Page 59 of Glad You Exist

Rubbing her back, I do my best with every gentle squeeze and whisper of assurance to let her know that she's not alone, to let her know she is safe.

Because damn it, she is.

Not just because I’m never going to fucking leave her again but because I suspect the other two feel just as strongly as I do. We failed each other before and we learned from it.

I don't need to look at them to feel the love and protective energy radiating from Kim and Kyle right now.

What happened between us didn't destroy us like it should have.

Instead, it only strengthened our bond and friendship.

We have each other for life.

Liz’s gasping sobs turn into gentle cries and her body starts to slack, the heaviness in her easing with each slow and staggering breath she takes until she finally stops crying altogether.

It takes her a few minutes to compose herself, and when Liz gently pushes herself off my chest, a tissue box materializes from Kim's direction.

Liz mumbles a soft thank you. She’s patting her cheeks and nose when her head shoots up. She looks up at me, apparently realizing just how close we are to each other.

Her cheeks turn a soft pink, and she eases off my lap, back onto the other side of the couch.

Kyle snorts, once again breaking the tension.

I'm still reeling from feeling her break down in my arms to notice that Kim is getting started.

"Too late Elizabeth." Kim scoffs as she leans over to brush Liz’s hair out of her face.

I forget how motherly and protective Kim had been of Liz before. These last few weeks have reminded me of just how much.

Liz is the only one out of the four of us born a different year.

Kyle's birthday is in June, Kim's in August and mine is in November.

Liz’s birthday is in January and so for now, she’s a year younger than us although we’re only months apart.

Patting Liz’s head, Kim throws me a smirk.

"Still can't believe it took you six years."

Liz rubs her eyes, a frown playing on her lips. "What do you mean?"

Kim glances back at me. She must not understand the look I'm trying to convey which isAbort! Abort now!because she just tilts her head and shrugs. That damned smirk still firmly on her face.

"To tell you that he's in love with you?"

I groan because that's the only thing I can do right now. I rock my head back on the couch just as I feel Liz turn slowly to me. I hazard a look at her.

The impact of what Kim said and what happened earlier slowly dawns on her.

Thanks, Kim.Thanks a lot.

I hope Kim gets this message as I glare at her.

Kyle intercepts the message and shoots up to his feet.

He tries to wrangle Kim out the door, but she stammers, her eyebrows shooting up.

"Good going babe. You gave him the gift of confessing for his birthday."

---