I see him, pulling my arm forcing me to face him as the rain patters down.

“I’m sorry!” He shouts as the pattering becomes stronger on the cold cement driveway.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I ask, cold drops trickling down my face.

“Because I didn’t. . .” He pauses, moving his eyes to where the rain lands. “I didn’t want to hurt you.”

He lifts his head, his black eyes locking on mine.

A gust of wind blows the rain against my cheek, “Colin, you were behind the wheel of the car that killed my mom,” my voice breaks as I speak, “What do you expect?”

Colin shakes his head, his wet hair falling across his forehead, “I don’t know . . . You’re different Mya.”

I’m about to swirl around and walk away when a question burst out of me.

“How long have you known?’ I ask, rain pasting my shirt to my back. “How long have you known about me?”

Colin shifts his eyes to the trees behind us, “I’ve known since I first met you.”

His eyes come back to mine, “And I’m telling you because. . . I love you.”

Colin’s words sting like a knife pricing my heart. He tells me that he’s the one that killed my mother, and then he tells me he loves me.

“You . . .” Colin whispers as rain drips off his chin, “You make me feel sick, and for the first time I love being sick.”

My heart flutters in my chest as I stare into Colin’s brown eyes.

…………………………………

“Mya!” My boss yells at me, “Stop dreaming, and start working!”