8. Say it deliberately, your tongue a springboard for every syllable. Over coffee, brushing your teeth side-by-side, as you turn off the light to go to sleep – it doesn't matter where. Do not adorn it with extra words like "I think" or "I might." Do not sigh heavily as if admitting it were a burden instead of the most joyous thing you've ever done. Look her in the eyes and pray, heart thumping wildly, that she will turn to you and say, "I love you too."

It's been a week since Alison's accident and Beth hasn't seen her since then. But Alison needs to be with her family right now. At least, that's what Beth tells herself. Alison doesn't need her. Nobody ever needs her.

God this week has been rough. She's started taking a new prescription, along with all her other ones. Probably not the best idea, but it gets her through the day.

But then her pink phone rings and it's Alison. "Hey," she says.

"Hi," Beth breathes, and she won't admit it, but simply the sound of Alison's voice is comforting.

"I haven't heard from you in a while." It's not a question.

"I know," Beth says. "I thought you'd want to be with your family while you're recovering."

"Can I see you?" Alison asks. The question catches Beth off guard.

"What, tonight?" Beth asks.

"Yeah."

"I can come by after work," she says.

"Thanks," Alison replies. They say goodbye and hang up.

The conversation is tense and awkward with so many things left unsaid on both ends.

The rest of the day drags on as Beth anxiously awaits her chance to clock out and go see Alison. She has missed Alison so much. She's missed her face, and her voice, and her touch.

When she's finally off work, Beth drives straight to Alison's house. She parks a block away, like she always does, and taps softly on the back door.

Alison immediately opens the door as if she'd been waiting there since their phone call. Beth doesn't give her the chance to let her inside or say anything. She knows what she has to do.

Beth meets Alison's gaze and says the words she's been terrified of. She says them firmly and proudly, appreciating every syllable and every letter that rolls off her tongue.

"I love you, Alison."

As soon as the words leave her mouth she feels…lighter, as if it's the most true thing she's ever said.

Alison stares at her, open-mouthed, as words have escaped her. Beth tries to smile, but her heart pounds nervously in her ears. But suddenly Alison's lips are on her own and she kisses her passionately and Beth lets tears fall that she didn't realize were there as she kisses back.

The kiss breaks briefly so Alison can say, "I love you too, Beth," and then their mouths are useless for speaking again as they continue to kiss. Beth says it again and again as if trying to prove that it's true. She says it repeatedly. "I love you," she sighs the words into Alison's mouth. Mutters them against her lips. Whispers them across her skin.

They fall onto the couch together and Beth has never been happier. She knows this euphoria won't possibly last long, but for now, tangled in Alison's arms and claimed by her lips, it's enough.