Coward.
Part of me was scared of her rejection. The other part was afraid that moving forward would ruin all our years of friendship. She means too much to me. A life without Via isn't the life I want. We had our dumb ass 'no goodbye' rule, and god forbid I break that shit.
So like the chicken-shit that I am, I turned and walked away. After looking her over once more, I got in the truck. I immediately texted her, telling her exactly how I felt. No regrets. There was no immediate response. I didn't expect one. We don't have good cell service out on the island. Part of me isn't even expecting a reply. Not after she ran away the night before, but then closed the door in my face today. I knew I was throwing a lot at her, but I couldn't lie to her or myself anymore.
I'm not seeing anyone else. She is all I have thought about lately—all I want to think about. I didn't take the traditional route and asked her to be my girlfriend. I probably should have, but I didn't. Instead, I was just honest. Finally, I am completely honest.
A little over an hour later,my cell finally buzzed with her reply:"It's about time. I love you, always."It was her simple reply, and I couldn't help but laugh.
I want to say that was the start of "us," but that would be a lie.Westarted the day we met when we were only eight; we didn't know it then, but we know it now, andwe'll never be the same.
2016
"Nirvana or Blink-182?"
"Oh, that's such a bullshit question," Via said, giggling into the nape of my neck as I threaded our fingers together, observing how perfectly her hand fit in mine.
"Does this have anything to do with your weird infatuation with Tom—"
"You cannot ask me to pick between Tom Delonge and Kurt Cobain; that's just cruel. Even for you, Ander! Asking me to choose between either of those is the equivalent of me asking you to choose between Metallica and Black Sabbath." She glared at me as one corner of her mouth curled into a half smile.
"Okay, you got me there," I said, laughing. I pulled her into me. We were lying on our sides, with her backside pressed against my front, as we lay in our field, entangled and intertwined, lost in our own time. Her long, brown, bouncy curls fell into my face. I can't help but breathe in her fresh scent. She always smells like lavender with a hint of vanilla. I could get high off her scent alone.
Her giggle turned into a soft moan as I leaned down and kissed her neck. I'd be a damn liar if I said I didn't instantly stiffen at the sweet sound.
"Mac and cheese or chips?" Via blurted out, her cheeks and neck flushing the perfect tint of pink as I kept kissing, and she leaned into each one.
"Pshhh! Easy Mac for life." I say softly, whispering directly into her ear in a seductive voice, which only causes her to laugh again.
"Favorite person? Other than Natty, of course."
She turned over to her other side so that we were facing one another, mouths mere inches apart. Her mouth curled up into a smile, and her eyes softened. She ran a hand through my hair and stared directly into my soul, not breaking eye contact. My hand around her waist tightened its hold. She leaned in slowly, her breath causing my skin to shiver as it danced its way across.
I leaned in and placed my lips to hers without giving her a second to think about it. My lips caressed hers, and she caught up after a second of her undoubtedly overthinking it. Following my lead, she moved her lips along with mine. Goosebumps erupted over my skin at the sheer electricity spreading through us. She pulled away slowly after a few moments of being locked in heaven while tasting one another.
"Anderson Cole, if that's your way of trying to convince me to choose you, then that's playing dirty." She chuckled breathlessly as she broke our kiss. I couldn't contain the rumble of the laugh that spilled from me. This girl is swift and always on my ass. I love it.
I love her.
Faining mock offense, I cover my chest with one hand and mouth with the other. "Me? Play dirty? I'm appalled you would insinuate such. I would never dare!" This only causes her to cackle like a hyena to the point she can barely catch her breath as she swats at me playfully, and I'm stuck watching her in awe. I'm always in awe of this girl.
"Bull shit, Ander!" She yells out through her laughs as she pins me down and pulls herself on top, straddling me. "You're the master of playing dirty, but you aren't the only one who can—"
Snaking one arm around her waist, my palm resting on the small of her back as the other fists into her hair, I pull her closer into me and lean up, cutting her words off with the press of my mouth to hers. This is all new to her, and the last thing I want to do is scare her off, so I keep it simple. Damn her for not making it easy.
"I love you, Rosie," I mutter through our soft kisses. I can feel her smile fade beneath my lips.
"So, what are you gonna do about it?" She asks with a little bite to her words. Without another second glance my way, she pushes herself off of me and is now standing, pinning me with her glare. I pull myself up quickly and stand in front of her, our eyes locked. I move toward her, but she holds a hand up, halting my efforts.
"Damn it, Ander!" She huffs under her breath with a sigh as she walks away.
I'm confused as all hell about what the fuck is going through that hard-ass head of hers. I reach out and gently grab her wrist, stopping her in her tracks. At lightning speed, she spins to face me. I lose all protest in me to argue with her when I see a lone tear trickle down her cheek.
"V... Tell me. Whatever it is. Just say it," I say softly as I lean in and wipe her tears away. I open my arms for her to come into, but she protests with a shake of her head, so I don't argue. Shoving my fists into my pockets, I take a step back.
Still shaking her head softly, as if she's trying to process her thoughts, she finally speaks up. "Do you ever want… More?" Her voice is small, and I can tell she's nervous. I let her words sink in, and then it hit me why she was upset.
"You know, I'm always the best friend. The best friend that gets to hear about all of your sex capades and give you advice on other girls. Now, I'm the best friend that you love and make out with. It's getting fucking confusing, Ander!" She spits the words out so fast that she's out of breath by the time she finishes. "Quite frankly, I'm sick of being your best friend."
