Mistaken Love

Chapter Twenty-five.

Rachel and I strolled up and down the lovely beach barefoot, as the beating sun was kind enough to give us its heat during this early October day. The yellow sand stuck between our wet toes from the waves, as they would occasionally soak our feet and ankles every now and then. Neither of us spoke a word, as we enjoyed each other's company in silence. Her hand was interlocked with mine, as she would tighten her grip gently. I couldn't help but chuckle, as her tiny hand would grasp mine each time.

I keep taking glances at Rachel from the corner of my eye, as I took in her perfection. She was wearing a beautiful, light blue, strapless sun dress. Her long brown hair was wavy, as it swayed left and right, with each step she took. Her crystal, blue eyes shined brighter than an diamond, as she kept her vision forward.

"Damn... Rachel looks magnificent today." I thought to myself, as my cheeks began to lightly burn.

Rachel let out a small giggle, as she turned her attention toward my direction. "You have a habit of thinking out loud. You know that, right?" She pointed out, as her blue eyes met with my emerald orbs.

The obvious blush on my face grew darker, as I turned my head away. "I know. I need to stop doing that." I mumbled quietly.

"Don't worry!" Rachel's voice rose with joy, as our feet came to a halt. "I think it's cute!" She admitted, as she stood in front of me. "Besides, you look beautiful too!"

My eyes grew, as I snapped my head towards her direction.

"Beautiful?" I questioned, as I slowly looked down at my attire.

I was dressed in a large, black t-shirt, with tan, khaki shorts. I picked up my gaze away from my outfit and back on to Rachel, who began to giggle loudly. I raised one eyebrow, wondering what was so funny, and why she thought I looked 'beautiful'.

"I'm not stupid, Samantha." Rachel chirped, as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

My heart stopped, as I could feel the color in my face drain. She knew? How? What it obvious? Did I slip up or something?

"Rachel..." I gasped, as my hands trembled lightly. "How did you- ... I mean- ... Uh..." I stuttered.

Rachel placed her hands upon my cheeks. The feeling of her soft hands made me relax, as I kept my mouth shut after that.

"You don't need to worry. I'll keep your secret safe." Rachel vowed, as a small smile appeared across her face.

I shook my head in disbelief, as I eventually made eye contact with her. "You have no idea how sorry I am." I blurred, as the nervous feeling began to bubble inside my stomach. "I'm sorry for not telling you the truth." I added.

"Sam," Rachel called, as she pressed her hands tighter against my face. "You don't need to be sorry. I accept you being a female and not a male. When I first met you, I fell in love with your amazing personality. I would have still fell for you if you had appeared more feminine." Rachel admitted.

Her eyes burned into mine, letting me know that everything she had just said was all sincere. A smile quickly attacked my face, as I moved a loose strain of hair away from her face.

"Thank god!" I shouted with joy, as tears suddenly fell down my cheeks. "I'm glad you haven't lost any feelings for me once you found out!"

The smile on Rachel's face grew bigger, as she whipped my tears away with her thumbs.

"I love you, Samantha Anna-Marie Bennett! I'll always love you, no matter what!" Rachel cheered.

How did she know my middle name? I don't recall ever telling her, let along a fake middle name. I quickly pushed the question away, as I leaned forward, ready to place my lips on hers.