The Favor (BOOK 1 & BOOK 2 INCLUDED)

17. The Stars Shine for You

My feet are embraced with a smooth but sharp surface. The blades of grass were dark under the night sky. But the moon shone so bright at its peak in the sky above us. The stars, they seemed to shine even brighter. It felt like I hadn't seen the stars in forever. The clouds lately had been covering the sky, but tonight, those stars were alive. They we're glistening against the blue backdrop, and it seemed like heaven. Even through the biting wind, it felt perfect.

Not just because the sky was beautiful, but because I was with the person who I had enjoyed the most. We lie down in the grass, staring at the stars.

"Look at that one," he says, pointing towards the sky.

"It's a fish!"

"It's a hand!" we say at the same time.

We turn our heads to each other in confusion. It's then that I noticed how close we were. His nose was about and inch or two away from mine. How I wish I could close the space between us.

Don't think like that. You don't like him.

That's what I was trying to tell myself, at least. I didn't want to own up to my true feelings, because Brendon and I can't happen. Tomorrow was Valentines day, I had to get over him so when I saw him and Gillian shove their tongues down each other's throat, I wouldn't feel like bawling my eyes out.

But I'll be honest. Nothing has changed. Well, in a negative way at least. My feelings had definitely increased over the month, that was for sure. I just tried to push them away, for the sake of our friendship. But they popped up every time I even looked at him, it was hard to ignore. Really hard.

"That's a hand."

"It's a fish."

"Look, that one, it's a hand." He then points to the sky again.

"It's a fish!" I giggle, and I can feel his laughs reverberating through his body next to mine. I then again realized how close we were.

"Alright fine, it's a fish. Now don't even try to tell me that that one isn't a rose." He points to another batch of stars.

"Yes, it's a rose. Speaking of roses and things to do with Valentines day, what are you doing for Gillian?"

No, I don't want to hear. Why in the world did I ask that? To be nice or something? Because I'm past that! I just caused myself pain. You're so smart, Lily. You really are.

"Hey, it's not just her surprise. I can't spill my secrets."

"You're going to get her chocolates, roses and a big teddy bear aren't you?"

"How'd you know!?" he glares at me sharply.

"Because I know that you have nothing better in mind."

"Yeah yeah, whatever. What color roses do you like?"

"You mean what color roses do Gillian like?"

"No, just you."

"I like a soft shade of pink. Why me?"

"I was just curious. I already know what I'm going to do, so don't fret."

"Oh please, you're not my type." I scoff.

LIAR!

"I bet I am. I am the best feature in your life."

True.

"Oh don't be so full of yourself!"

"You can't ignore the facts, Lilypad."

"I'm not ignoring the fact, I'm ignoring the impossible."