“You know, she really likes you.”

“Of course she does. We’re best friends.”

“No, dude. She likes likes you. You know…” Tim nudged his friend. “…she wants you to be her boyfriend.”

“As if.” Simon laughed.

Madison was walking by, but had not seen her two friends.

“Hey Madi!”

Madison turned to face the boys. She smiled as she approached.

Simon nudged Tim as he said, “This bonehead thinks that you like me. As in like like. Can you believe that?”

Madison turned bright red. She glared at Tim. Then she turned to Simon with a smile. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She turned to Tim again and shot him a look.

Tim thought, “If looks could kill…” He turned to Simon. “Okay. So if Madi say turned red or made puppy dog eyes whenever you were around, you wouldn’t think anything of that.” He glanced at Madison, who was now red with rage instead of embarrassment. He snickered and was glad that he was far enough away that she could not kick his shins.

Simon smiled. “Nah. Look, she’s red now, but she looks like she’d rather strangle you than do anything with me.”

Tim chuckled. “Well, that’s definitely true. And so observant. But you know, you’re the only one in the whole wide world who calls her Madi. She corrects everybody else and says, ‘It’s Madison.’”

“Sure, but that doesn’t mean…”

“And she’s the only one who calls you Sye. You have little pet names for each other.”

Simon looked like he might be starting to see the light. He said, “Hey, that’s right. Nobody calls me Sye but you, and nobody calls you Madi but me.” He looked right at Madison. “Does that mean you like like me?”

Madison looked at Tim. He could see that her red, mad look was gone. Her eyes were wide. She looked like a trapped animal looking for an escape. Tim provided one. He looked at his friend. “Nah. You got it right the first time. Madison’s just your best friend.” He nudged his friend and winked. “If it turns into more, she’ll make sure to let you know. Unless you let her know first. You know. If it turns into more for you.” He winked again.

Madison let out a deep breath. Simon smiled.

Simon looked at Madison. He seemed to be studying her. Tim noticed that she was turning red again. Just a little. Simon finally said, “I will definitely let you know. But you gotta let me know if you like like me first.”

Madison just nodded her head.

Simon looked at his watch. “Oh shoot. I gotta go. See ya.” He turned and left without looking back.

Madison hit Tim hard on his shoulder.

“Ow! What was that for?”

“You know exactly what that was for.”

Tim smiled. “No. I told you. He doesn’t have a clue that you like him. Even though the signs are right in front of him.”

“So you decided to tell him. You told him that I liked him even though I told you not to.”

Tim laughed. “Of course I did. I told you he would only believe it if it came from your mouth. After all, he might be both our best friend, but he is still oblivious. He is after all, just simple Simon.”

Austin was like a walking mystery. His late nights at the office had become a regular occurrence, and I'd started to wonder if he was secretly moonlighting as a superhero. You know, the kind who saves the world while the rest of us are binge-watching Netflix and lazily eating Ben and Jerry straight from the carton.

One evening, he stumbled through the door, looking like he'd wrestled with a tornado. His shirt was wrinkled, his tie hung on for dear life, and his hair—usually styled to perfection—had given up entirely. I rushed to him, concern etching lines on my forehead. "oh, my poor baby! What happened?" I asked, my heart doing cartwheels

His sunflower eyes met mine, and I swear, I nearly melted right there in the middle of the kitchen. "Susanna," he said in that low husky voice that I always found so incredibly sexy. "I've been working on something big. Something that will change everything."

My finger traced the faint hickey on his neck as I eyed him skeptically. "This?" I pointed. "Who—"

"You," he interrupted, cupping my face and tucking a strand of blonde hair behind my ear,. "Remember the other night? We were play wrestling, and then we… Well, you know…’’ he smiled seductively and winked at me before wrapping his muscular arms around my waist.

I blinked. Had I really forgotten? Maybe my blonde hair was to blame—it tangled my thoughts as much as it tangled in the wind. "I'm sorry," I whispered. I lowered my blue eyes to the floor before glancing back up at him guiltily.

Austin's lips brushed mine. "Don't be. Elizabeth's wrong. I'm not cheating. I'm building a future—for us."

Elizabeth, my best friend, had her own theories. She believed Austin was either cheating or working undercover for the CIA. "Girl," she'd said, "no one works that late without a reason. Except cheaters. And Batman. ‘’

Elizabeth thought she was so intelligent. But I saw right through her accusations. I knew in my heart she was just jealous because her boyfriend had dumped her months prior and now she was all alone. She thought she could move in on my man. But I refused to let her in accurate assumptions get to me. I knew in my heart that Austin was different. So what if he was a little mysterious? That’s what made him who he was. And it was one of the many reasons I loved him so unconditionally.

As we swayed to imaginary music, I wondered about our love story. Perhaps it was like a hickey—a mark left by stolen moments, a promise etched into skin.

Either way, I decided to embrace it. After all, who needed a boring and predictable relationship when you could have an enigma? As Austin held me close, I whispered, "You're all mine."

And he grinned, that mischievous glint still in his eyes. "And you're the luckiest girl in the world."

A form of long-distance relationship gift to my world. I love ya 🖤

She's the girl with eyes as blue as the summer sky, and I'm the boy who can't look away.

She's got a world of riches, but her heart is her greatest treasure.

With her golden blonde hair, she's like a ray of sunshine that brightens my darkest days.

Her soft lips speak words that dance like poetry in my heart.

I'm falling for her, though I tried not to, but every moment with her makes me love her even more.

She's my muse, my inspiration, the one who fills my thoughts and dreams.

For me, love isn't just a feeling; it's her, the girl who's turned my world upside down.

I'll remember the day I fell for her, and how she, like an angel, caught my soul. 🖤🖤🖤

I know it wasn't that good but anyway I love ya idiot 🖤

A form of a long-distance gift for my world. I love ya, I love ya, I love ya.

                    🖤🖤🖤

Imagine a boy. He’s got everything he needs. A good family, love to give. Black hair, chocolate eyes. Soft lips, sweet words…

You were falling for him. But he didn’t want to notice. He ignored your bright signs. Playing oblivious to the words.

You tried not to fall. Over and over again. But not wanting to love- Made you love him more.

He turned away… You thought you’d fall hard. With no one to catch you- It was as certain as day.

Until…

He spun around, a grin on his face. He reached out, catching you. He held you close in his warmth. In all his light you stood-

Superman in disguise. Metal-clad Ironman, save the day. Rush in and keep the monsters away.

A god on Earth- May the angels sing in agony… For a boy who gave his everything to a mortal like me.

May the Heavens sing by day. And weep by night… For you are my sunshine.

May all the world remember; A girl who fell hard in love. And the angel who caught her.

Love is not but a feeling- But a person. 🖤

I almost had him, I almost was satisfied. I almost smiled a genuine smile. I almost laughed a genuine laugh. It just never happened. I almost won. I almost felt okay. I almost talked without panicking. I almost felt loved. I almost had someone to trust. I almost had enough confidence to be myself. I almost lost it all. I almost kept a few of my friends. Almost. It is the most heart shattering, mind breaking, word. Because she almost believed in love. She almost had love. He almost fell for her. She almost made it out of her head. She was almost enough for others. Never was one hundred percent.

She almost survived.

The war was raging around me as I held my sword in both hands, I had been placed at the back of the garrison so I might have to wait a bit until I can get into the fight. Up at the front of the army I could see my brother Hector shouting commands to the rest of the Trojans. I couldn’t really hear him from back here, but other heralds regaled his orders so I didn’t need to. Suddenly the men in front of me were charging forward and I hurried along behind them trying to keep ahold of my sword. As we spread out I caught the sight of Greek armour glinting ahead of me and being cut down. We had the advantage now that Achilles was no longer in the picture and we cut through their ranks like butter. I still hadn’t fought anyone and my heart was pumping with blood lust, so I pushed forward towards the front ranks. I reached the battle where swords clashed and bodies dropped around me. Looking up I tried to find a Greek to attack and that was when I saw him, Menelaus, my sworn enemy. He was killing Trojan after Trojan coming straight towards me. I stripped my sword tighter my blood boiling, I could take him. Then he looked at me, blood shining on his sword. I can’t take him I backed away letting the other warriors make a barrier between us. Though I didn’t know how long that would last so I turned tail and fled.

I looked up as someone roared my name almost falling over in my fear it would be Menelaus. ‘PARIS’ it was Hector and he looked livid. ‘You sex-craved seducer you should never have been born, then you would not have made us the laughing stock of the Greeks. The Trojans are too soft you should have been stoned to death long ago.’ I hung my head in shame at his words and nodded my head ‘you are right of course Hector you always are.’ I couldn’t bear to have disappointed my brother so much and cast my mind on how to fix my cowardice. ‘Let me and Menelaus meet in the centre of the two sides and fight where the winner can take back all the property.’ Hectors face lit up and the prospect and he immediately swooped to the front of the ranks to inform the Greeks.

And that is how I found myself in a circle of friends and foes about to battle Menelaus to the death. I hurdled my spear at him but it simply hit Menelaus shield and did no damage, I cursed to myself and watched as Menelaus did the same move and I swerved out the way avoiding death by inches. By the time I caught my breath I realised Menelaus was right beside me and swung his sword which thank the gods broke on my helmet. But that was short lived as I then found myself being dragged by my helmet strap back towards the Greek side. I struggled as the pressure on my neck was choking me. I was doomed I knew it I accepted fate, then I felt my strap break and I gasped for air struggling to my feet where I found myself back in my room with my beautiful wife.

“Happy Valentine’s Day!” He said handing her a rose. “It’s so pretty!” She said admiring the pink rose in her hand. “So… what do you think about it?” He said timidly. “I think it’s a really nice rose, who is it for?” “The rose is for you pretty girl; I really like you.” “Oh!” She said with surprise. “I really like you too, and I would love to go out with you.”

"I really like you and was womdering if...if you want to be more than friends."

"Ya, you can be my best friend."

"No, like...date."

"Oh ok. When? I'm busy this weekend but as of right now any time but that is ok."

"No! Like do you want to be my girlfriend!?"

"We are friends."

"Do you want to be boyfriend and girlfriend? Like dating. Because you're so pretty, you're teeth are like pearls in a perfectly straight line. You're bown hair is so soft and wavy. I love you. Do you love me too?"

"Oh! Thats what you meant!"

"Ya so-"

"Yes i love you! Ill be you'regirlfriend, id be happy too!"

“God, take the wheel because I need both my hands to strangle some son of a bitch,” Bobbi Lynn said to the Beltway traffic. She weaved around slower moving cars on Connecticut Avenue. Lighting a Virginia Slims with her Lynyd Skynyd Bic, she cut off a tv repair van. Technically Cayden couldn’t yell about her being late since she was only running seventeen minutes behind. Minding her Tropical Passion acrylics Bobbi Lynn cracked open a Jolt.

It had been another long night with Emma. How can someone so tiny make such a big noise? She turned the radio dial from the news to her favorite radio show. She didn’t need anymore nightmares. Bobbi Lynn thought rubbing at her temple. Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” came on the WKAZ. If only John would help just a little. It’s 2002 not 1902, she said to herself until the chorus kicked in. Bobbi Lynn was singing full out as she turned onto Aspen Hill Road.

Up ahead was her favorite Mobil gas station with the always fresh coffee and the cheese danishes big as her face. Past the honking of a newspaper delivery truck Bobbi Lynn pulled into the station and up to pump three. In a form fitted fuchsia pantsuit with strappy heels Bobbi Lynn headed inside for assorted pastries. Bobbi Lynn noticed a 1990s blue Chevy among her company’s 2001 Hondas.

Her pager dinged. Hot Lips get your sweet tush to the office ASAP the insurance paperwork is all screwed up on those Hyundais out of Fayetteville, the text read. Frosting drizzled flaky desserts glistened in the station’s front windows. Bobbi Lynn looked with sugar tinged sadness and headed back to her station wagon. She backed up one handed out the gas station. A cacophony of horns and expletives floated behind her wagon. A car backfired behind her she thought. The car rang aloud with Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” Bobbi Lynn sang all the way to the office. Her day was looking up.

Brett took one last look in the mirror, checking his silk shirt for wrinkles. He smelled the shirt, satisfied with the cologne he had picked.

As he walked out the bathroom door, he glanced back. Still spotless. A gleaming white toilet, fresh soap in the shower, and no toothpaste stains.

He paced around the apartment, waiting for her to ring the doorbell. It was 5:05. She should be here any minute. He uncorked the expensive bottle of red he had bought for this, and set it between the two wine glasses on the counter.

He walked back to his room again to check his bed for stains, even though he knew he had put clean sheets on this morning. He smelled his pillow. It still smelled like the peony laundry detergent he used. Everything was in order, there was nothing to stress about. He had done this countless times. —————— Melanie rifled through her closet, frantically reaching around for the 3rd time. She huffed in frustration. It wasn’t there.

She checked the time on her phone. 5:05. Shit. She hated being late. She sighed and closed the closet door.

She looked at herself in the mirror. She wore her favorite black sweatpants and sweatshirt. She pulled out her ponytail and redid it, taming the flyaways. Even though this was just a sleepover, she still wanted to look good. First impressions were everything.

She put on her sneakers and gathered up the other board games she had pulled out of her closet, stuffing them into empty grocery bags she had lying around. Life was her favorite game. She was bummed that she couldn’t find it, but she’d settle for Monopoly. She was really excited to play with Brett. They had talked at work about how they both loved board games. They had a lot in common.

She had had trouble making friends lately. When he invited her over this weekend, she was giddy. Finally, she had hope that things would change.

She walked by the kitchen on her way out and added the boxed wine she had left on the counter into one of the bags. He had asked her what kind of wine she liked and she had joked around and said boxed. He had texted back with a laughing emoji and said sure, and that he’d get some other options too. She was sure this was gonna be a fun inside joke later on.

She drove over to Brett’s apartment and put in the code to the building he had given her. She walked up, one grocery bag in each hand, and knocked on the door with her foot.

Brett opened the door. He was wearing a black silk shirt, unbuttoned halfway, and well-fitted dark jeans. She dropped the bags in shock. He never dressed up like this at work.

“I-uh, I like your pants.” She said awkwardly. His eyebrows were raised in surprise too as he glanced down at her. He scratched the back of his head and laughed just as awkwardly.

“Uhh, thanks.” He replied. They stood there silently for a few seconds.

“I brought Monopoly.” Melanie said cautiously, as she picked up one of the grocery bags.

“Sounds fun!” Brett said, trying to hide his disappointment with forced enthusiasm. Melanie noticed, but tried to talk over her embarrassment.

“Come on, it’ll be fun. Let’s break out the boxed wine and we can just chill and, you know, uh, have some fun,” She repeated. Realizing what she said, she quickly added, “You know, because Monopoly is fun, ‘cause of the properties and stuff. Can’t wait to bankrupt you!” She said, forcing a laugh.

“Yeah, totally.” Brett said. “Come on in.“ He gestured inside. She picked up the other bag and followed, keeping her head down, not wanting him to see her cheeks flush with embarrassment.