THE INBESTIGATORS (EZRA'S LOVE STORY)

(23) FINAL CHAPTER

Ezra's POV

Maudie: Hello Ezra. I was waiting for you.

I silently walked towards the couch.

The pen case was in my hand but hidden from Maudie's eyes.

I sit down and motion Maudie to speak.

Maudie: Ezra. We have been friends for 5 years. The Inbestigators are run and maintained by your hard work. I appreciate everything you've done for us... for me.

Maudie was fiddling with her notebook.

She also looked downwards to avoid eye contact.

I know that she only does that when she's scared or nervous.

Maudie: I apologize for running away last time... and for avoiding you. I was just... I was surprised that you kissed me.

I can see a tint of red in her face, but I can also feel a tint of red in my own.

Maudie: I don't know if you did that because you liked me or you were just caught up in the moment.

Of course, I like you, but I didn't say it out loud.

Maudie: I thought a lot about it. And I resolved myself to do it.

Oh, no.

Do what?

Is she going to slap me?

Is she going to cut off our friendship?

I was spiraling until Maudie looked at me and made eye contact.

Her eyes were full of conviction.

As I focused on her gaze, I forgot about everything...

Everything except for her.

Maudie: I like you.

She brushed her hair behind her ears and held my hand.

Maudie: A lot. When you kissed me, I was so happy and embarrassed that I ran away.

I couldn't help but smile.

Maudie: I want us to date, but I don't expect you to go along with it if you don't want to. I would respect your decision. And I don't want to be with someone who doesn't like me back. And...

She started to ramble.

Me: Maudie.

She stops talking.

Me: I like you too.

Maudie's face flushed red, and she gazed downwards as she tried to make herself smaller in her seat.

I bring out the pen case for Maudie to see

I hold her hand in one hand and I give her the gift in another.

Me: I was going to tell you this afternoon, but you beat me to it.

Maudie opened the case and saw what was inside.

As she brought the pen out of the case, tears streamed down her cheeks.

Maudie: Is this a homemade pen?

Me: Yes.

Maudie hugged me and squeezed me really hard.

While her arms were still wrapped around me, she says.

Maudie: Thank you, Ezra. It's beautiful.

I smiled as she let go of me and her body still close, and her face a couple inches away.

I brush off her cheek to wipe her tears.

She closed her eyes.

I closed my own as I moved my face closer to hers.

She places one of her hands on my shoulder and the other one behind my head.

I responded with my hand caressing her cheek and the other placed at the back of her hips.

Her lips parted as if inviting me to continue.

Our lips were locked, and I could feel the warmth.

Suddenly the door opened and we stopped kissing, while a voice says.

Poppy: Hey Ezra, I needed to print something and...

She looked at us.

We were unusually close, our hands were wrapped around each other, and our faces were centimeters apart.

Maudie's face turned into a deeper red from shame, and I could feel my face do the same.

Poppy: I'm so sorry. I'm going to leave so... continue whatever you were doing.

She quickly left.

Silence fell upon us, and we quickly separated our bodies and sat firmly on the couch within the proper distance.

Out eyes couldn't meet each other because of shame.

Me: That was... a bit embarrassing.

Maudie: Agreed.

She fiddled with the pen, and she says.

Maudie: Thank you for the pen.

I started smiling.

I held Maudie's hand.

I directed my gaze at her, and I said

Me: I love you, Maudie.

Her eyes then met mine again, and she said.

Maudie: I love you too, Ezra.

Although it wasn't as intense as the kiss, the warmth from her hand was more comforting and real.

We continue to sit there.

Day after day, when school is done, we sit and bask in the peace.

And I hope that it will not end.

But it will because all good things must end.

Let's hope it will have a good ending.

The End