“I love you!”

Emily takes a step back, her face pale and her eyes wide.

_Oh, God, I knew I shouldn’t have said that._

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“I’m sorry!” I blurt, my entire prepared monologue flying into space. “I just… I knew I’d regret if I didn’t say it right now, and…” I sigh. I knew I shouldn’t have. Why would I do something so stupid?

Emily pushed one of her blonde curls behind her ear. She shifts between her feet, her mouth the definition of a straight line. At least the color is coming back. She opens her mouth and reaches out her hand, but I cut her off immediately.

“Go ahead, say it!” I throw my hand up for effect. “Break my heart. I’d just rather you get it over with.”

“What?” Emily responds, like it’s the craziest thing she’s ever heard.

Wait, _what??_

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__

It’s my turn to look horrified. I stumble back, not sure what to do with this new information.

My words can’t even catch up, and I start stuttering.

“I…I thought you… you looked petrified!”

“No! I was _going_ to say I love you, too!” Emily shouts. She gives her trademark exasperated sigh. “Hannah Barnes, you are the light of my life! I don’t know what I would _do_ without you!” Then she starts furiously exhaling and stomping around.

We stare at each other for a few moments, and time stops. She’s standing there, with her hands outstretched and her fingers grasping the air. I’m staring a few feet across from her, my hands shoved in my pockets.

And then we move forward. And we kiss. We kiss under the scarlet sunset and it’s ugly and messy and it feels so good.

I knew I should have done that.