Corny Love

"Will you join me in the corn maze? It has been defeating me for years on end, but today I shall conquer it once and for all." He put his hands on his hips and looked stoically into in distance. I laughed and agreed. When we walked into the corn maze, he suddenly became quiet, looking almost nervous. I was puzzled, but I didn't say anything. As we got farther and farther in, he started to glance around at all the people around us. When were were semi-alone, he stopped and faced me.
"I need to talk to you." He said, looking around hesitantly. Two people came around the corner of the maze, laughing and talking. He glanced at them, then took my hand suddenly. Before I could protest, he led me into the corn stalks, the leaves slapping our faces as we pulled deeper into the field. After we were well away from anyone else, he finally stopped, not letting go of my hand. I was about to pull my hand free, but he the look in his eyes made me hesitate. I chose to take a risk and see where he was going to do.
"I- I'm not quite sure how to say this. I've wanted to for a while now, but I've let my fear get in the way. It's stupid, I know, but I couldn't make myself say it. I guess now I just need to tell you." He was rambling. I stood there, quickly growing more confused.
"Tell me what?" I asked.
He took a deep breath and looked into my eyes with an intensity I'd never seen before.
"I love you."
My breath caught in my throat. "What?"
"I love you." He paused, searching my face for signs of my reaction. "I've loved you for as long as I can remember. We met when we were little and I loved you then, as much as a seven year old could. And as the years went on, I continued to love you, even in the years we were apart. I didn't know what to do with that, so I ended up treating you badly, and for that I am truly sorry. I just- you coming back today made me realize that this may be my last chance to say it."
He stared into my eyes, making me feel as if I we were the only two people in the world. I was stunned. How could I not have seen this before? I searched for something to say. All I could think was, "Since we were seven?"
He gave me a nervous grin, small crinkles forming at the corners of his eyes. He nodded.
"And I don't expect you to say anything back, but I needed you to know."
My head was spinning. "I- I always thought you didn't like me."
His face softened and he took my other hand, stepping a bit closer. "No, not at all. I'm really sorry I made you think that."
I looked down at our hands, noticing how perfectly mine fit in his. Was this why I'd always felt a connection with him? I felt foolish for thinking that, but I couldn't help it. There had always been something there between us, and now I knew why. I looked up at him, inching a little closer. The rational side of me wondered what I was doing, but the rest of me told it to shut up. I was going to take a chance.
He smiled, noticing my change in stance.
"What are you thinking?" He asked.
"I'm not sure." I said, and it was completely true. A thousand thoughts and emotions were going through me and I wasn't sure what to think.
"Is it possible- I mean, do you think you could grow to love me back?" He said, then grimaced. "Sorry, that was dumb. Don't answer that."
"Yes." I said, shocked at my own words. "I think I could."
He smiled, his surprised expression mirroring mine. "Really?"
I nodded, feeling a rush of joy and exhilaration. We gazed at each other for a few moments. I studied his features, wondering how I could have missed it all these years. Looking into his eyes, I could feel that connection from before, stronger this time. I felt completely crazy, yet perfectly satisfied.
Then, in one swift movement, he let go of my hands, stepped closer, and put his arms around my waist. I gazed up at him, our bodies now pressed together. I could hear my heart pounding and I knew his was too. Then he leaned down and kissed me.
I'd never been kissed before. I don't know what I had been expecting, but this was better. I reached up and wrapped my arms around his neck, fingers brushing the base of his hair. He kissed me with more passion, pulling me closer to him. I ran my fingers through his hair, marveling at how this could be happening.
He finally pulled away, gazing at me with a newfound sparkle in his eyes. I smiled and laughed, overcome with joy. I hugged him tightly and he lifted me off the ground, spinning around, laughing. I had never been so happy in my entire life. He set me down again, with his hands still on my waist.
"It took me ten years to gain enough courage, but you are definitely worth the wait." He smiled, that cheesy grin that I had always found adorable. I laughed and buried my head into his chest. He wrapped his arms around me, holding me as if I might fade away.
He bent his head into my hair and whispered something softly.
"My miracle."