The Secrets to New York

Twenty-Four | I Told You So

There you were. Five o’clock exactly (you always were rather punctual). I smiled as I made my way to the back to clock out and grab my bag.

You were standing there so casually when I walked out; your hands were deep in your pockets as you carried on a light conversation with Margie. I walked over slowly, unsure of what I would say once I got there. I mean, we hadn't exactly been having conversations every morning.

You always made everything so easy, though. I walked over and you immediately stopped talking, your eyes widening a little as you stumbled out how long have you been standing there? Margie laughed quietly before excusing herself back to work.

Not long I answered, my voice small with nerves. Sure, I had seen you quite a bit since you got back, but not like this. Not just the two of us.

You just nodded your head and asked if I was ready. I said yes and you led me out the door. We made small talk as we walked down the street. We talked about your travelling, the places you had been to and what it was like. You then asked about my job at Margie’s again. We just laughed about it and it almost felt like it was us again.

We stopped in the front of the door to the Barnes and Nobles; I gave you a questioning look but you just smiled and opened the door for me. (Always such a gentlemen). We walked quietly through the store until we reached a small display situated in the back. There were piles and piles of a book that sat on the small wooden table. I looked at your expectant face and you just nodded. I slowly made my way over to the table and picked one of the copies up. Paper Planes by Beckett Walker. I turned the book over and read the excerpt.

I could feel the tears starting to burn my eyes as I read; our story. Our story was contained in the pages of this little blue book and my heart was twisting in a way that I didn’t know was possible. I looked back up at your ever brightening face.

Open it up you prompted, a confident smile on your lips. I opened the cover and saw a tiny dedication written in the middle of the page.

                        To the only girl that I have ever loved.

                              Emery, I miss you and I love you.

                              I will always be thankful for that paper plane;           

                              it was sort of like our own shooting star.

                              Thank you for inspiring this story.

                                    Forever,

                                                Beckett.

I looked back up at you questioningly, with tears filling my eyes. I couldn’t hold myself together anymore, and I walked over to you and threw my arms around your neck. You hugged me back, laughing slightly in my ear.

You like it, Em? I could tell you were nervous for my opinion, and I just smiled wider.

Of course, I love it! I grinned, pulling away from the hug. I told you that you could do it.