The pain in my heart beats as though it has become part of me.
I reach for the phone and decide not to call you.
I don’t want to hear you yelling and swearing.
Just because I called.
I bury my face in a pillow to hide the loud sobs.
The phone rings and I jump in response.
It’s not you, but one of my best friends.
I mute the phone and lay down on the bed. Letting a few more tears escape.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I check the caller ID eagerly.
It’s you.
But it’s a text:

Meet u behind the skool 2morrow b4 class.

I close it and let my pain drift me off into sleep.

The next day I wait behind the brick walls of the tall school.
Feeling as if I’m being watched I sit on the ground with my back
To the wall, watching. Just to make sure nothing happens.
You show up and help me stand up.
Before I can say anything you kiss me.
And it means so much I have to pull away,
So I don’t leave happy tears all over you.
Then, just as I’m about to walk away,
I turn back around and open my mouth
To say the words I should say.
But you beat me to it:

“I love you.”