Music Speaks

Nine In The Afternoon

My hands shook as I prepared myself for later. Tonight was the night. After feeling this way for so long, I was finally going to tell you.

I straightened my Big Bang Theory shirt and looked in the mirror once more. Appearance wise, I was ready. Mentally, not so much. I was about to give my heart to you on a silver platter. Or gold, whichever you prefer.

I thought back to the day I met you, slipping back into my mind.

You stood on the other side of the room with your friends, Connor and Noah. I didn't know them yet either. Actually, I really didn't know anybody here.

I walked towards your group. Seeing that I didn't know anyone, Noah introduced me to you and Connor. They seemed very excited, but you stayed back. You seemed nervous. Maybe that's what drew me to you, I still don't know. Neither of us said much, but we seemed to understand each other perfectly.

Over the years I became quite close with Noah, Connor, and another girl named Aubrey. You and I were friends too, but I could tell something was different.

And now here I was, about to tell you everything.

I walked down to the park where I said to meet me. It was 8:38, meaning I was twenty minutes early. I decided to pass the time by writing. I had a small collection of one shots saved on my phone that I would add to whenever I felt the inspiration.

At exactly 9:00, you walked up to me.

"Why did you want me to come here so late?" You asked. The realization of what I was about to do hit me, and I was sure I would back out.

"Umm... There's actually something I want to tell you..." I said timidly. My voice was so quiet I doubt you heard me. Your face suddenly became serious and you asked me what was wrong.

"There's nothing wrong. I just need to tell you something really important and I don't want you to feel any differently towards me because of it," my sentences were quick. I had no idea what I even said. Blood was pounding in my ears and my palms were so sweaty I could swear it was dripping.

You looked at me expectantly. This was the time.

"Donovan, there's someone I really really like and I think you know who it is. I think you know why I asked you to come out here. I think you've known for a while," I said slowly. Every word felt like I was digging my own grave. Certainly you didn't feel the same way. I would just tell you and then we would stay the way we were: best friends.

Your eyes widened so they were the size of the moon. You knew exactly what I was describing. You knew what I felt. I knew you were going to tell me you didn't feel the same way, so I looked away. Maybe if I couldn't see you say it it wouldn't hurt as much.

When I looked back, you were grinning like an idiot.

"The feeling is mutual."