No, We Are Not A Couple

Prologue

Amanda

"Hey, Manda! I'll be ready in a sec." I nod and smile. It's the last say of junior year, and I'm picking up Leo. He's alway ready after me. He runs upstairs, and while I wait, I look at the pictures on the wall. There's one for every year of school, starting with seventh grade. Each one is of Leo and I. Our mothers insisted getting one every year to show our age progression, and I admit, I hated the idea then, but it is kinda cool to see now.

Seventh grade: Leo and I have our arms around each other, grinning at the camera. God, puberty hit us hard. Pimple galore on my face, and a wide, new body. I still had pigtails in my hair, and a graphic tee on. Leo's wearing jeans and a hoodie. The background is the middle school.

Eighth grade: Leo and I are standing apart this year. We had gotten teased for being friends. Kids can be cruel, especially when the idea of dating is starting to come around. So we stood apart, not touching. My hair is down now, with considerably less pimple. Body is smaller. I have on a track hoodie from the previous spring, and ripped capri. Leo has on a cross country shirt and sweats. 

Ninth grade: Leo and I are sitting on the top bar of the swing in my yard. My tongue is out, and Leo is laughing. We look so much more comfortable, and our arms are brushing. You can see the shape of my figure is nearly the same as it is now, minus a few muscles in my legs. Third year of track and cross country together. My hair is tied into a pony. Around my arms is a blue cardigan on a white cropped top. My black leggings slide under the grey Ugg boots. Leo has on a heathered maroon shirt and dark jeans. 

Tenth grade: We're in Leo's yard this time, me on his shoulders. He's grinning like mad, and I'm giving my best smile, terrified as I was. My hands are gripping his shoulders tightly, and his hands rest on my feet. It was a hot day, so we both have on shorts. Mine a light denim, and his black basketball style. My shirt is a pale purple cold shoulder, and his a loose pale blue tank.

Eleventh grade: This year. I'm on Leo's back this time, in front of the high school. I'm wearing and grey crop top and white jeans. My hair's up in a lose bun, and my head rests on Leo's shoulder. I'm beaming like no tomorrow. Leo has on the purple hoodie I bought him, wearing it like a medal. The sleeves are pushed up, and he's got on blue jeans. My legs are wrapped tightly around his torso, just above his waist. My arms are around his neck as I pull his head to mine. He's smiling, happy, so happy. 

I trace the empty frame where twelfth grade will go.

"Hey, I'm ready." I glance up and see Leo. We head for the door when I see his backpack.

"Wait." I grab it and hand it him. He grins sheepishly.

"Thanks, Manda. You're the best."

"Nah." I shrug. "Not really." Leo gives me a look. "I'm not! Quick looking at me like that, lion." 

"Oh, A." Leo sets the bag down and crosses to me. He hugs me tightly, so warm and comfortable. My heart pounds, and I don't understand why. This is Leo, reliable and steady and my best friend. I'm constantly denying the fact that we're together and that I have any interest in him at all, but.. then what is this?

This warm, amazingly sugar sweet feeling that I want more of. But that's not possible. I love Leo, but in a 'best friend' sort of way. So.. what is this? Why do I feel this? And the one thing circling me..

Does he feel this?

A/N

Here ya go. Prologue. 

The photo idea is something I've had it my head for awhile now, so here it is.