The Girl That Changed Everything

Eleven

"Ciara, are you okay? You seem kind of out of it." Kylie was looking at me, her face showing a look of concern. I shook my head but smiled, "no, but don't worry I'll figure it out." Kylie was always respectful with what I told her. She never questioned further if I said not to. A look of confusion crossed her face, but was immediately replaced with a smile. "Well you know you always have me if you need someone to talk to." A small pang of guilt stabbed at my heart and I couldn't hide the tears that had begun to fill my eyes. As they spilled from my eyes Kylie wiped them away, kissing my cheeks. "You'll be okay," she whispered as she held me close to her. Nodding, I leaned back and looked in her eyes. "Kylie, I have feelings for you, I really do. I just don't know right now who to choose."

Her smile didn't waiver and I didn't know how to react. She had the most beautiful smile I'd ever seen. "Cici, it's okay. I understand you aren't over your ex yet. I'm going to give you time and if you don't choose to be with me then that's okay too." The feelings of self-hatred and guilt where churning my stomach and I grew nauseated. "I want to be with you Kylie. You make me happy, but I don't want to treat you wrong. I can't lose you and I feel like if I don't stop loving Stacey, I can't treat you the way I know you deserve," I explained.

I could feel her brown eyes staring at me as I looked at the ground. She didn't say anything; she didn't need to because there was nothing that was to be said.

~+~+~+~+~

I woke up covered in sweat because of a dream, but I can't remember what happened in it. My aunt had gotten home a few hours ago, based on the time on the living room clock, but she didn't bother to wake me up. Kylie lay beside me softly snoring, her gentle waves of hair spread messily around her head. God she's beautiful, I thought to myself. The pace of my heart slowed to a steady beat and I ran my fingers through her hair until I was once again asleep.

~+~+~+~+~

"Cici, you're a smart girl, always follow your heart and choose to be happy. I promise you there is such a thing as love no matter what anyone tells you or anything that happens. Your father and I love each other very much, just as we love you." My mother held my hands in hers and they felt so small in comparison. "I love you mommy," I heard myself say. "I love you too sweetheart. Now get some sleep and rest your brain, tomorrow is your first day of kindergarten."