It was after dinner, and it was dark. The stars were out, and the neighbourhood was quiet. Even Mrs. Bishop's noisey old dog had decieded to keep quiet and let the still night take over.
Tess was walking Moe home from her house. Sometimes, Moe thought of Tessa's place like home too.
" So, who are you holding up?," Tess asked as if she could no longer stand the quiet.
" I'm okay," Moe laughed," I didn't eat near as much as before."
" No, you didn't," Tess replied quietly. Suddenly Moe knew what she was asking about. He had actually forgotten about what his mother had told him that morning. Being with Tess and her family had made him feel happy and excepted. Something his family never did.
" Oh, that," He mumbled, not wanting to bring it up and spoil the light hearted mood.
" Yeah that," She mumbled back," How are you doing?"
" I'm doing okay. Hanging out with you usually helps me," He grinned at her, trying to make her feel better. He could tell she was upset about what had happened to him, and wanted to be there for him, but wasn't sure how.
They walked the rest of the way to his house in silence. At one point, Moe reached out, and took Tessa's hand He squeezed it gently, and could feel Tessa squeeze back.
As they came to his house, they both let out a loud sigh, and Tess said," So, I'll see you in school tomorrow, right?"
" Of course," Moe nodded," Friends forever."
" Forever and ever," Tess replied, giving him their sign," Don't forget. Sign Language class is tomorrow, after school."
" I won't," He gave her the sign back," See you tomorrow."
" See you," She turned as if to walk away, then turned back, and threw her arms around him," I love you Moe. No matter what. Never forget that, okay?"
Tears in his eyes, Moe returned the hug with as much fiercness as it was given," I won't. I love you too Tessa."
