Being Honest
"Did you mean that?"
"Every word. I came to the hospital and stayed by your side day and night. I moved here with you because you didn't want to be in a strange place by yourself. I watched as you jumped from one girl and one guy to another and I held you when you cried. Even if you can't love me Jono I will never stop loving you."
Neal turned his back, tears streaming, finally he was prepared to walk away from him.
"Look at me. Jono begged silently, as Neal shook his head and made to leave. Don't go…"
"Even now you can't say it. Jono shuffled from one foot to the other nervously. He could feel the words on the tip of his tongue, but they seemed to disappear as he opened his mouth. I know you feel it Jono but I need to hear it and you need to say it. I am moving back home at the end of the year. I've already looked into the college transfer."
"You can't."
"I have to."
"So what you said about waiting was that all lies?"
"Jono I have waited for you for over two years now and I do every time I hear you are single. I would drop anyone and anything for you in a heartbeat, but this time I am not staying and waiting around like a fool to get hurt again."
He turned, put in his headphones, walked away resolutely, and finally succumbed to the tears that had been threatening to fall for a long time.
"I do love you. Jono spoke to his retreating back. Neal didn't hear him as the unique stylings of Adele blared from his I-Pod. The irony of the lyrics 'Someone Like You' were not wasted on him as he smiled knowingly and turned up the volume. I am really sorry."
"Still couldn't tell him, ey?"
Tilly wrapped her arms around Jono and held him tightly until he was all cried out.
"I love him. I do."
"Then tell him Jono before it is too late."
"You knew? Jono enquired suspiciously. He told you he was going to leave?"
"Yes but I promised I wouldn't say anything. It wasn't my place. You have probably just saved Bart's love life for God's sake save your own."
"Bu-"
"Don't even go there. If you love him grow a pair and go and tell him. You know how he feels. It's time you do your bit. If you don't he is leaving and I know how much you'll regret that."