Dream On

Chapter 21

I cry on Eric's shoulder until I'm out of tears an this shirt is damp.

"If anyone asks, it's sweat not my tears." Tell him and honestly the sweat thing is believable. It's the dog days of summer in Central Pennsylvania. It's hot and muggy. Nothing unusual.

I go through the bon fire and honestly, I have a good time. It really gets me ready for the football season I love so much. It's when I catch a ride home with Randy and Ashley-- Eric's parents since my ride kind of stranded me.

After giving Eric a quick kiss on the cheek I hop out to porch and glance towards the Tanninger house. This has the stop. I can't go on like this. Rylan is going to be put in his place. Honestly, I just want my best friend back. Our future together is going to be just that, friendship. No romance. Just my best friend. How it's always been.

Wait a second! I stop my thoughts all at once. If it don't want Rylan as a significant other... then that means... I choose Eric. I choose Eric! Eric Collins. Come to think of it, that little voice in the back of my mind was right. It's always been Eric. I fall to my back and stare at the orange sky. The grin on my face must be the definition of relief.

It's over. The struggle is over. Will there still be problems? Yes. Will it be easy for Rylan to handle? Most likely, no. But no matter what. I choose Eric Collins. And my heart has never felt so free.

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I call over to the Tanningers' house and ask Rylan to come over. I can tell he's hesitant but after about half an hour he takes a seat across from me in my room. I sit on the bed and him in the desk chair. I sit up straight and talk calmly.

"Rylan, this has to stop."

"I agree Sunny." He nods.

"Rylan, I want my best friend back. I want the Rylan that sat on that hay bale with me. I want the Old Rylan. I want my best friend." I explain.

"Sunny, I'm sorry. For everything. I was out of line. The truth is, when Eric and I were in the hospital waiting for you to wake up, we talked a little. The thing about it was, after just an hour I knew. I knew he was the one for you. I knew from the beginning I probably wouldn't end up with you but I had to try. I didn't mean to make such a mess of things. All I want is for you to be happy."

"Rylan..." I whisper. "I had no idea you felt that way. I'm sorry. I hurt you. I'm sorry for everything. But Rylan, I've made a decision. I choose... Eric. I choose Eric." He nods but I can see the pain in his eyes. I stand and hop over to the chair he stands to meet my at my level.

"Rylan Peter, I will always love you." I put place a casted hand on each of his shoulders.

"I'll always love you too. Can I at least have one goodbye kiss?" He asks with all the sincerity in the world.

"Yes." I say and put my lips to his. Something about this kiss feels strange. Something like relief but I sad feeling of longing. Maybe it's because I know. I know this is my last kiss with Rylan Peter Tanninger. We hold it out. Both knowing it's the last one. Both wanting to savor it.

He pulls away first and looks into my eyes I keep my arms around his neck.

"I'm going to miss that." He says.

"I'm sure you'll find another girl who's a way better kisser than me." I say. He chuckles and embraces me tighter.

"Well, I think you should probably make a call. Don't you?" He asks.

"I think so but stay here. Please. I'll always be here for you." He says. And follows me down stairs.