Page 87 of Here's to Now

We’re sitting on the steps of a closed shop. Haley’s planted a step above me, tracing her fingers across my back, drawing hearts and writing outI love you, though I don’t think I’m supposed to know that.

A smile slips out. She loves me. She fuckinglovesme. How in the hell did I get so lucky with her? How was I able to find her? I don’t deserve her, but I want her. Ineedher.

And I fucking love her too.

I spin around and rest my knees against the steps so I’m eye level with her. She leans back at the sudden movement. Then, with a mischievous grin, she regains herself and inches closer. I lean in until my lips are mere inches from hers, breathe in her unique scent, and descend. My lips meet hers and I tell her I love her in the best way I can right now. I give back every letter she drew on my back with the gentle sweeps of my tongue against hers. Then I give her more, promising to love her forever, always.

Somehow, in this dark and dreary world I live in, I found light. I found hope. I found Haley.

I kiss away all my doubts, all my anger, all my regrets. I kiss away anything bad and focus on the now. Here. With Haley. I have to; it’s what will keep me going.

A passerby clears their throat and I, regrettably, pull my lips from hers. She smirks up at me.

“Can’t resist me, huh, Addams?”

“Never,” I tell her, not daring to pretend otherwise.

A spark flashes in her eyes as she stands, dusting off the backs of her leggings. She sticks her hand out to me, much like I did earlier, and says, “Come on.”

---