When I got home, my mom yelled at me for being out when I was supposed to shovel the driveway. I ignored her and went up to my room. I checked caller ID, and saw Lizzie's number on there about three times since I had left her house. I tried to pick up the phone, call her, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I sat on the bed, staring at the phone in my hand, willing myself to dial her number. But I kept hearing how excited she'd been when Ethan called her earlier this morning. I think I had always known that she had never gotten over him, but I had put it out of my mind, concentrating on her affections for me RIGHT THEN, never thinking about the past or the future. How stupid. Finally, I picked up the phone again. But I didn't dial Lizzie's number.

Luckily, Miranda had been home when I called her. She was hesitant, but agreed to let me come over for a while. She probably felt bad for me, or something.

" Hey, Gordo. You okay?" I nodded, and she let me in. " So why did you want to come over?" I shrugged.

" I-I just needed-t-to talk, I guess." GOD!! My stutter was driving me crazy, not to mention making me sound like an idiot. Why was I so nervous? We sat on the couch, drinking soda, and just.staring. Not talking. Finally, she cleared her throat, and set down her soda.

" What did you want to talk about?" I shook my head.

" I-I dunno." I looked up at her, and suddenly, her beauty struck me. Wow, I thought. What was I doing with Lizzie, when Miranda appreciated me so much more? Lizzie was embarrassed of my stutter, but Miranda understood and tried to help me out. I took a deep breath and sipped my pop, not making eye contact with her. I felt my face redden. She stood up.

" You sure you're okay?" I nodded, but too quickly, because she sat down again and put her hand on my knee. My face burned. I kept my eyes fixed on my soda can.

" Gordo, I can't read your mind. Tell me what's going on." Then, as an afterthought, I guess, she added, " I know you don't like talking a lot. But I need to know if I'm going to try and help you." I sighed.

" Nothing.I just-f-feel different. I-I dunno why." LAME!!!!!!!!!!! Ugh, but what was I SUPPOSED to say? Uh, yeah, Miranda, the reason I'm freaking out is because I was shallowly attracted to your best friend, but suddenly I realize you're so much DEEPER than that!! No. She frowned, making me feel obligated to explain further. Her hand felt hot on my knee, and the blush spread to my ears. " I-I'm not sure how-how I feel about Lizzie anymore." The last few words shot out in a rush, and I immediately regretted them. Her hand recoiled from my knee.

" Why?" I shook my head. I couldn't tell her. I couldn't show her how I felt. I mean, she's my girlfriend's BEST FRIEND, not to mention one of mine. But I had to. I looked up at her, finally. I think she knew what was coming, but she stayed patient while I stuttered my way through telling her how I felt.

" M-Miranda. You're my best friend. I-I d-don't know how to say this, b- but." I was making a fool of myself. I should stop now, I thought. Stupidly, clumsily, I continued. " But, Miranda, I--" I took a deep breath, and spoke slowly so I could minimize the stutter. " Miranda, I-I think I might be.f-falling in love with you." I looked up at her. She stared, and suddenly I knew I had just completely screwed up. I even forgot to control my stutter as I tried to excuse myself. " I-I have t-t- to go! I'm s- sorry."I ran out. I even left my coat there. How could I have been so stupid. Well...now what?