Just Try It

Chapter 70- Time to Come Clean

Sunday, February 19th 11:20AM

Border Hills Cemetery

After the rush of standing up to his mom, it had been a slap in the face to have his mom discounted everything she had said while putting her down. At first, she had been afraid Moe might actually agree she had gone too far. Only after Moe's words of reassurance had her world leveled out again. With that wild emotional roller coaster ride, the time finally seemed right to let Moe know how she felt too.

Knowing that didn't make spitting out the words any easier. With a shiver, Sondra hoped that she wasn't making a wrong move. So far, Moe was just staring at her in surprise. While she was hoping his declaration of love had been true, and really about her, Sondra couldn't help worrying. If they had just been the only response he could think of, she would feel so stupid.

Never mind that, she scolded herself. You are sitting on Moe's lap, in his arms, and there is no going back now. He had appreciated the truth earlier, maybe that was what was needed now, Sondra thought to herself. Before she could change her mind, Sondra whispered softly, "I tried this once when you were asleep. Let's see how it works when you are awake." Then Sondra moved closer, and kissed him gently on the mouth.

For several moments, Moe didn't respond. With a sinking heart, Sondra started to pull back. With the pain of her disintegrating dreams, one thing was clear, the ride home was sure to be awkward. While she no longer thought she could break their friendship, Moe might back off again for awhile. Just the thought made her heart ache with loss. Suddenly clumsy, Sondra's hands shook as she let go of Moe's neck. "I guess that I misinterpreted ...," whispered Sondra in trembling voice, before her voice broke off, and she gave up speaking to just move further away.

Before she could go any further, Moe's arms tightened around her, and pulled her close again. Sondra's hands were trapped between them, and she could feel Moe's heart beating fast as he held her close. He whispered, "Shh. Just let me hold you for a little. I need to make sure this is real and not a dream again." Sondra relaxed against him slowly as she tried to figure out what he meant. As his words registered, she began to feel hopeful again. Hope just wasn't enough after all the worry though. Needing the words, Sondra hoped to get him started by going first. She admitted, "I've loved you a long time, but I didn't know how you felt or what to do."

A teasing voice rumbled, "That almost never happens, but don't worry. I'm sure we can work through it together as long as you stay by my side."

Her heart sang, and Sondra grinned as she drawled, "Like I could leave with you holding me so tight."

Immediately, Moe loosened his grip, and was rewarded when Sondra didn't move away. Instead, she slid her arms around his back before cuddling even closer. Once she was comfortable, asked, "What did you mean about making sure this wasn't a dream this time, and did you mean what you told your mom about me?"

"Yeah, I meant what I told my mom. I've loved you almost from the start, but it changed as we got older. I tried to pretend
things were just the way they were when we were little. That worked for years, but then I started dreaming about you every night."

When Moe's voice trailed off, Sondra started to pull back to look at Moe's face. From the sudden heat of his skin beneath her cheek, she suspected he was blushing. She had no chance to check though. Moe shook his head and held her close. After a couple of attempts, she gave up. Besides, she was curious. After thinking about his words, she couldn't help asking, "Dreamed about me how?"

Moe's skin burned even hotter under he cheek, and Sondra smiled even as Moe paused before admitting, "Like when we fell asleep at your grandma's... but more."