Let Go & Move On

Chapter 22 - Tell Her

Chapter 22 - Tell Her

*Dustin’s POV* 

Luanna. She was all I thought about. She was all I wanted. JoKo was amazing and I loved her but not the same way I loved Lu. I wanted to tell her so badly but I was holding back. I respected her. She had just gotten out of a relationship; I wasn’t going to pounce on her. 

“Dust?!” Lu called up the stairs. 

“Yeah?” I hollered back. 

“Wanna come to the park with me?” 

“Sure?” I answered. 

I hoped off my bed and almost ran out of my bedroom without looking in the mirror but I caught myself. Ripped jeans and a faded tee? Works, I guess. I fumed myself with some cologne before sprinting downstairs and into the driveway. 

“What the occasion that the lovely Luanna has invited me to keep her company on this adventure?” I coated my words with whatever charm I had. 

“Haha, thanks for coming with me. I just wanted to talk to you about something and you know how much I love the park.”

“Good enough for me!” I smiled. 

Finally at the park, we started on the trail. After talking for a bit and nudging each other into the grass a few times, Anna swung her arm and her hand hit mine. When it did, our thoughts were in sync because we clasped our hands together. I saw out of the corner of my eye a blush across her sweet cheeks. We continued talking as if nothing had just happened. 

“So, the thing I wanted to talk to you about..” She pulled me onto a bench and made me sit. She stood in front of me smiling that contagious, lovable smile. I grabbed both of her hands. This was it. I was going to tell her. I gazed into her captivating eyes. 

“Luanna, I am in love with someone and I need some advice.” I cut her off, smirking. 

“Oh, um, sure?” She looked slightly confused. 

“She’s beautiful. When I met her, she was at her most vulnerable and I loved that about her. She’s always been so open and honest with me. She was there for me when no one else was. She and her family have helped support mine and it means the world to me. Her twin sister has become my best friend and I always go to her for counsel about this girl I love. How should I tell her that I love her?” 

Tears had been welling up in her eyes while I spoke. The corners of her mouth tightened and a giggle escaped. She wiped her tears and rested her forehead on mine. I let go of one her hands and pulled her delicate head toward me and our lips were entwined. Finally. The moment I had been waiting for, for so long. She kissed me back with such fervor.  When we pulled away, we just gazed into each others eyes for a while before I mustered up the courage to the the words ‘I love you’ fall from my lips. 

“I love you too, Dustin. I always have. Mark was a blind mistake. I’ve always had feelings for you.”  

I stood up and picked her up and spun her around and smiled at her, my love. I put her down and my hands snaked around her waist as kissed her softly once more. 

“I’ve been waiting so long for this.” I whispered in her ear. 

“I’m sorry.” She kissed my cheek. “You have the moment now.” 

I grabbed her hand and swung it back and forth. We went up the big hill at the park and by now the sun had set. The stars were just coming out. We laid down and I got to hold her in my arms. We star gazed and laughed for what felt like hours and hours but in reality had been less than an hour. 

“Luanna, be mine.” I looked into her bright eyes. 

“Forever.” she promised as she squeezed my hand. 

My life felt complete right then in that moment. 

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Hey Guys! <3

They’re finally together!! Happy? The book’s wrapping up now! Bug me if you want a sequel. ;) Remember, only you can make it a great day! ~ Aryel <3