𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐘 | 𝐦. 𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧

10

I hadn't even noticed that we arrived at my house until I heard Marlon loudly and comically announce it. Had we really been talking that long? "It was really fun hanging with you today, girl," I hear him tell me. It makes me smile. "Yeah, I had lots of fun," I reply to him. We were both in front of my house, but I was unmoving, not in a rush to go.

"Well, uh.. you should get going, right? Your mother is probably waiting," Marlon tells me. I nod, looking down at our hands. His eyes follow mine, and look down at our hands, too. I find myself overthinking the whole situation. I should let go so he doesn't get any ideas of me liking him, so I did. "Right- I'll.. see you later then," I say. The silence is awkward after my words, not comfortable like it usually is.

As always, Marlon is the first to break the silence. He's really outgoing, so lightening the mood and making things less awkward has always been a gift of his. "Wanna come on tour with us?" I hear him ask me. I almost squeal with excitement, "Of course! It's this weekend, right?" He nods at my question enthusiastically.

"Yeah, I'd love to. I'll have to ask Ma though," I tell him with a playful roll of my eyes. Marlon smiles at me warmly. "I know she wouldn't mind. I'll see you there, Ton," Marlon says, unexpectedly hugging me. We hugged all the time, but I felt really warm inside now. I shyly wrap my arms around his torso, hugging him back.

Once we released each other, we bid each other goodbye and Marlon waited outside until I was all the way in the house. He's such a gentleman.. I think I'm in love with him, really.

I locked the door back when I went inside the house. Seeing no signs of my mother, I just went upstairs, assuming that she had already gone to bed. I'd ask her about going on tour with the boys tomorrow. I guess it was also a plus for them since Joseph would be out of town then, they'd probably be a lot more relaxed on this tour.

A few hours had passed and I couldn't stop thinking about Marlon. I know I've come to terms with my crush on him, but why can't I get him out of my head? It's late now. I wonder if he's gone to bed. I curiously looked over to my phone on my dresser. No, he's probably sleeping right now. I wouldn't want to disturb him.

Turning over on my side, I got ready to go to bed, but then I heard the phone ring. Who's calling this late? I was a little too tired to answer it now, but I hurried up and picked it up so the ringing wouldn't wake my mom. "Hello?" I whisper. "Tonya," a familiar soft-spoken hushed voice answered me. "Marlon..? What is it?" I ask, sitting up in my bed.

"I don't know. I can't stop thinking about you for some reason."