I was speechless. Eric, my best friend for as long as I can remember... I was mesmerized at the fact that we've been friends for nearly 10 years. Tomorrow, September 3, would be our 10th anniversary of being best friends. I've got a special gift for him. I mean, 10 years is a big deal.

He then let go, noticing my sudden silence. "Anything wrong?"

"Oh, nothing," I smiled.

He brushed me cheek, color filling the trail where his fingers touched. "You know, that thing you do is adorable."

I looked at questioningly. "What thing?"

"The way you always seem to blush scarlet. I always found it cute."

My hand flew to my cheek automatically, covering it up before he sees more color has flooded into them. "You suck."

"I don't think that comment is dramatically erect," he was being smug again.

I hid my face in his chest, he hugged me tightly; his usual response.

"Eric!" a voice called.

We both looked up to find Mandy, Eric's one and only love walking towards us. We awkwardly detached ourselves from each other. He smiled at her like she was his sun, his happiness, his everything. It was so unfair.

"Mandy," he said with such adoration that it was painful to listen to.

"Hey Taylor!" she said as she finally spotted me there.

"Hey," I answered emotionless.

Eric squeezed me hand. "Well, I have to go. See you tomorrow?" he kissed my cheek and left with Mandy before I got the chance to answer.

I wouldn't doubt you for a second.

Well, I wish I could say the same about you.