Learning to Trust Again

Chapter

Meryl and Charlie were practicing one of their dances when Maks arrived; He was amazed just how graceful they looked when they skated. He could barely take his eyes off of them let alone walk.

"They great aren't they?"

Maks turned and saw Tanith standing next to him.

"I've watched them skate on TV but watching them skate live is... well... amazing and different."

"They sure are special. You're falling for her aren't you?"

"Fast and hard. I don't know what to do."

"Tell her. Tell her exactly how you feel."

"I've told her I like her."

"Wait, are we 12? You don't just like her. Tell her. Show her. But be careful."

"I am being careful. That's why I haven't said anything. I have so many feelings for her. I just... I don't want to scare her. I can't lose her. I don't know what I would do without her."

"Aw you're so sweet."

"Thanks. Are they almost done? I have flowers and some of her favorite foods for her."

"Oh young love. Yes, they should be finishing up and heading to lunch. Come on. I'll show you were to go to greet her. I'm guessing this is a surprise?"

"Yes."

"Alright. We'll walk across the top and walk down by the entrance of the ice. She is going to love this."

Charlie spotted them half way down the stairs.

"Meryl, look." He pointed towards the stairs. Meryl gasped and skated towards the entrance. Maks smiled and walked faster down the stairs.

"Surprise Princess."

"Maks!" That's all she could get out. When he was standing in front of her, she jumped into his arms and held on.

"You would think they hadn't seen each other for days and not just a few hours."

"Young love. It's sweet."

"I love you."

"I love you too. Let's give them some space."

Meryl finally pulled back and looked at Maks.

"You're the best Maks. I was having a rough time this morning. You are just who I needed."

"Well I'm glad I'm the one you need. These are for you." Maks hands her a bouquet of beautiful mix of pink and purple flowers.

"These are so beautiful Maks. I love them."

"I love you."

"I..."

"Meryl, you don't have to say anything. I just needed to tell you. I know it's so soon but it is how I feel. Please don't be..."

"Maks, you didn't let me finish." She pulled him in close so that she was standing in between his legs and their hips were pressed together. She pulled his head down so she their foreheads were touching. "I love you too."

"Really?"

She kissed him and smiled. "Yes. I'm sure. You make me so happy and confident and safe. I want to be with you all the time. I've never had these feelings with anyone else and I love it. I don't feel scared around you. I know others are going to be confused and unsure but I don't care. Let's just be us and not worry about anyone else. Ok?"

"I love that idea." He kissed her long and hard. "How about we go eat lunch?" I have some of your favorites in my backpack."

"Sounds awesome! I'm so hungry."