Tyler gasps, blinking as his brows knit and unknit, trying to process your words. His right hand briskly cups your right cheek that's already drenched in the seas of tears. Your chin quivers as you take a sharp sniffle, staring into his pained eyes before looking away—unable to bear the intensity.
"What do you think will change if every goddamn time I see you smile—even if it's with anyone else—I smile too,"
You shut your eyes as you start to sob spasmodically, words breaking as you hide your face in your hands. In an instant, you feel Tyler's arms wrap around you in a tight embrace. "Em—I—" his voice quivers, stopping mid-sentence as he holds you tightly.
"Even if it hurts so much—even every time it feels like I'm dying, I try to be happy—I'm still happy when I see you that happy," you sob, words striking him deeply as he realized the pain you've been enduring–
"I love you to the point that I'm hurt if you're hurt,"
Recalling the agony he felt when seeing Dom kiss another girl—his body goes rigid. His eyes darts everywhere on the floor as he finally starts figuring out—
As your sobs begin to subside, you gently push him away—not ready to meet his gaze but knowing you need to—to find him with an unreadable expression. But you ignore it, focusing on what you need to say. Too late to back away—might as well let it all out right now, right?
"Ty, wherever you'll be.. whoever you'll end up with—"
"Em—"
"I'll still be happy as long as you are, Tyty. My biggest hope right now is.. In heaven, I'll meet my parents, your family—and we'll meet again as bestfriends."
Stunned, he realized how he hadn't realized how much you've been holding back—to the point you're selflessly willing to let anyone go. Unable to contain his emotions, he squeezes your hands hard—needing to hold on to something. His voice shakes as he whispers, "Em.." gritting his teeth to hold back tears. You squeeze his hands back, desperately afraid you've ruined your friendship—however, as if it functioned as a button, Tyler's demeanor changed, his hazel eyes searching yours. With a determined voice, he declares,
"I don't think.. I ever loved them."
Letting out a small gasp, you search his eyes in frantic—unwilling to assume. Is it really like what you think it is—but you're scared—too scared to come to any conclusion.
"Fiona, Taylor—Betty, Lucy—wait if I missed any of them—Heather, Cathy—any of them—" he continues, his left hand releasing yours to cup your cheek to say, "I don't think I ever loved anyone else,"
Your eyes widen. Time seems to stop. Right now.. no other voice is heard besides your pounding heart beneath your chest. Your legs almost give in—the assumptions can't be helped—bracing what's about to come. Until.. with a shaky voice.. Tyler whispers..
"I think I love you too, Emilia Winters."
A teardrop falls on his face, and it feels like air has marathoned into your lungs again. Your furrowed brow eases, and a joyous smile lights up your face. "You.. do?" you ask in reluctance, however your voice trembles with hope.
Tyler returns a slight smile, but as he watches—your expression shifts, morphing into a look of something.. familiar. A look he knows too damn well. A look he despises so much. Simultaneously, both of you speak—
"No but we can't—"
"Not again—"
"Are you saying them because you pity me, Ty?"
YOU ARE READING
The First Rule
RomanceBestfriends Forever. Just bestfriends that spoke like lovers.. and that seemed to be enough for two teenagers who were scared to love one another. Emilia (Emily) Winters and Tyler Cavill. The two have been unseparated since they're born. First step...
