Page 43 of Faking Forever 1
That’ll probably be all that gets me out of bed for the next god knows how long. Whatever the feeling is when people say they get butterflies is something I have yet to experience until now. I feel like every moment with her before was me watching her through a window. The view inside the house is much different.
“Walk with me?” I lift my head to meet her eyes, holding my hand for hers.
Accepting my offer, she slips her small fingers between mine, then grabs my forearm with her other hand.
It’s so easy to succumb to this version of life with Paisley. The many times it came across my mind, I denied that it could be true. I have this fear that if I told her how I truly felt, she wouldmake fun of me. I know what I see, and I know I’d like to believe that the feelings are mutual, but there’s always going 100
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to be that off chance that she only likes the idea of us. The real thing would be too much.
There were many people who had the same idea as us: to leave the fair and walk to the boardwalk. It was crowded but not out of this world. The food was much better down here, and so was the view of the sunset. I also wanted to take her to our favorite place when we were much younger.
“Remember that? Where they make ‘em into little animals?”
I point a finger at a cotton candy store lit up in bright yellow neon.
“Of course I do. You used to get the giraffe one every time.
Then Rich would tell you they’ll make you taller.” she beams, starting to laugh.
“He wasn’t entirely wrong.” I smile, walking us over to the counter to order
I got the Dolphin in blue and large so we could share it. Pea must’ve been preying on it because the second the guy gave it to me across the counter, she dug her little fingers right in.
“Dolphins were always my favorite,” she says quietly as she nibbles on a piece.
“Yeah, I can see that hasn’t changed,” I respond, letting her have at it.
We continue walking until we find a bench to sit on. Sitting down, I rest my arm on the back of the bench, watching her sit snug beside me, nibbling her candy.
“So my dad wants me to go with him on a camping trip in a week or so…” my words linger as I stare at her.
“You like that stuff. Why don’t you sound excited?” she asks, looking back at me.
“It’s with Darcy and her dad,” I add, last minute.
Paisley’s face scrunched in disgust.
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“She’s probably gonna bring Nick too, and if I have to tolerate watching them grope each other while I’m alone for three entire days, I may not be mentally stable when we return.” I chuckle.
“So, who’s the lucky girl that gets to hang out with you?”
she asks meekly, suddenly sounding somber.
“You, Pea.” I lean my head forward, trying to grab her attention. “You make me feel level-headed. And it’s a chance for us to do something together.” I lower my voice, “Just us.
Alone time.”
She examines my face, setting the candy down.
“Even if I can’t be cordial with them?”
“Since when were you a pushover?”
