Page 22 of Protector

I never used to think about Bonnie like that. Not for years.

She has always been almost like a little sister to me. Someone I needed to keep safe, to protect. To make her laugh when she was sad, or listen to her when she needed to rant.

I have always been her constant. And though I know her feelings for me have grown, she was always just my best friend.

But recently, things have changed for me too.

I started to really notice the way she looked at me. I started to listen to her problems as an outsider, not as someone who had grown up with her.

I started to get irked at other girls when they came to talk to me at school, when the drunken girl from the party would look at me and remind me of that kiss.

Bonnie is always in the back of my mind.

Then I would think about how I’d feel if it was the other way around and she was talking to boys. And a wave of jealousy I don’t think I have ever experienced before would swim through my veins.

I’ve always been greatly aware that I’m two years older than her. That, even now, she is only fourteen. But something snapped inside me today when I could faintly hear her and King’s conversation. And somehow, I’d come to the conclusion that this was it. It’s time she finally knows I like her back.

I’ll still be her constant, her protector. But this time, it’s going to be her as my girl, not just my friend.

I know I’ll need to be careful around Carlo, but I’ll find a way for us to be together.

Those few seconds of my lips on hers were better than any fairy tale could give her.

And now I can give her a whole new version of reality.

Bon,

I’m sorry if I scared you, but I couldn’t pretend any longer.

I’ll always protect you, and I’ll always be your best friend. But I also want to be more than that. You don’t have to be a Lost Boy anymore, Bonnie. I’ve got you.

Second star on the right…

Till Neverland,

Puck

Iran.

I don’t know why, I can’t explain it.

Kissing Puck is all I’ve ever wanted. I want to be in his arms. I want him to want me. I want him to kiss me.

I have since the moment I laid eyes on him, since the moment I started reading romance books.

But I did it all wrong.

I got the kiss, and instead of going in for another, or holding his hand or smiling up at him. I ran away.

Because I’m scared.

Running into my bedroom, I slam the door shut behind me and press myself against it, trying to catch my breath.

He kissed me. Puck kissed me.

I bring my fingertips to my lips, gently brushing them over the moisture that still resides on my bottom lip.

My stomach is twisting, my heart is palpitating, and my head is spinning.

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