By the time John and Mila were 14, their childhood friendship had morphed into something else. Elaine didn't really approve but basically ignored it. Mila's parents didn't mind, as long as Mila didn't set a foot into Elaine's nightclub. They were considered old enough to go to the beach on their own, and they did so almost every day. They took their homework with them, John helping Mila with the more technical things and Mila returning the favor when it came to languages or literature. Homework done they would enjoy the sun and the sea. Especially John was usually reluctant to pack up and leave the beach, only giving in when Mila started feeling cold or hungry. They'd often eat with Mila's family, John pushing the limits of his curfew as much as he thought he could get away with. He felt good around Mila and her family, relaxed and welcome. They all liked him, her siblings teasing him like they did each other, her parents treating all the kids equally.

One night when it was high time for John to leave, Mila hugged him a little closer and more sincere than he was used to. She gave him a gentle kiss, her eyes closed and her body soft and warm against his. So good – but at the same time it made him restless. They hadn't done anything but kissing, but every time they did he wondered what Mila was expecting from him. And apparently that night she felt bolder than usual, or maybe she was losing patience, because she didn't stop at kissing him on the lips. Her sweet soft mouth wandered a little, placing tiny kisses against his jaw and throat. His heartbeat sped up, and he thought his breathing had sped up, toowhen she pulled back and looked at him, head tilted to one side. She ran her hand over his collarbone. It came to rest on his chest, and her look told him she didn't want to stop. She was trying to judge his reaction before she moved any further, but it was obvious what she wanted. She wanted to touch him, and she probably wanted him to touch her.

"I like you a lot, Johnny, you know that, right?", she said with a small smile, a little unsure, but brave.

He swallowed. Returning her smile he said:

"Yeah. I know."

Her smile widened.

"Not what I was expecting, but hey. A girl takes what she can get."

John chuckled and pulled her close.

"Sorry. I like you, too. A lot."

She drew back.

"So – everybody at school thinks we're – you know..."

"Yeah. They do."

"So why don't we?"

John's jaw clenched for a moment, but it was over so fast Mila didn't even notice it. He smiled at her.

"Are you saying you want me, sweetheart?"

She swatted his chest.

"Don't call me that."

"Baby? Honey?"

She made a face.

"Mila is perfectly fine, thank you very much."

He chuckled again.

"You're such a romantic."

"And you are stalling."

It hit him as if she'd slapped his face. She was losing patience.

She sighed.

"You like me. We've known each other forever. So – what is it?"

This time she did notice the tightening of his jaw. Running a finger over the tense muscle she tilted her head again.

"Am I doing something wrong?"

He stared at her in shock.

"What? No! You're amazing! You're sweet, and smart, and kind, and a little naughty sometimes, and I – trust you."

He blushed, realizing that had sounded a little over the top.

"I mean – we've been friends for so long, and you've never -"

She placed a finger on his lips, which effectively shut him up.

"So what's the problem?"

He swallowed again and broke eye contact.

"I think I'm not – there. Yet."

When she didn't say anything he finally looked back up at her.

"Are you mad at me?"

Oh no. There were tears in her eyes and he hated that.

"I'm sorry, Mila. Please don't be mad. Please."

He leaned in to kiss her, unsure if she'd let him, but she melted against him and he felt relieved. She wouldn't be kissing him if she was angry, right? They broke the kiss and he searched her face.

"I'm not. Mad, I mean", she said after a beat. Thank God.

She drew in a breath.

"I'm just – sad, I guess. This could be really nice I think. You and me. And I don't understand why we can't have it."

John's throat constricted.

"We will. I promise. Just – give me a little more time, OK?"

She nodded, biting her lip.

"OK. I just wanna make sure there isn't some chick – or guy – coming by and snatching you away from right under my nose. "

God he loved her for that. They both laughed, the kind of real, heart felt laughter that bubbles up when you realize you've just survived a disaster. He hugged her really tightly and held on to her for a long time.

"I love you", he whispered, and they both realized simultaneously that they'd never said that before. Mila broke free and stared at him.

"Did you just – say what I thought I heard you say?!"

He grinned.

"Want me to repeat myself to make sure?"

She just nodded, fresh tears welling up, but John didn't feel bad about them this time.

"I love you", he said again, low, soft, but determined.

Mila sobbed and laughed and and fought to get her voice under control.

"I love you, too, dummy."