Finish Line

Chapter 11

Sydney 

I feel Jake sniff me and his whole body starts to relax. I wanted to laugh but bit my lip to avoid it. He draws away and looks at me. He has the widest smile I’ve ever seen and his eyes lit up like a boy opening presents during Christmas.

Jake kisses my nose and leans his forehead against mine. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

“I miss you so much baby and I’m so sorry for leaving you the way I did. I thought it would be best but it not only hurt more to not have you there all the time but I also managed to hurt you and I deeply regret it. I’m sorry. I hope you’ll forgive me” he opens his eyes and a tear falls down his cheek.

Jake 

I told her the truth. Everything. When I open my eyes I see Sydney smiling at me. She looks beautiful, her cheeks are bushing pink and her eyes are shining. She wipes my cheek. I didn’t realize I was crying. She leans in and kisses my nose just like I did her.

“You’re my best friend, Jake. I’ll always forgive you and I’m sorry for not telling you sooner”

I tuck her hair behind her ears “You don’t need to apologize, Maddie already told me earlier that boys are stupid” I tell her. She laughs and it’s the most wonderful sound I’ve ever heard. I really missed her. Stacy pokes her head in the room.

“Get over here, I missed you” Sydney waves her in.

“I'll give you some privacy” I kiss her forehead. Stacy winks at me and I give her a hug.

“Thank you” I whisper. She pats my back awkwardly.

“No problem, but next give you hug me please take a shower first” she says. Sydney laughs along with her. I wink at her and leave.

Sydney 

Jake just winked at me. Even with his rumpled shirt and messy hair he still looks as handsome as ever. I sigh in happiness.

“Stop smiling already. Geez! You’re actually drooling” Stacy says

“I missed you”

“I know you do” she rolls her eyes

“I’m glad you two worked it out”

“He loves me” I whisper to her

“I know”

“How?” I ask her.

“He looks at you all the time like you’re the only person he’s ever seen. When you two are together there’s always a spark but you guys are stubborn to admit it.”

“He makes me happy” 

“Duh! I know” we laugh.

Jake 

I tell dad I would go home to shower and he laughs at me “probably a good idea.”

I take a long hot shower and make myself a hearty snack. I pack a few things for Sydney and me before heading to the grocery to buy her favorite chips. I also had to pass by her favorite restaurant to order soup and tea and her favorite cupcakes before heading back to the hospital.