The Invisible Silver Lining [CURRENTLY BEING EDITED]

Chapter 25

The doorbell rings. Sharon stands up from our mystery murder game to get it. "You guys keep playing, I'll get it." She says as she walks over to the door. Today is Valentine's Day. Yolo, Mandy, Sharon, Becky and I are all gathered together for a girl's Sunday night. Sharon planned tonight, as she usually does. I know we're going to eat sugary sweet foods, watch sappy romance movies and, like we're doing now, play Games. I hear Sharon call out, "Emilee? Its for you." I walk over to the front door and peek my head around the corner, past Sharon. Xander's standing outside, wearing a blue sweater, a scarf and a black hat as well as some black jeans. What is he doing here? When Xander sees me his eyes brighten. "Emilee." He says, speaking quietly, yet imploringly. "I need, I need you to come outside with me for a sec. Please. I know you're doing something, but, please. This can't wait until tomorrow." I nod, intrigued, and walk through the front door. I close the door as Sharon looks at me curiously. I shrug and the door clicks shut.

Its so peaceful out here. A crescent of a moon hangs in the sky as the stars dace around it on a velvet black stage. I breathe in the cool crisp air. Xander stands next to me. I turn to face him, watching as he rubs his neck nervously. As I lean against the railing of the front porch, I rub my arms. Now, I'm starting to get cold. Xander sees me shiver and slips his sweater up and over his head. He stands in front of me and gently puts it on me. I smile softly up at him. Xander slowly takes his hand, which was resting on my shoulder, and cups the left side of my face with it. I can hear my heart pound faster.

"Emilee?" He asks as he gently, sweetly, softly, strokes my cheek with his thumb. I make my eyes meet his. His sparkling blue orbs light up my world tonight. They're so close that they are all I can think of at the moment.

"Y-yes?" I breathe out quietly as my brain struggles to form the words. He smiles, yet his eyes are serious. "I'm sorry for interupting your night, but I meant what I said. I just couldn't wait until tomorrow to talk to you." He opens his mouth to continue and I know now is the time for me to be completely silent. "I've told you before what you are to me. But, now that I've spent more time with you, I know that my feelings are different." He takes a breath, pauses for what seems like a lifetime, and keeps going. "You are, you're everything to me Em. I love being near you, thinking about you, talking to you. And, I would love," his voice drops to a whisper. "I would love for us to become more than friends. I know two months ago you said you weren't ready. But," he takes my hands in his. "That was some time ago. And... I'm hoping, desperately Em, that you will accept me now. If, if it helps, I want you to know. I-I love you. More than anyone could possibly love anyone. I love you, so much. You have no idea just what you mean to me." His voice is shaky as he draws to a close. "And I mean that. I love you, I love you, I love you. You've corrupted me so that I can no longer go a minute without thinking of you."

I pull my eyes away from his intoxicating gaze. I'm completely and utterly speechless. What do I say to him? What do I say to this?!

After a couple minutes he says softly, pleadingly, "Say something. Please." I slowly pull my eyes back up to his. Please don't take this wrong.

"I won't say, 'I love you' back because I don't. But... I'm willing to try and see if I eventually will." His eyes fill up with hope. "Is that a yes?" I chuckle. "Yes Xander. That's a yes." His smile reaches to the heavens and back. Cautiously he leans forward and rests his forehead on mine. He whispers, "You've just made me the happiest man in the world." I laugh, "You know those are words used after acceptance of a marriage proposal right?" He's dead serious as he responds. "Well this is just as serious to me as an acceptance of a marriage proposal." His warm, pale, and gorgeous lips plant a kiss lovingly on my forehead before saying, "Thankyou."