I'll Love You Forever

Prologue

Staining the sky a vivid array of warm tones and hues, the sun had almost vanished completely beyond the horizon. The city was quiet and peaceful, except for the incessant clacking of Jaelyn's sandals against the pavement. Alas, she wasn't by herself. Another pair of shoes was walking right beside her. Jaelyn quickly glanced over at the boy next to her, and he looked at her as well. Only, his gaze seemed to rest on her for a little while. His eyes were distressed, like something was on his mind. 

Jaelyn looked back at him. "Are you okay?" She asked simply, her high-pitched voice bouncing around in her head. Being a twelve year old meant that her voice was going through crazy changes. Sometimes it was deep, sometimes it was very, very high-pitched. Like this time. He cleared his throat, and looked away from her. ''Not really, if you want me to be honest." 

Pausing in the middle of the sidewalk, Jaelyn shoved her hands into the pocket at the front of her hoodie. After realizing she wasn't with him, Nixon stopped as well. He turned around fearfully, expecting the worse. ''What's the matter?" She asked nonchalantly, even if her mind was racing and her palms were getting sweaty. He had been acting nervous and confused for the past couple of days. Jaelyn furrowed her brow, waiting for his response. It didn't come until ten seconds elapsed. 

Heaving a small sigh, Nixon obliged to her question. "I've been wondering about something." Jaelyn snorted, rolling her eyes. ''Oh really, Sherlock? I never noticed!" Nixon forced a smile, releasing a strained chuckle. ''But seriously. . . I've been unable to sleep because of this.'' Jaelyn plopped herself down onto the sidewalk. "Do tell." Sighing, Nixon sat down with her. 'Well, Jaelyn, there's something I've been keeping from you.'' Instantly intrigued, Jaelyn shifted her weight forwards. 

"I. . . I think I. . ." Nixon stammered so much, it was almost pathetic to try and listen to him talk. Jaelyn was patient with him. "Come on, just tell me! It'll be better if you get it off your chest! Wha'zup?" He still could not look into her eyes, but eventually he mustered up the courage to pour out his heart. "Jaelyn, I think I like you." The words glided off of his tongue. It was as if he had been waiting for ages to tell her.

Jaelyn's cheeks flushed a deep, rosy red color. She swallowed nervously, and opened her mouth. Only, no sound came out. Closing her mouth and trying again, words finally poured into her brain. "You do?" Jaelyn grimaced, wishing she could take back those two words. That was the stupidest question she could have asked. Nixon didn't mind answering it, though. "Yes. I really, really do. I have for a long time." Jaelyn smiled, her fingers interlocking with each other tightly. "Well, you're in luck." He lifted his head, puzzled. His face looked so cute when he was confused.

"I like you too, Nixon." She replied, the red fire spreading from her cheeks to the rest of her face. Even her freckles had an undertone of red. Nixon gasped, the blush scrambling onto his face as well. ''R-really?! Do you, d-do you love me?! Will you be with me forever?!" The words rushed out of his mouth before he had a chance to think about them. Nixon slapped his hands over his mouth. Jaelyn snickered, reaching over to him and grabbing his hand. She interlaced her fingers with his. ''Yes, I do like you. . . well, I mean, I LOVE you! I'll be with you forever. I'll love you forever.''