Hey!

I had to put up part 2, just because I love this story so much.

PLEASE tell me in review if you'd for me to continue this story. This is all I've got so far.

love,

athousandawesomeness - emilia

Part 2. - These Three Words.

"STELLA!"

A brightly smiling Joe came running towards the blond in the school hallway. Stella suddenly became nervous, seeing the gorgeous 17-year old running towards her.

"H-Hey Joe..." she said shyly. Since when was she shy in front of Joe?

"Why didn't you come over this weekend? Thought we were having a movie night this Saturday?" He shoved his hands into his front pockets.

"I was sort of busy..." she said.

But the truth was, she had been sitting in her room all weekend, thinking about him.

"Oh.." he said looking down.

"I'm sorry." she said quietly.

Joe looked up, eyes sparkling.

"That's okay." And with a smile to die for, he pulled her in for a tight hug. "It's just that I haven't seen you all weekend. I sort of missed you." he whispered in to her hair.

When they let go, Stella looked up at him smiling.

"I missed you too." Joe smiled even brighter.

"So, Stella, want to hang out today? Mom said that I could sleep at your place if I wanted to..." Joe said as they were walking out to the car.

"S-Sure..."

Joe smiled like he had won a price.

"Great! I'll come over in an hour, maybe?"

Right after she rode with the Lucases, she ran up to her room, sitting down on her bed with her face in her hands.

Why did she do that?

How would she be able to be with him all afternoon, all night and all morning without doing something stupid, like kissing him, say something stupid... or..

His behavior didn't help her confusion. And after all that has happened, she might soon loose that control she have been having since she she find out she was in love with him. That control to not kiss him, to not tell him something...

It all slipped away with all he did during the past three weeks. She was desperate to kiss him. More than a few days ago. And it wasn't getting better.

An hour later, she was still sitting in that same position, thinking.

"Hey Stel!" Joe called out as he walked in to her room. Stella panicked, looked up and quickly tried to wipe the tears she hadn't been able to stop, it was too much emotion.

"You know-" Joe suddenly carefully looked at her. "Stella? Are you okay?" His voice changed from cheerful and bright to careful and soft.

She nodded. Not very convincing, but she hoped it would do.

Joe sat down next to her, snaking his arms around her, as he always did, holding her close.

"Stella. I know something's wrong. Tell me." he whispered in her ear.

"NO!" she suddenly called out, causing Joe to jump a little. " I mean... no. I'm fine."

Joe sighed resting his head against her shoulder, before he lifted his head.

"Stella... please? You can tell me."

"I-I can't Joe. I just can't." she said, sobbing. Joe used one of his hands to turn her face towards his.

"Stella. You know I love you, and I'd do anything for you. And I won't judge you for anything in the world, no matter what it is you're going to tell me, I will always be here."

Stella snuggled into his hand, sobbing uncontrolled, her emotional breakdown taking the best of her. His sweetness only made her love him more.

"Joe...no."

But she still couldn't tell him.

Joe sighed, and then leaned back on the bed, his head reaching her pillows.

"Come here Stels." he said.

She took a deep breath before crawling backwards, laying down next to him. Her head resting on his chest, listening to his heartbeats. His hand rubbing her back.

"Stella?"

"Yes Joe?" Joe took a deep breath before continuing.

"I-I.... I want to do something."

"Like what?" she whispered back.

"Sit up, please." Stella did as she was to face Joe.

Then something she couldn't believe happened. He took her face carefully in his hands, moving closer, locking eyes with her. His chocolate brown eyes enchanting her.

She could now feel his breath tingling on her lips.

Then it happened. Joe's soft lips were pressed to hers.

It ended sooner that she liked, but as she opened her eyes, Joe was looking back at her with a pained face.

"I'm sorry Stella." Her forehead crinkled in confusion.

"For what?"

"Kissing you. I know you don't like me, I shouldn't have done that, but you-"

"Are you kidding me!?"

"Why?"

"JOE! I'M FREAKING IN LOVE WITH YOU!" Joe gasped loudly.

"Really?" he said softly. Stella giggled.

"Yes Joe. I'm officially, deeply in love with you, Joseph Adam Lucas." Joe smiled. "Why do you else think I've been so distracted? I can't get you out of my head!"

Joe looked up.

"I though you maybe were having a boyfriend or something..."

"Never! I figured out LONG ago that I love you more than anyone else. I just.... thought you didn't feel the same way." Stella said looking down, biting her lip.

"Of course I do! Do you remember that day when we were little, and we were climbing trees, and you fell, and I catched you and-"

"...you told me you loved me for the first time. How could I forget?"

Joe smiled, again.

"I meant it. I do love you. I think I even knew it at that time. No girl compared to you. None of my dates made me laugh like you do. No girlfriend ever made me feel like you do. And three weeks ago..."

"At the movie night?"

"Yes... eh.. I looked at you and suddenly felt a sudden urge to have you as mine. I couldn't help taking you hand. And.. well, I may have been acting strange lately, it's just that... I was feeling a bit confused by my feelings, I guess."

"Joe?"

"Yes?"

"I know you've already said it, but I want you to say it like you mean it romantically. From deep in your heart." Stella inhaled quickly. "Three words. Eight letter. Say it and I'm yours."(AN: Don't you love that Gossip Girl-quote to?)

Joe smiled and looked her deep in her eyes.

"Stella Malone. I love you. So much." his soft tone made tears fall from her eyes.

"Joe Lucas. I love you too. So much."

"Now isn't this corny?" Joe suddenly said, making Stella laugh.

So? Want me to continue? Then REVIEW!

;)