As the cool summer breeze deluded into nothing, Sarah could feel her warm heart pumping faster. And faster. The sun was up high and its merciless rays only accentuated her feelings. Maybe if she waited long enough another breeze would pass.
"Hey," Teddy said beside her, she had forgotten he was there. "uhmmm...."
"Sorry, I must've spaced out there for a second. Could you repeat what you said?"
Teddy scratched the back of his head and then turned away from her. "You serious?"
They sat on a huge rock atop a ridge. The view that manifested when the sky was clear like today was awesome. You could see everything, from the windmills to the waterfalls, and all the farms in between. The entire village.
Sarah took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. It's just, you ought me by surprise." Teddy said nothing. "I... I don't know if I'm there yet."
"I understand," Teddy said too quickly.
Sarah pierced her lips. "Sorry..."
"Is it me?"
"What? No! I'm not saying we would never..."
"Then, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying..." Sarah inhaled deeply. "Why do this Teddy? Why rush things? Why ruin everything?"
Teddy turned to face her, his face as red as the sun overhead. "Excuse me?"
Oops, she shouldn't have said that. Damn, her sharp tongue and quick temper. But she was right, why would he say such things? They were such good friends. And yes, she might've thought of him in another light sometimes. But that... but he... This was all so sudden!
"Sorry..." She looked down at her sandaled feet.
Teddy breathed as well. "Pa asked for help with the cattle today. I should get going."
"No!" Sarah found herself holding his arm. "Stay..."
"I guess I could for a little while longer..."
They sat in silence. Feelings mulling to a point. Every time one would glance at the other they would catch each other's gaze. The game of chicken they played evolved into them looking into each other's eyes. The youths found themselves grinning.
"Why are you smiling?" Teddy asked.
"I don't knowwww." Sarah's palms hid her face. "Damn it, Teddy! I can't say it!"
"You don't have to... I just wanted you to know how I feel."
"Thank you," Silence. "I'm... just not there yet..."
"I understand." This time, Teddy's tone suggested he really did.
"Could you tell me why?"
"Pardon?"
"Could you," Sarah fake coughed. "Elaborate?"
Teddy rolled his eyes, huffed and puffed, then smirked. "Because of your wit. Because of your passion. You... you..." He inched closer. "You put your all into everything you do. You helped me with my soccer practice when you didn't have to. Not only that but you competed! And then yesterday when I was watching you draw, I realized the cute dimples that form only... only when your face is at a certain angle..."
Sarah felt his fingers on her cheek, gentle and comforting.
"Sorry," he took them away. Why? "I thought about this all night, last night. Wondering if I should tell you. It felt so right! I know you agree with me. Remember when we talked about certain truths? I thought this to be one of them. I thought that's what you meant! I really -"
"I love you too." Sarah blurted. Teddy's stunned expression only served to make Sarah more uncomfortable. "Eeeeeeek!" She hid her face again.
When she separated her palms, Teddy had a smile from ear to ear. "Really?"
"What are you stupid!" She slapped his arm. "Sorry!" She patted his arm. Then got angry. "I mean, shame on you!" She slapped his arm again, flinched, sat still.
"Sarah." Teddy inched closer, he was now so close... "I love you."
Universal truths... Sarah exhaled. "I love you too, Teddy."
They kissed, and the world faded into nothingness.
This is the first draft of the story. Written by Jovan Gjorgjiev, ©️ 2023.
Obligatory shout-out to the 🍕PIZZA🍕 gang, 🤙 gang. 🤙
Quick write-up this time around. This scene just came to me this morning while eating breakfast. I don't write romance a lot because I'm a shy boy. But I think I did a good job here. Just a simple scene, but it makes me want to write more in this genre. Hope you folks enjoyed! 👏
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Cover image source.
I hope you have a fantastic day! 🙌
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