In love with my best friend

Hidden in plain sight

I know the stories that start with "Once Upon a Time" are supposed to have the best endings. But what if I met my perfect somebody? You know the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. I know curses don't exist but sometimes it feels like I have been. I'm sixteen and I'm in serious like with my best friend. Being a junior in high school I haven't had my first kiss or boyfriend for that matter. But trust me when I say I've had the biggest crush on the same guy since kindergarten. I call him Gray but his real name is Grayson and he's my best friend. But that's not all I want him to be. I've been hiding my feelings for 11 years and our friendship has grown so much during that time I can't risk it. Though being around his girlfriends that's tough. But I figured it out I've made it work for the both of us Wednesdays are for us. We hang out just the two of us on Wednesdays and every other day he gets to spend with his girlfriend or whoever else he wants and I can focus on not focusing on him.

Grayson: Bella what's taking you so long?

Izabella: Sorry got lost in my mind for a minute.

Grayson: You okay?

Izabella: Yeah, I'm fine.

I walked out of the kitchen with a bowl of popcorn for our movie night.

Grayson: Bella what's wrong?

Izabella: Nothing Gray, I'm fine just thinking a little to hard.

Grayson: About what?

Izabella: Nothing important.

I sat the popcorn on the table.

Grayson: Bella we don't keep secrets you know that. 11 years I know when something is wrong.

Izabella: It's nothing just a guy who doesn't know I exist.

Grayson: That proves he's not the guy for you, anyone who doesn't notice you isn't worth it.

Izabella: You're obligated to say that.

Grayson: No I'm not.

What's happening??

Izabella: Yeah you are, that's what friends do they tell one another that if the guy or girl doesn't notice them then they aren't worth it.

Grayson: And what if I was more than just a friend.

Izabella: You are, you're my best friend.

Grayson: Yeah... best friend see that's more than a friend prove I'm not obligated.

Izabella: If you say so. So what movie are we watching?

Grayson: I figured we could watch the tv show you keep talking about.

Izabella: You're actually gonna watch it with me?

Grayson: One time offer going once, twice.

Izabella: Press play already.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Longest title for a show I've ever heard but best show I've ever watched. I kept bugging Grayson to watch it with me after I watched the first episode but he said "No." Until now, he never budged after he said no. That's how it's always been he says "no" we move past it. We got through two or three episodes before I fell asleep. We've been friends for so long at this point I can just stay at his house when I want to. So I woke up in his room with his arms around me. Sure we share a bed but never this closely. I slowly pushed him away and got out of bed. I found my shoes and my book bag and walked home. I quickly ran upstairs and took a shower, got dressed and went down for breakfast. My dog Stitch ran up to me and gave me kisses. I sat down and had breakfast with him and then started on my way to school. I walk everywhere so I have to leave a little earlier than most but I make it work. Gray has a car but I distance myself for a reason I can't explain to him. He thinks I walk to make sure I don't rely on anyone. Because I need to rely on myself more. And that's partially true but it's also partially false. Anyway I got to school and did homework in the homeroom until I had to go to my first period. I did what I usually do, blend it and make it through the day and then I move on. I ran into Grayson on my way to the free period which never happens. But today it did.

Grayson: Hey, why'd you leave so early?

Izabella: Hi, I needed some fresh air.

Grayson: You sure everything's okay?

Izabella: It will be I've just got to get over him first.

Grayson: Who is this mystery guy?

Izabella: The whole point is for him to remain a mystery. I've got free period should probably catch up on some work.

Grayson: I do too, library.

Izabella: Sure, How's Parker?

Grayson: I wouldn't know, broke up with her last week.

Izabella: Oh, sorry Gray.

Grayson: Don't be, it was mutual. But you know being a cheerleader she told them she broke up with me.

Izabella: Winch!

Grayson: Hey, I've got my eyes on someone else anyway.

Izabella: Oh?

Another girl, another girlfriend to convince I'm not trying to take her "man." Which isn't entirely true nor false. We made it to the library and sat across from one another. I started pre-cal and he started on english. Eventually we switched and then I caught him staring at me.

Izabella: What?

Grayson: Huh?

Izabella: That's the third time I've caught you staring , what are you looking at?

Grayson: Nothing.

Izabella: Is there something on my face?

I took my phone out of my pocket and checked to make sure nothing was on my face because that would be totally embarrassing. And not in the cute way.

Grayson: No, I-it's nothing.

Izabella: Gray? What's gotten into you lately?

Grayson: I should be asking you that.

Izabella: I told you it's just a guy.

Grayson: And mine is just a girl who probably doesn't like me.

Izabella: You won't know until you try. Ask her, what's the worst that could happen?

Grayson: Too much.

Izabella: If you say so Gray. I think if she's that important to you or if you like her that much you'll tell her when the time feels right.

Grayson: Yeah, if the time feels right.

I smiled trying to make him feel better and hide the fact I was slightly dying inside as I do every time he gets a new girlfriend. He's had three since we've been friends but he married me in kindergarten. We celebrate it every year as our friendaversary with a tiny cake. It's nice, it's us, but his former significant others get mad cause sometimes their anniversary lands on ours and he chooses me even when I tell him it's okay not to. But he always chooses me and maybe that's part of the appeal. He's the only one who chose me, other than Nova. She's my girl best friend, the only one who knows about my major crush catastrophe. Once every year for the four years I've known her I get to dehydrate myself by crying over Gray. She gets it, but doesn't really know how to help. The bell rang

Izabella: Gotta jet, pre-cal is calling my name.

Grayson: Come over later?

Izabella: Can't.

Grayson: Why not?

Izabella: Nova and I are hanging out.

Grayson: What if I have a little get together, you, me, Jaxson and Nova?

Izabella: I'll ask no promises.

Grayson: Get going you're gonna be late.