The Art of Persuasion

Chapter 18 : A Clever Yet Shitty Idea

I blinked as panic filled me. My best friend just confessed he loved me and, none of the less, kissed me. This could not be happening. I must be going mad. Please God, assure me that this is some sort of a wicked nightmare I can't escape.

"W-what?" I finally managed to sputter out as panic made my heart race. Geoff remained calm but leaned back in his chair, as though he was giving me some space. He sighed and turned his head, but I could tell he was looking at me from the corner of his eye.

"I love you." he stated simply yet boldly. I've been waiting to hear those words but not from Geoff; not from my best friend. He can't be serious. How come I didn't see it? It doesn't make sense.

"Geoffrey Aldan Wickett, this isn't funny." I snapped, hoping he would agree it was a joke but he turned his head quickly towards me with pleading eyes. I suppressed a gasp as I realized he really was serious.

"Evelyn Prudence Hall, I'm tired of bluffing about it. I love you." he repeated himself again, but he said this quieter and looked down at the table, as if he were ashamed.

"What about Clara white?" I asked, hoping that he would suddenly remembered his feelings that he said he had for her.

"I lied. I hate that bitch, but I couldn't really tell you then that I loved you, that was when you were happy with Black.

"Please don't say that." I rasped in a pleading tone, suddenly feeling very parched. Is this what happens when you're incredibly anxious? You feel thirsty all of a sudden?

"Well, it's no use lying about it anymore. You've had to notice something. Come off it, you're not stupid, Evelyn." he looked up at me with pleading eyes once more. I blinked as I thought of our memories together since we were young. I just thought all those tender moments we've had was like sibling love.

"I can't say...I have..." I drifted off as I felt even more panicked as Geoff's face took a look of remorse. He then laughed bitterly and smiled at me with a sad smile.

"It's my fault, I should have told you sooner but you seemed pretty well off with Black. It's not like I've been pinning on you my whole entire life. Hell, when you broke up with me, I was all right with it. It just didn't occur to me that you really would fall in love some day and never the less, a bloody git like Black. I found myself scared as I thought about you being held by someone else and being looked at like Black does with you. It was then I realized, I loved you," I cringed slightly at the last three words, which caused him to pause "I'm scared shitless to think that I could lose you"

"Geoff, calm down. You're just confused. Don't rush to conclusions." I stated calmly but I couldn't look up at him. I was nervous beyond means and I couldn't bear to look at his sad face.

"Evelyn, you can't tell me what I feel. I know what I feel and what you feel. I'm not expecting you to return my feelings right away but if you could give me chance..." he drifted off as I looked up at him quickly.

"I couldn't do that, that would hurt you, Geoff." I pleaded but Geoff gave his own look of desperation. I bit my lip for I knew that simply, I had no idea what to do.

"I'm willing to take that chance, will you?" he asked softly. I looked at him as tears filled my eyes once more.

I was unsure of what to say and scared senseless.

Sirius's POV

I slammed the door to my dormitory and rushed to the bathroom. I splashed my face with cold water and looked at my reflection. A bloody fool stared back at me and I felt the urge to punch the mirror. I made Evelyn cry more than once in the same day and I might have just ruined a potential relationship.