Somehow, the bed felt even lonelier and more empty that night. Lauren missed Joey more than ever, but she was comforted knowing that he was thinking about her. It wasn't quite the same as getting to lie in his arms, though. She tossed and turned, missing the feeling of his arm over her, missing the soft sound of his breathing, even missing the heat that usually radiated off of him despite complaining about it when he was here.
The next day, Lauren was surprised once again by a knock at the door. And, once again, she was greeted by a delivery of another bunch of flowers and another letter.
She shook her head fondly even though he wasn't there to see it. She didn't think she would ever stop being surprised by how sweet he was.
Dear Lo,
Two. The number of times I told you I loved you before you said it back. Not that I ever expected you to say it back (although I'm very glad you did).
The first time was when you were laughing at one of my dumb jokes, much harder than anyone else. I didn't mean for it to slip out. No one else heard me say it, but I know you did. And I think you thought I meant it as a friend, because you smiled at me but then never mentioned it again.
The second time was right after I kissed you for the first time. Do you remember that? I was so nervous because I knew we couldn't go back to being friends in the same way after that. So then when you said it back to me I felt like the luckiest guy in the world. Screw that, I was the luckiest guy in the world, because the most perfect girl anyone could ever wish for loved me back.
I still am.
Love Jojo xxx
'Of course I remember' she sent him. And she did, perfectly clearly. She would always remember that moment, because it was the first time she really felt what it was like to be in love with someone.
'I don't know, just because it was one of the best moments of my life doesn't mean it was one of yours'
'Stop being an idiot Jojo'
'An idiot that you're in love with'. She could imagine his smirk as he sent that text.
'You've got me there'
