Choices

Chapter 16 - Officially Moving?

I sit on James' veranda, swinging on his seat. He comes out with a tissue box and some chocolate to ease the pain.

"I thought you weren't going. You haven't talked about it for ages." I say to him, sniffing.

"I'm sorry, I just kinda.... forgot I guess." He says, sighing.

"Melbourne though. It's just so far away."

"It's not that far-"

"Yes, it is!" I interrupt

He laughs, but it doesn't last long, his face slumps down and his eyes droop like they were before. He walks over with the tissue box in his right hand and the chocolates in the other. He slowly lowers himself down onto the swing and hands me the tissues, then takes one chocolate out of the chocolate box and gives the box to me.

"I don't need all of them!" I say, giggling out of my tears.

"We can share, I can't be bothered to hold them right now." He explains, once again laughing, but not for long.

I grab a tissue and blow my nose. I throw it into the bin, just beside the swing. I pick out a chocolate from the box and eat it. It is caramel, my favourite.

James and I talk for a while, discussing plans and eating chocolate. I cheer up from the chocolate and I'm feeling a lot better when it is time for me to leave. The afternoon went so quickly. They always do when I spend them with James.

"Hey Tara?" James asks as I sit up from the swing.

"Yeah" I reply not really paying attention.

"I need to tell you something before I leave. Actually I also need to do something, but for real." He says

Suddenly I start paying attention, wanting to know what he's talking about.

"Go on." I say leaning towards him as to hear him better.

"I love you"

"I love you too, James." I say, confused.

"No, Tara. I....I love you." He repeats, stunning me.

"But..." I stay before James interrupts me.....

With a kiss.

He leans out, looks at me and asks me with his eyes.

I inhale and exhale slowly, thinking.

James has been there for me, always.

Popping out behind lockers

Making me laugh when I was upset

When I smacked my head on the pole at MACCAS.

And then I realised.

"I love you too, James"

He leans in to kiss me once again but stops.

"Come with me. To Melbourne."

"James, I.....I can't."

"If you love me then....."

"Yes. Take me. I don't want to spend anymore time away from you"

I feel his breath in my face before he finally kisses me.

Melbourne!