You're the Light That Guides Me Out (Scallison)

Maybe You Were Right

"Hey," Scott said as he was leaning against my locker about three weeks later. His big bright smile getting the slightest bit bigger.

"Hi," I say. "You seem extra happy today."

"What do you mean? I'm always this happy." He then shrugs. "Ok, maybe I'm a little extra happy. But it's only because you're actually giving me a chance after an entire month of you being oblivious to my crush on you."

"I knew you had a crush on me. It just wasn't important. Love is weakness, remember?"

"That's your theory. Not mine."

I gesture him away from the locker. He slides over and smiles.

"Can I just try something," he asks.

"Um, sure."

He leans forward and uses his thumbs to raise the corners of my mouth into a smile. I shove his hands back and for the first time in a while, I actually had a smile that I didn't have to fake. He nods.

"I was right," he says.

"What do you mean?"

"You look even prettier than you already do when you smile."

"I actually can't remember the last time I didn't have to fake a smile."

Scott kisses my cheek. "See, you've already started to change your attitude."

"It's you. Your stupid optimism is contagious, like a cold."

He laughs. "One day do you think you'll be ready to tell me why you'd given up?"

"Yeah, one day. When I'm ready."

"I can wait. I'll wait forever if I have to."

"Why?"

"Because if it means getting to know you better, it's worth it."

/

At lunch, Malia smirked when Scott kissed my cheek before going to the weight room with the rest of the guys.

"So," Cora says. "You've certainly been more open. Does that have anything to do with Scott?"

I nod. "It has everything to do with Scott. He kinda called me out so I've decided to actually give this place a try. I'm gonna go with him to a meeting. He says it might help me get back to a happy place."

Lydia smiles. "I'm glad you're actually giving us a chance to make you happy."

"It's not us she's giving the chance to," Malia says. "She's giving it to Scott. Does he remind you of an ex-boyfriend? Is that why you've tried so hard to push him away? Did your ex-boyfriend turn out to be an emotionally abusive jerk?"

Kira nudges Malia with her shoulder. "Stop being so nosy. Forget everything she said. It doesn't matter why you're giving Scott a chance, all that does matter is that you have. Opening up to people is hard but Scott makes it easy. You're in good hands."

/

I was in the bleachers at lacrosse practice. Scott and Cole were somewhat similar. Not when it mattered most though. In the little time I've know Scott, I've managed to feel safe and important. I'd known Cole for years and it always seemed that when I needed him most, he was no where to be found. I still remember Cole telling me he liked me.