When morning came, I left. I was actually pretty afraid of what Benny might think, or say. I didn't want to love him, if it meant losing him as a friend. I walked home, leaving a tired, cold, sick, sore, Benny home alone in a chair, with a fire going and a blanket. I felt bad picturing the scene, but he probably would've preferred not to know about what happened last night, his grandma had removed the visible marks. He probabl would just be sore and confused. I almost wanted him to remember the soft kiss we had shared just before he fell asleep, but it would be best if he didn't. I went to Sarah's house. She met me at the door, and led me to her room.

"So, what happened yesterday?" I thought it better to project her the vision, so I reached out for her arm, and showed her. She saw the fight, the snuggling, and the kiss. When I pulled away, the vision ended.

"That was sweet. But why do you seem so sad?"

"I would like Benny to remember that kiss, but...if he does, and he's weirded out by it, I could lose him as a friend, too. I don't know if I could deal with that.." Sarah patted my hand.

"It's okay, Ethan. Benny believes in space demons. If he's weirded out by that "accidental touch of the lips", then I will eat my own fangs."

"Thanks, Sarah."

It was Monday, so I had to go back to Benny's house and wake him up. Sarah came with me. When I arrived, he was still sleeping in the chair, his head laying where I had lowered it after I got up. Sarah stood over him, as I gently shook him awake.

"Benny...Benny... Come one, Benny, it's time to wake up." He breathed in deeply, and stretched.

"Hey, Ethan.."

"Benny, you have to get ready for school." He yawned.

"Oh, yeah. I forgot. Hey, Ethan can you pick me out an outfit while I do my hair, and brush my teeth. It'll be faster that way."

"Sure." He got up to to got the bathroom, and I blushed. I already knew what I wanted Benny to wear today. His skin-tight dark blue shirt, and his black skinny jeans, with black and white converse. But while in his closet, I decided to look around. I found the tie-dye shirt I had made with him in 4th grade. Awww. I found his old Batman shirt, that didn't even fit me, back when he was smaller than me. He still had the picture of a flower I had made for him in 2nd grade, no matter how girly it was, he hadn't thrown it was so sweet. I found an old card he had made. It said For Ethan on it. It was written in crayon. It was a birthday card I had never recieved. It read:

Roses are red, violets are blue,

ths poem's cliche, I know, but it's true,

Words can't explain how much I like you,

You're my best friend, so don't ever leave,

I used to think no one liked me, but now I believe,

You've made me feel happy, and now I'm not so shy,

When you befriended me I really cried,

You've made me more happy then words can say,

I look forward to playing with you every day

From, Benny :)

I almost cried. It was so sweet. I didn't even know Benny valued me so much as a friend. I heard him coming, and hurried to gather his clothes on the bed. I stuffed the card where I had found it. I hadn;t yet gotten the pants when he came in.

"I think I know what this outfit needs.." He walked over to the closet and got the skinny jeans, and he stumbled upon the card.

"I remember making this card...I felt too stupid to actually give it to anyone...It's so nerdy."

"Can I see it?"

"Yes, but..don't laugh." He handed me the card somewhat nervously, and I took it. I re-read it, not needing much incentive. It was such a sweet card. I smiled. Widely. He was watching my reaction with unease, but he relaxed when I smile.

"So..what do you think?" I looked up at him.

"I think it's the sweetest thing I've ever read, and it's absolutely adorable. I love it. Can I keep it?" He smiled, his nerves put to rest.

"I never had the courage to give it to you. I thought you'd think it was dorky and throw it away. I made it in 4th grade. I was too embarrased so I kept it in my closet. You can keep it, that's what you were supposed to do with it in the first place." He walked over and slipped the shirt over his head after removing the red polo. He gestured for me to look away as he put on the skinnies. He then out on the shoes, and tapped me on the shoulder.

"Okay, Ethan. Ready to go."

"Okay, I'll be in Sarah's car in a second." I stayed another second to re-read the card one more time. I smiled to myself. Then, I got up and walked out the door, to Sarah;s car.