Forever & Always, Even if My Forever is Limited

F&A...Chapter 5

Chapter 5

It is Thursday, a week later. I take a deep, shaky breath as I pull on a white and magenta striped, v-neck sweater. I tried to curl my hair today and it stayed, much to my surprise. I have the kind of super thick, strawberry blonde hair that refuses to do anything but be straight. I examined my reflection. I didn't look half bad! My mother banged on the door, "Veronica Elise! If you want to make the play on time, you better get in the car this instant!" She threw open the door and her angry face softened-a little. "You look lovely, dear. Now let's go!"

With one last glance back I left the house. I dissolved into the darkness of the night, en route to the event that would hopefully change everything.

"Who is he?" My mother asked randomly while we drove to Kate's house. We were picking her up so she could hold me back if I tried to attack Taylor with my obsessive love.

"Who is who?" I retorted nonchalantly.

My mother gazed at me with her all-knowing gray eyes. "Vera, you did not spend an hour getting ready just because you're going to see Kate. You're fidgeting like a madman. I'm sure when you come home you'll have that love struck look in your eyes. Now, tell me!"

Mom seemed young now-I could see her as a young girl-like a best friend begging to know who your current crush was. I shook my head and looked down, "There's no one." I said. She frowned and turned away. I had hurt her feelings once again. I felt like a terrible daughter. I sighed and moved to the backseat as Kate climbed into the car. "Yo." She gangster nodded.

"Hey." I replied with a shaky smile.

That is all our conversation was; Kate knew how much my mother loves to eavesdrop and replay the dialogue later to my various relatives. She says she needs to in order to "ensure my safety." For all she knew, I was in a satanic cult and performing sacrifices behind the school at midnight.

Finally, we reached the school. My heart felt as if it would jump out of my chest. I could see him waiting just inside the doors for us-waiting for me, but that was a stretch. It was not a date, but God, I wish it was; this was more of a friendly group outing. I could see the remainder of our group waiting inside: Jordan, Sarah, Emma, and others. I took a deep breath as I climbed the stairs. "Breathe!" Kate ordered me. "You'll be fine."

I repeated her words over and over in my mind. I pushed open the doors. Taylor's eyes swept over to us. His gaze lingered on me for a moment before he turned his attention back to her. Her?

By the look of her frizzy, dirt-brown head of curls I knew it was her-Nicole. Our friend group had always tolerated her, but only just. She was annoying and, frankly, a bitch.

I felt a sudden surge of both fury and depression. This guy was not just any old crush...Taylor was special. I was not sure why, but I knew that there was some part of him that was different and special. I wanted to turn her around and kick her. Hard. It felt like a thousand knives were slicing into my heart. She had him wrapped around her finger, and I was just the girl left behind wanting. I would always be the girl left behind wanting.

I endured the play. I had an overwhelming urge to break down and cry, but that would mean admitting defeat. I could never give up on Taylor. I kept fighting through the pain. Once or twice he even glanced behind at me. His attention, even though it was just for a second, made my heart flutter.

Too soon it was over. Our group diffused into the hall, unsure what to do or say until our parents came to get us. "Hi," he said. A warm and fuzzy feeling flooded through me; I opened my mouth to reply, but no sound came out.

Clearing my throat dramatically, I said, "Hey."

End of conversation. It only took a word from him to get my heart hammering and that dizzy feeling. "Catch you later." He nodded.

"Bye." Without thinking, I stepped forward to hug him. "Oh, um." We awkwardly endured a hug.

This hug changed my life. I got a hug-Nicole didn't. This was the night I decided to actively pursue him.

I would get my hands on Taylor, even if it killed me to do it.