"I just want to let you know how special you are to me. You've made my life so wonderful, and I thank you for that. I wish that I would've shown this to you earlier.."
He hands me a note, obviously years old because it's so torn and crumpled. This is what it says:
"Olive, I know that you're not reading this right now, but I need to tell you something. The date is November 14, 2002. I'm 10 years old, and I'm in 5th grade. You're sitting right next to me in the A.N.T. Farm. I couldn't think of replacing you with anyone else, no matter who. I love you, Livi. I said it. I. Love. You!
Signed,
Fletcher Pumpernickle Quimby 3"
When I realize that I'm crying, I look back up at Fletcher. While tears are streaming down my face, he hands me another note.
"Dear Olive,
It's Friday (your birthday)! Today is July 2, 2005. Chyna couldn't make it to your party, but I still could! You and I are closer than ever. Uh oh, you just asked me what I'm writing! I said nothing. Anyhoo, I want to let you know that I pretend to like Chyna just to make you jealous. No, not mad-jealous, just jealous enough to like me back. Okay, this is getting confusing. Anyhoo AGAIN, I love you, Olivia Daphne Doyle.
Love,
Fletcher Pumpernickle Quimby (I hate my name!) 3"
I take a deep breath, and manage a:
"Fletcher, I..."
"Never knew I wrote those? Yeah, I didn't want you to."
"Why?"
"Because, I knew if I told you then, we'd start dating, break up due to immaturity, and our friendship/relationship would be ruined forever. I don't want that."
He stepped closer to me and put his hands on my shoulders.
"I've said it in the notes, I've said it in my mind, and now I'm going to say it directly to you. I love you, Olivia Doyle. Not only are you beautiful, but you're personality has always held me captive. The way you laugh, the way you smile, even down to the way you talk, I LOVE YOU!"