My Best Friend's Brother

"All week, you've been on my mind, and I can't make it go away. Finally, after suffering in silence for so long at the thought of your lips, your laugh, and your smile..." Aaron trailed off, his eyes roamed my face. "All week?" I scoffed pulling away.

"I've been in love with you for twenty years!"

"We've been friends since childhood, and I've accepted that we're just not meant to be. I've tried to move on and you encouraged me to follow my dreams. I just... I didn't know that my dream was you."

. ✧ .

Bethany grew up in a small town in rural Alabama. Her older brother and her best friend had been the only closest people to her for years. Until they all graduated together and went their separate ways. Struggling to stay in touch with one another with their developing, adult lives.

Years ago Bethany had fallen head over heels in love with the most popular guy in town, Aaron Russel. But confessing her feelings had always been something she would never do. After all Aaron was her best friend's brother who never gave Bethany a second thought. Or so she thought.

Bethany had always been the typical nerdy girl without any fashion sense. Aaron was the complete opposite.

Aaron throughout school was the class clown, football quarterback with dozens of friends that hung onto his every word. Girls at his beck and call. And high school only enriched his popularity.

And now almost a decade later they all have the opportunity to see each other again at their ten year high school reunion. Now Bethany had the chance to show everyone she grew up with how much she changed. Her thriving career out of state finally gaining confidence and sophistication transforming into a whole new woman.

It took them some time to realize what they wanted and what they needed in life. And it took them even more time to confess who they were truly in love with.