Center Stage

e l e v e n

•10:28 pm•

Impatiently, I paced across the pristine white carpet lining the living space. A deep, frustrated sigh escaped my lips, causing Taylor's attention to quickly turn to me. "Matt," she smiled weakly. "She needs Josh, he's her best friend. Plus, he's good at this stuff. There's absolutely nothing you should be worrying about, okay?"

In response, I nodded understandingly. I was aware that I must wait, I was simply worried about her. What had caused this? The more I ached to know caused me to question if that was a wise choice after all. Was I certain? Vivid memories of that shattering night with Taylor churned in my mind, staining my thoughts with fear.

I felt a warm, petite hand clasp my own, pulling me back into reality and out of my dark thoughts. Taylor offered a sympathetic smile as I seated myself adjacent her on the broad couch. "Hey, listen to me. It'll be alright. I'm sure it wasn't too much of a problem. She'll be just fine, she's in good hands.
Matthew, you are one of the most caring, thoughtful people I have ever met in my entire life. You are so selfless and that is an absolutely wonderful quality for someone to have. But you let bad thoughts come into your head and all they do is make you worry. It'll be okay, just give it some time. Think positive." She spoke softly, her sky blue eyes filled with nurture and care.

I nodded, "You're right, she's in good hands. Thank you, Taylor. You're a great friend." She smiled at this, revealing a set of beautiful, white teeth.

It was true, what I had said. She truly was a magnificent friend and I was thankful for our closeness. Words came easily to her, bits of advice making clear sense the moment they flowed from her tongue. Taylor had a flair for bringing into consideration others' feelings, thoughts, and emotions. Josh really was a lucky man, as many other guys would surely have adored to present her as their girlfriend.

       An excruciating seventeen minutes had passed when Josh and Tarrie stepped into view. I speedily rose to my feet. Tears tainted her soft cheeks, making it ascertainable that she had been crying. The corners of her pink, kissable lips tugged downwards as her bottom lip jutted out in a small, yet adorable pout.

       A thrillingly romantic scene played in my mind. It was then that I my heart became set on impressing her. This was my chance to allow her to see how much I deeply cared for her, how my affection for her only augmented when I was near her. I could let her take center stage.

I rushed to her and slipped my arms around her miniature waist and underneath her legs, simultaneously scooping her dainty body into my arms. Josh and Taylor gawked as I held Taryn close to my chest. I could feel her little, trembling hands grip my shirt as I gazed into her icy green eyes. As I leant down, my intentions to plant a kiss to her forehead, I could feel her body tense up. Josh did as well.

Was I rushing things? Did she want me to stop? Did the two have feelings for each other? I was unsure, but I managed to halt my movements and instead comfort her with a loving embrace. I never wanted to let go.

The feeling of warmth radiating off her skin made the world seem as if it had stopped moving, or that all time had stopped entirely. Staring into her eyes had transported me to another world, a world where it was only Tarrie and I. In this moment, this simple, short moment, was the moment I received a realization, possibly even an epiphany.

I'm falling for the gorgeous, talented, witty, and misunderstood Taryn Parker.