Chris Groban jumps from a balance beam, landing in front of me. "So, my brother proposed last night?" I nod, blushing. He studies my face. "Josh really is in love with you. I've never seen him so crazy. I mean, you should hear how he talks about you, so fervently. It's like, you're a poem he's reading." I'm taken aback. I never knew Josh did stuff like that. "Just promise me something?" I look back to Chris. "Yes?" He chews his lip, saying, "Don't let him down. I know you love him too, but he's been hurt in the past. Please treat him well." I promise to. "Oh, and about that poem? I think the crowd wants an encore."
The remainder of the day is spent discussing plans for the Battle. We pick hiding spots-I choose the supply closet of hallway four-leaving Josh with Carlos' office. I'm immediately concerned. "I'll be fine," he assures, "I want to take him out." Seeing the fire behind his eyes, I slip my hand into his, squeezing it gently. While the rest of our team proceeds to get as much training in as possible, Josh leads me to the room I was taught in on the very first day. Locking the door, I ask, "What's wrong?" He paces a bit, then hugs me so tightly, I can feel my heart pressing against my chest. "Josh, what is it?" His eyes frantically search mine, his palms on my shoulders. "I didn't want to scare you, so I held back. If one of us doesn't make it out of the Battle alive-" I silence him. "Josh. I pride myself on my confidence. We will survive. I know it. The Eliminators will pull through. If we start doubting that, we might lose concentration." He nods. "You're right. It's just that, I could never lose you. I'd go out of my mind with grief." Understanding,I rub his arms, pushing our lips together.
As if our hearts were two magnets with opposing poles, I suddenly realize the strength of Josh's love, and of mine. It scares me a little. Like stage fright. Maybe that's how you should feel all the time. Kind of scared. Terrified enough, that it makes you queasy inside, so much that the fear festers inside of you, until the walls holding it shatter, and the poison rises out, leaving nothing but pure ecstasy in its place. After coming to this realization, I pull away, letting the tears run down my cheeks. Josh worries, exclaiming, "What?" I explain I'm heartbroken that he'll never know how much I care for and love him. "Words can only do so much." He wipes the drops from my face. "But don't you see? That's exactly how I feel about you."
