Page 138 of Collided

“Marie!” I send her a mean stare—I’m not an expert like Heath but I try regardless. “Why’d you do that?”

She falls back in laughter, her arms curled around her stomach as she watches me between her closed eyes. “I was joking.”

“It was a bad joke. I hope your mom doesn’t believe you.”

“She won’t. Anyway, what is your favorite food?”

“Anything Italian. What about you?”

“Chinese and Thai. I also like Indian.”

“What about dessert?”

A silly smile takes over her face. “Ice cream. What about you—wait I know. Chocolate!”

“Yeah.”

“What’s your favorite color?”

I don’t think. “Blue.”

She smirks. “Like Heath’s eyes, huh?”

Heat brushes over my cheeks. “Not really… I mean…”

There’s no I mean.

I like Heath’s eyes.

It’s the most perfect shade of blue to ever exist.

“No need to hide the truth. You’re starting tolikehim. Admit it.”

My eyes widen. “W-what? No! I—”

She waves her hands in my face. “Don’t lie. Not to me or yourself. Definitely not to yourself. My therapist says the first step to anything is acceptance.”

Trying to distract myself I reach for the mug. I’ve never tried tea before. The only drink that is frequent at my house is alcohol.

Hesitantly, I take a sip. I love it. Eagerly I drink some more.

“I’m trying to understand what I feel. Feelings are complicated.”

“Then let’s un-complicate them together.” Marie picks up her mug and clinks it against mine.

“How?”

“Well, how do you feel when he’s close to you?”

“Safe.”

Marie nods in agreement. “That’s a perfect start. What else do you feel?”

“Comfort.”

“Keep going.”

“I also get butterflies.”

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