Living with Pain

Chapter 11: I Like You, More Than A Friend

Mayson and I lounge on her couch after school. She flips through Netflix, looking for a show to watch. "Sooo, what do you think of Cash?"

I try to keep my tone and breathing even. "He's nice. We've been texting a lot, since we met."

"Do you think he's cute?"

"Well, duh. I do have eyes," which I then roll. Speak of the devil and he shall appear... my phone lights up with a message from Cash.

Cash: Hey :) what's up?

Me: Just hanging out with Mayson. You?

Cash: Fun. Just thinking.

Me: What about?

My heart skips a beat when I read his next message.

Cash: You.

Cash: I really like you Sky.

Cash: More than just a friend.

A squeak escapes and Mayson raises an eyebrow at me. I throw my phone to her and cover my face with my hands. "What do I say to that!?"

She laughs at my predicament. "Well, do you like him?"

"I-um- well, yeah. Yes. I do. He's so cute and sweet and just thinking about him makes me smile."

"Then tell him that." She throws my phone back at me.

"But..." I sputter, not actually sure where I was going with that sentence.

"He says he likes you. And I know he actually likes you because he told me yesterday."

"He what!?" I shout. "And you didn't inform me!?"

Mayson has the audacity to shrug. "I was going to, but he decided he wanted to tell you himself. He didn't want to scare you off so he asked my opinion on how he should tell you. Face to face or text. Did I tell him the correct option?"

I can't really be upset when she puts it like that. "Yes, you did," I grumble.

"That's what you thought," she nods and turns back to the tv. "So, tell him you like him too."

I stare at my phone and slowly type my response.

Me: I really like you too.

My heart is pounding against my chest wall as if I'd just sprinted a 5k. Thankfully, he is quick to respond.

Cash: Really!?

Me: Yes, really.

Was this a joke? Maybe he was playing with me. Seeing if he could get the shy girl to think a popular guy would like her. My mouth grows dry at the thought

Cash: That's good. I was afraid it'd be a one way feeling ;)

Okay, maybe it's not a joke.

Me: Haha well it's not :)

"What do I do now?" I ask Mayson. I have never been this forward with a boy before. I hadn't ever had these feelings reciprocated. To be honest with myself, I've been more focused on making it through each day rather than developing any type of romantic relationship.

"You take it day by day, moment by moment. Be honest and fearless."

I nod at Mayson's words. They sound good but the follow through will be harder. "That sounds like a Pinterest quote."

"Guilty," she admits. Mayson finally picks a movie and we settle in to watch the Avengers save the world for the umpteenth time. I continue to text Cash on and off through the night.

I head home around 8:30 to do some homework.

Cash: I don't want to wait until tomorrow to see you....

What do I say to that? It's already 8:45 and I know that's not late for a lot of people, but my eyes are already drooping. The words on my textbook page blur.

Me: I'm afraid you'll have to be patient. I'm starting to fall asleep.

Cash: Fiiine. Meet me in the dance room in the morning?

Me: Okay.

Cash: Sleep well, beautiful.

Me: You too, handsome.

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Author's Note

Pretty simple chapter. Keep reading, it will get more exciting than a simple text conversation, I promise!