The trees blurred by in a fuse of green hues as we drove down the road. Soon enough our new house came into view. I scampered from the backseat and ran towards it with awe. I take off straight for the backyard. It connects to a beautiful lake. I run along and find the most magical cove. Secluded from the path, beautiful trees draped down making a haven. After a couple of minutes, I heard rustling and saw a boy emerge. He had the most dazzling eyes. They were sparkling blue. He smiled at me and came over to sit next to me. “Omg, are you the new neighbor? I hoped someone my age would move in! I’m Liam.” He exclaims. I look at his outstretched hand. “I’m Sophie.” and return the handshake. “We are gonna be best friends, I just know it.” He states. 

Age 17

The sound of the horn jolts me alert. I see the boy I’ve loved since I was 6. His eyes find mine and beckon me over to his car. I climb in. “What are you always thinking about?” He says to me with a grin. I look over at him and wish I could say, ‘You. Only ever you’. “Nothing” I lied. We arrive at school and a swarm of heads swallows the car. I say goodbye to Liam and try to get out of the crowd. “Hey Soph, where ya going?” Liam shouts after me. “I got to get to class, I’ll see you later” I shout back. The day goes by slowly finally, I head to the field after school to watch Liam at practice. The way he is so serious, but lights up after a good play. Every time he looks at me and smiles, I melt. Finally done with practice, I head to his car but notice he’s not there. Knowing the boys are probably wanting to hang out, I start my 6-mile walk back home. The sun, low in the sky reflects off the lake. I reach the cove and find a seat in the grass. I put in my music and relax. I didn’t even realize the sun’s set until I see Liam sit down next to me. He looks out over the coast. “You didn’t wait for me, Soph. I thought you were hurt or taken or…something.” He says softly with a hint of frustration. I’m stunned. “Sorry, I just thought you were gonna spend the rest of the night with the guys.” Liam’s jaw tightened and looks over at me. “I don’t care about them, if something happened to you I wouldn’t be able to breathe.” I stare back at him. For a moment his eyes sparkle with something different, Worry? Fear? He scoots in closer, hands almost touching. His phone rings and we jerk apart. I stand up swiftly. “I should head home,” I say, leaving him alone.

I’m gonna tell Liam how I feel today. It’s the anniversary of me moving here and we always have a celebration at the cove. School flew by and I was in a hurry to get home. I dress in a nice floral, short dress that makes my eyes pop. I skip over to the cove and head inside. I hear music and smile to myself. He’s already here, maybe this is my moment. I round the corner and my heart stops. Standing in our special place is the boy I’ve loved with all my heart and a girl. Lips locked and embracing. In that moment I knew what true pain was. Losing someone you never had. I turn and run off. I distantly hear Liam calling after me, but I don’t care. I’m too focused on getting as far away from him as possible. The rain started and it was heavy. I could barely make out my surroundings, so I made it onto the bridge that connects the cove to the neighborhood. Something grabs my hand and spins me around. “Soph please it’s not what it looks like,” Liam says. “Oh, really so you weren’t making out with Penny Hopkins in our spot on our anniversary. If that wasn’t what happened then please Liam tell me what I saw.” I croak out. He looks at me with so much pain. “She was helping me set some things up and it just happened…” “You should go back to her, there is nothing to be said here anymore,” I yell. Liam looks like I just broke his heart. Good I think, feel my pain. “And to think I was gonna tell you how much I loved you tonight. To only be reminded I will never be good enough for you.” I cry. “What did you just say?” Liam looks wide-eyed. “I LOVE YOU!” I shout in the rain. “I’ve been in love with you since I was 6 years old. So now you know and I can go.” I turn to leave when Liam spins me around and kisses me. Liam pulls back “Don’t you ever say you’re not good enough for me. You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me, Soph. I’m sorry I never told you sooner.” I stare back wide-eyed. There doesn’t need to be words, we both know what each other is thinking. 

It’s been a couple of months since me and Liam became official. We get to go out in the open all the time now. It doesn’t feel weird or different. It feels right getting to walk around with his hand in mine. Last weekend we spent the whole day watching the Conjuring movies. When it’s time for school, we arrive together and walk in together. All the girls at school are jealous and give me sneers in the hallways, but I don’t care. Getting to love Liam openly and greatly is everything I’ve ever wanted. My heart is filled with happiness and love.