I turn down the fold of my bed and make my mouth smile. I can't tell if it worked or not. I haven't even left and already I miss him.
Him.
Three years ago, I didn't even know any 'him's'. All I knew were my sisters, teasing me and making me into their runt. Watching them leave with their newest crushes or their friends or even just each other, never to include me. I took care of myself and at first, when I left, I don't think they noticed for a few days. I don't remember what I did the first week and a half. Walked around or rode around, looking for food. That stupid red bike.
Or maybe it wasn't so stupid. I mean, without it I wouldn't have met him, or followed him or-
Fallen in love with him. And he wouldn't have had to win any money battling, and he wouldn't have had to pay me back, made me leave and broken my heart.
It really was a stupid bike.
I hear a knock at the door. I'm almost done packing and I don't want to say 'come in', to see whoever it is.
"Come in," I call. Of course.
The doorknob turns. I don't have the heart to look up. All I can think is that right now, I'd love to be a kid again. Skinned knees are easier to fix than broken hearts.
"I have something for you…" says an uncertain voice. I know it immediately. Yeah, you already gave me the shock of my life, are we trying for a heart attack? I don't want to talk to him, look at him, have to see his unchanged face, not wet with tears like mine. He doesn't care if I leave.
"I'm waiting." The words are harsh, snappy, cold, and the last thing I wanted to say. I hear a deep sigh.
"Just look at me. This won't take more than 30 seconds then I'll be outta here… I mean you'll be." The last thing I want to do is look. But I listen to his words again in my mind. They sounded kind of sad.
I know I'll do it. I'd do anything for him. I slowly raise my head. The first thing I see are his amber-brown eyes.
"Close your eyes," he commands softly. Surprise, surprise. I can hardly wait.
The next thing I feel is someone kissing me.
Wait- I don't kiss. I don't get kissed. I'm a tomboy.
But hey, this could change. I'm willing. Wait- who is it that's kissing me anyway?
Whoever it is they stop. And I hear seven words that I've been waiting for a long time.
"I love you, Misty. Please don't go."
My answer to Ash is in my kiss.