Final chapter of I Want to Say I Love You. Wasn't sure how to end it and I guess this chapter could've been a separate story but I think it all ties up very nicely. Tell me what you guys think and leave comments =) BTW Thanks to NightsofDarkness for the nice review =)

Under the Tree's protective canopy we sat, my back against his chest, watching block of white cotton dot the beautiful blue sky. The sun handed out warmth to us through its reaching rays and I accepted with silent gratitude.

Every day we found ourselves walking hand-in-hand toward our special spot. Though exactly what makes it so special is lost to me. True, it is monstrous in size, but it is also as every tree is- still, but for when a strong breeze passes; hard wood to scrape against innocent skin, leaves to fall and glide gently to lay themselves to rest against green carpeted ground. It blooms flowers each spring and similarly, it dies each winter – he is a smooth talker, quick, most of all, my best friend. So then tell me, why do both hold such sway over me? Such repetition and endlessness of a schedule repeated. It is both comforting and safe, yet as time passes it is threatened to be uprooted by they boy named Phineas.

I wonder briefly if in another reality I'd have loathed the Tree. Connect my thoughts, they lead to Finny. How and for why I'd ever hate the Tree I'm not sure. My thoughts seem less organized nowadays with Phineas closer than ever before.

"Gene, let's jump."

I looked over my shoulder at him. I didn't really want to. I was comfortable, warm between Finny and the sun, but I found myself nodding and getting up to stand.

He gave me an apologetic smile before planting a light kiss as we undressed. I wondered as we climbed whether Finny always knew how I thought of his ideas, but dragged me into it anyway.

How selfish.

He stood only a foot away from me. If I only reached out my hands… If I only moved my body a certain way to jounce the limb… It'd be all over. Finny would be gone. How then would I feel?

As I struggled to formulate my thoughts, so then did a strong breeze come up from the side. I gripped the trunk and closed my eyes against the harsh wind. As it passed I heard scraping and opened my eyes. As if in slow motion, I saw Finny falling. He had this incredulous look on his face and his hands, they were reaching out for me. Before I could stop myself, I had reached out and I braced myself for the weight that would be pulling me downwards. Against my will I hand intertwined my fate with his.

"Gene!"

"I've got you, Finny."

The water was only a short distance away to the side, but the ground was straight downwards.

"I'm going to swing you into the lake, Finny!"

So much easier to just let go.

"Alright, Gene!"

I started swinging him, struggling to maintain my balance. The sun's rays much too warm for comfort now as thin beads of sweat collected along my body. I felt our hands slipping.

"Ready?!"

Just one more swing. Right then I realized I couldn't do it. I had almost lost him once and on impulse or something more, I had grabbed that hand that reached out for me.

"Now!"

I let go. The loud splash was what woke me. The reality and truth stuck harshly. I couldn't bear to lose him. I couldn't be alone. I needed him. And I had always loved him. Then I too jumped.

We met up at the bottom. He was already on the bank, lying on the grass, chest wavering as he gasped for air. My own heartbeat erratic as adrenaline coursed through, every sensory fully awake. I collapse next to him, and for a while lied there. Both of us catching our breaths and processing the distressfulness of what might have been.

I crouched over him. He only smiled at me, still too out-of-breath to make his usual frank comments.

"I love you," I said.

His smile turned into a grin. He gave me a deep kiss before pulling me close.

"I love you too."