Chapter 25: I Can't

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The next morning, Katherine, Davey, and Les left early to go find Jack. They had invited Julile to accompany them, but she refused. She still hadn't forgiven him.

Now, Julie sat silently, next to Mikey on the ground in the little willow grove. Julie smiled slightly. It almost seemed like they were kids again, sitting quietly, simply enjoying each others presence. Here, sitting beside her best friend, she felt safe from the world.

Mikey seemed to feel the same way. "Just like old times," he whispered in her ear.

She sighed contentedly. Without warning, he leaned over a kissed her passionately.

Julie pulled away. "What are ya doing?"

His face flushed a deep crimson. "Listen, Julie, since we were little, I have loved you,"

Julie shook her head. "Stop it, Mikey," she said. "I don't want ta hurt you, but I don't love you,"

"You could though," he whispered. "If you really tried. Can't you see? We're meant to be together! Can you at least try? For me?"

"I can't, Mikey. You're like a brother to me," she sighed.

"I could be more then dat," he said earnestly.

"No," she said. "You can't. I love Crutchie."

"Well he's not here now is he?" he said, scowling slightly at the mention of Crutchie's name. "He probably won't even get out of da refuge for another couple a years!"

Julie stared at him in disbelief. Was this really the same boy who had comforted her yesterday, telling her that Crutchie would be out of that horrible prison soon? She stood, a tear trickling down her cheek. "I have to go," she said.

"What about him is so special?" Mikey asked, his voice breaking. "When you look at him, its like you're seeing the best thing in the world. I nevah wanted anything more den for you ta look at me like dat."

"I'm so sorry," she whispered. "But I can't." She turned and ran away, leaving Mikey standing alone, his heart shattered into a million pieces.

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