Secret Love

New Beginnings

The next few weeks flew by. With all the shopping, bonding and gossiping we did it felt like I'd never left home at all.

"You know I really missed you when you left right?" I looked up to meet Elise's saddened gaze. We had spent the last few hours watching reality tv reruns and snickering about the endless drama the tv stars endured.

If only I knew how to handle my own.

"I missed you too, those first few weeks were really hard for me you know?"

"Yeah I know," Elise replied with a waning smile "I'm glad you're home." 

"I'm happy to be back," 

Elise smiled in response.

"So Nadia... there's been something I've been meaning to ask you.  

"What's up?" I asked, crossing my legs and shifting my body to face hers. "Spill."

"I was wondering... if... you would maybe want to be my maid of honor." She replied nervously.

I choked on my own spit.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"You're my best friend, I wouldn't want anybody else to-"

"No." I blurted out.

Elise's eyes widened, "What? Why not?"
"I can't do it.. I just... I cant." I replied hurriedly.

Elise's face crumpled.

"I understand..." she said, her eyes glistening. I hated to hurt her, but I couldn't stand to pretend I was ecstatic about attending a wedding I honestly wished would vanish into thin air.

I need to tell her, now.

"Actually.. I don't think you do."

Elise furrowed her brow, "what do you mean?" She asked, swiping quickly at a tear that had made its way halfway down her cheek.

My heart crumpled.

"I love you."

"I love you t-"

"Not like that." I interrupted her. 

She stared at me, confused.

"Elise, I'm in love with you."

Her eyes widened.
Her cheeks flushed. 
Her jaw dropped in surprise.

My heart beat so fast it hurt.

"What? Since when?" 

"I don't really know... I realized it shortly after I left for college. When I was forced to go months without seeing you, or hearing your laugh... or feeling your touch." I looked deeply into her eyes, wanting to make her understand. I gathered my courage and continued. "When our hour long phone calls turned into five minutes of hurried conversation. When I couldn't sleep at night because I was thinking about you, wishing I could just hold you."

I stopped, surprised at the sudden splash of water against my wrist. Shocked I came to the realization that I was crying.

I searched Elise's face for a reaction, all I read was shock.

We sat there in silence.

"Nadia... I'm engaged."

"I know."

I looked at her with longing in my eyes.

She stared intensely back.

"I realize this is probably the worst timing ever," I said letting out a short laugh as I dropped my gaze to my hands.

"Honestly, it's a little surprising." Elise said breaking the lingering silence.

I looked up to meet her gaze.

"Never in a million years did I think that Nadia Wallace would ever love me back."

My heart skipped a beat, "what did you just say?"

Elise's eyes welled, "Nadia, I love you too."

My world shook. I struggled to find words as my heart eagerly tried to escape my chest.

I looked into the eyes of the girl I loved.

"Say it again."

"I love you too Nadia, I always have."

I was stunned. 

I opened my mouth to respond, but there was nothing else to say.

Tears fell from my eyes as I gathered her face in my hands and gently pressed my lips against hers.

This is the happiest moment of my life.