Disclaimer: I do not own any Disney characters.

 

~Chapter 16~

I woke like a god, an angel sleeping in my arms. When Lizzie felt me stirring, she turned around to look at me.

"Gordo," she said. Lightly. Testing the mood.

"Hey." I searched her face, her eyes. She wasn't afraid any more. Good. It had almost killed me to see her shrinking away. In fear. Of me. Or, you know, it would have if I hadn't been in such a foul mood. "Sleep well?" I smiled at her.

"Yeah. Listen – Gordo – I'm sorry."

"You are? For what?" I'm the one who should be sorry. I'm the one who started all this, whose own bitterness was radiating off me in sheets.

"I shouldn't have done all that."

"Lizzie – it's not your fault. I was just-"

"Gordo, no. It is my fault. I should have talked to you. Right afterwards. I shouldn't have left you hanging like that."

No, don't take the blame. You should have talked, that's true, but I shouldn't have pushed you away.

"I should have respected your feeling. I should have known that you couldn't just brush off something like that, like I could – or thought I could."

What was she saying? That kiss had meant something to her, too? Did she –

"You're my best friend in the entire world and I would never want anything to change that. Ever."

Well, um, that was pretty straight forward. I guess this means no more kisses from her any time soon.

"And I want to know your feelings. So tell me."

I froze. What could I say? Lizzie, I am in love with you. That kiss took me to heaven and back. I'll never forget it. Eh, go for it.

"Lizzie," I said slowly. "Kissing you was amazing. I love you and I will forever."

Lizzie nodded. Woah. What? I had expected her to be surprised at this. I mean, I sure was. What had just come out of my mouth? Something coherent about my feelings?

"I know. I love you, too."

"You do?"

"Of course, I do. You've been the best friend anyone could ever have. You're closer to me than family. How could I not love you? That's what you mean, isn't it?" she added.

Oh. That kind of love. How do I always come so close to confessing my love and never actually get around to it? And how did I find myself in this situation. I could tell her no, I mean I love you with my all my heart. I am in love with you. I want to kiss you and hold you forever. You are the one that makes the world worthwhile. You are the one that makes my life worth living.

"Yeah, that's it. You're like my sister. But I love you more than I could ever love a sister." There. Did she get the hint? Of what I really meant?

She leaned forward and hugged me. "Best friends forever?" she asked softly in my ear.

I hugged her back. "Yeah," I answered. My voice was caught in my throat. "Yeah. Forever."