When we were young

A breath of fresh air

Casey looked at me with symphony and said, "Hold that thought, let's get back to mine first and then we will talk". I managed a weak smile and a nod as Casey started her car and took off. The further we went from the Taylor's house the tighter my chest felt.

As the car pulled into the drive way. I was over come with the feeling of sorrow. 'why the hell am I feeling like this?'. I thought to myself. I was being absolutely ridiculous. How could I possibly be feeling such sadness when I just discovered my feelings for Anthony.

Just as I thought of that, images of Anthony and Sophie together popped into my head. Arghh, I need to go for a walk. There's nothing like having a breath of fresh air to put one's mind straight.

"Hey Case, do you mind if we go for a walk to the park? I just need some fresh air to help me organize my errant brain", I said hoping that the park would distract her and make her forget get all the questions that I know are running around in her head. "Ok, we'll go to the park. But don't think for one second that I will forget all the questions I have". Casey said with a smirk on her face. 'Dam'.

Walking to the park we made small talk. We were both too caught up in our own thoughts. Reaching the park we decided to head for the swings. As soon as my butt hit the chair on the swing, Casey turned towards me and said, "Ok, now how about you start from the beginning".

"Straight to the point aren't you?". I said trying to stall. Casey was not amused, raising one eyebrow she glared at me. "Ok, ok, I"ll tell you". And so I did. I told her everything except the stuff she already knew. When I was finished she had a thoughtful look on her face. "Why do 't you just hurry up and tell me that it's just a silly crush already", I groaned while running a hand downy face.

"I don't think it's a silly crush Sarah. Casey said, all seriousness in her voice. "Oh", was all I managed to say. Sighing Casey went on to say, "Why would I think you had a silly crush on the one boy that you have been in love with nearly your whole life?". "Ok, what the hell are you talking about Case?". I asked, confusion etched on my face. I mean, was she on drugs? Before now I have never had or expressed an interest in Anthony Taylor! Never!

"I'm waiting", I said annoyed that she was smiling at me. "I've known that you've had feelings for Tony for about four years now". "What are you talking about Casey? I have only just started to like him. Man I wish I could go home, I think thats why I'm feeling this way. You live with a person and sooner or later you start to develop some sort of feelings for them". I said, trying to convince myself and Casey that once I was back home and away from Anthony that I would get over this silly infatuation.

"Nah, don't kid yourself this time sweetie. Do you remember when we were thirteen and there was that rumor going around that Tony liked you and he was going to ask you out. Thinking back, I could vaguely remember hearing the rumor's, the bitchy girls saying that they don't know why he would like a girl like me. The girls were that mean that I can recall one time where I went home and cried myself to sleep. In my younger years I too thought of Anthony Taylor as hot. "Yes", was my short answer. "Well do you remember me asking you what you thought of Tony?". Casey asked. "No", I answered honestly. "Well long story short it was just you and I at out usual table at lunch. I had hear the rumor's and wanted to see what you thought. So me being me I just came out and said 'Would you go out with Tony if he asked. When I asked you, at first you blushed, but something came across you and you said that you would never be interested let alone date a person as conceited as Anthony Taylor. That blush told me that you did indeed like him, but for the life of me I couldn't work out why you said what you said. Then an hour later in class I hear the girls bitch about Tony liking you. So i figured that you must have heard the girls talking about you and thats why you got defensive. You were trying to protect yourself and you did a bloody good job too. Because you haven't even realized that you have harbored feelings for Tony fir four years now.

You were young and scared of all the attention you were getting. You didn't allow yourself to explore your feelings for him. But your older now Sarah. You stronger. I think it's time that you stop subconsciously loving Tony and actually consciously think about it. Please don't hide from him again". Casey said all that in such a huff that she was panting by the end of it.

All I could do was stare at her and think that she put two and two together and came up with fifty two! "Now, I am going to go back home. I don't want you to follow me. I think it's best if you sit here and think about everything I said. When you have an idea of what your true feelings are then come and talk to me, or call Tony". Casey said with a smirk on her face. With that Casey got up and let mento my pondering.