Before giving it a second thought, Cameron said: " I thought I was your best friend." With obvious hurt in his voice.
I was speechless. Luckily, Julian broke the awkward silence, saying: " So, what are your schedules like?"
The two weeks went by painfully slowly. Julian had been avoiding eye contact and physical contact. I tried to understand my feelings for Julian. The result? Nil.
Now, I was standing in front of the mirror in my dress. It was a brilliant emerald green that made you think of the forest. Intricate designs were sewn onto the flowy material of the dress. A fluttering matching green ribbon was tied around my waist and my hair flowed down my shoulders. As I admired my dress, I couldn't help but think how wonderful tonight would be even if I wasn't going with the person I had wanted to go with.
"Ding dong!" The doorbell rang. I remembered how Julian used to get me out of the house to play by yelling "Ding dong" at the top of his voice until I came out in England. My mother looked at me, smiling:" Go meet your Prince Charming, my dear." "Mom! We are just going as friends." I said. "Mmhmm... ..."My mom said, obviously not convinced. We had had this conversation more than a million times.
Rolling my eyes while grinning, I opened the door and saw Cameron. Sure, he looked handsome but I was still sure that Julian would have looked better. Wide eyed, he stared at me and stuttered," you look gorgeous!" The sincerity in his voice made the guilt gnaw at me but I just raised my eyebrow, saying:" You cleaned up nice as well."
Holding my hand, Cameron led me to his car and we headed to prom.
After many dances, I scanned the room once again. I still didn't see Julian. What if he had changed his mind and wasn't coming?
As I was about to reach for my phone to call Julian, Cameron grabbed my hand and led me away.
~Cameron~
I gently held her hand and brought Emma to our school rooftop. I held her hands and inhaled the cold, fresh air. Now was the time and there was no going back.
"Emma, ever since... ever since I met you, you had already stolen the key to my heart. you are the light of my life. Will you be my girlfriend?" I remembered reciting these three sentences again and again to my reflection in the mirror.
Upon hearing my confession, she blushed. That definitely was a sign. Apparently, she liked me back as well! I cupped her chin with one hand and her back with the other.
Slowly, I leaned in...
Before our lips touched, I felt a hand on my chest gently, but firmly pushing me away.
~Emma~
Shocked that Cameron liked me was an understatement. I loved him, but as a brother. I bit my lip and stared at the ground. I could not meet his eyes, scared that I would see the hurt in them. "I'm so sorry. I love you, but as a brother. I am flattered you like me, really. But I like someone else. I'm sorry." Overwhelmed with guilt, I ran back to the gym, fighting the tears that were filling my eyes and threatening to fall out. I could not bear hurting Cameron.
As I stood in a corner, I thought through what just happened on the rooftop and a single lone tear escaped my eye, seeping through my eyelashes.
Just then, a familiar voice interrupted my voice:" Are you okay?"
~Julian~
When I arrived, I saw Emma and Cameron race past me, both of them hand in hand. I knew it was too late.
My treacherous heart pictured Emma and Cameron together, Emma had her delicate arms around Cameron while Cameron held her back. I guess if I love her, I should let her choose whatever makes her happiest. Love. There, I finally said it.
Just then, Emma came back running and stood in a corner, her eyes full of tears. I watched as single tear ran down her cheek. What had Cameron done?
As I walked towards her, I asked:" Are you okay?"
Wiping her tear hurriedly, she looked up and faked a smile, saying:" I'm fine. I thought you weren't coming."
I chuckled," how could I miss this? An absolutely stunning girl saved me a dance at prom!" I inwardly groaned. That wasn't supposed to come out.
Emma smiled shyly and blushed a light apple pink. She tended to blush a lot more nowadays. Suddenly, she looked over my shoulder, worried. "Where's your date?" She asked. I smiled, saying, "I don't have one."Just then, the emcee announced that it was the last dance.
I offered my hand and brought her to the dance floor. As we danced, slowly, Emma leaned her head against my chest. Best. Night. Ever!
~Emma~
Julian sent me home after prom and as we stood outside my house's door, he fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, a sign that he was nervous, just like when he was seven just before his Show N' Tell at school. " What's wrong?" I asked searching his gorgeous eyes for an answer.
Gosh... he is so handsome... ...
He lifted my hands with his and they fitted perfectly in his. I felt tingles running down my spine and butterflies in my stomach. My heart hammered against my ribcage. His eyes were now filled with hope and... ... love?
Nervously but sincerely, he said:" Emma, you are the most beautiful girl to me I have ever met - on the outside but even more on the inside. When you left for New York, I thought I would never see you again. Please don't ever leave me. Stay by my side, because I that's how much I love you." Then he spat out:" I'll never hurt you like how Cameron did, I promise."
I was speechless. Me, being the genius decided to dumbly stand there, making me stand there for a dreadful two minutes.
Julian finally released my hands but I wanted to feel his steady and warm hands again. He stuck his hands in his pockets and said:" It's alright. I must have made a mistake. Of course you like Cameron." He turned around and began walking away. Automatically, my hand shot out and clumsily grabbed his, spinning him back towards me. I smashed my lips against his and sparks flew. Hooking my arm around his neck, I kissed him more deeply and felt him kiss back and his hands appeared on my hips.
My first kiss wasn't perfect, but it sure was good.
After eternity, we pulled back to catch our breaths.
"I like you too." I replied, grinning. We kissed again and I felt his smile against my lips.
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