© All Rights Reserved
(short story)
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I slipped my hand into my pocket, warming my hands from the crisp air. January was freezing. Thomas scooted closer to me, sharing body heat.

"look," he whispered after a shiver, nodding to the sky. I looked up and caught the first glimpse of the sun coming up.

Since we were 6, Thomas and I would watch the sunrise once a month. Being here, this early, together, was freedom.

"This has to be the coldest we've ever been in." Thomas grumbles playfully with his eyes still set on the colors that have begun painting the sky.

"I don't know...4 years ago, November. That was freezing." I mentioned and he laughed remembering the memory with me. "I mean we both got so sick after! plus you nearly got frost bite." I nudged his side with my shoulder.

Thomas chuckled, "You're right."

We sat silent for a moment, I knew it looked like I was mesmerized by the sunrise but I wasn't; I was filled head to toe with anxiety.

"We won't be able to do this anymore," I whisper, scared that if I spoke too loud I would cut the calmness from the air.

"What do you mean Luce?" I could now feel his eyes on my face. Luce- my nickname. Lucille was my full name but it fits weird in Thomas's mouth so he settled for Luce a long time ago.

"We are graduating in May. We have 6 more of these unless you leave for college early." I remind him.

"Well Luce," Thomas turned so his body was facing me. I looked over and locked gaze with his dark eyes. "We aren't kids anymore. We knew this would happen. We can still do this when we are actually with each other. You're my best friend."

'Friend' I whispered to myself quiet enough so that Thomas wouldn't hear. The word was hardly a breath but it stung me.

I didn't want to be his 'friend'.

"Luce, what's wrong? Did I do something?" Thomas scooted closer and pulled my red hair from my shoulder and placed it on my back. I felt the warmness on my cheeks before I even knew I had started crying.

"No no it's just-" I broke off mid sentence, stopping myself from the impulsive comment.

"Luce," Thomas pressed and I sunk into those dark eyes. Falling into the same void I realized had been there our Sophmore year of high-school.

I loved him. I loved Thomas.

and it slipped out, too quiet that not even the wind could've picked it up. "I love you,"my heart froze as I took in his expression. He had heard it.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to" I placed my hands over my mouth, as if I could seal it shut for the rest of my life.

"No its okay I shouldn't be surprised. One of us were doomed to catch feelings eventually." Thomas muttered.

"Doomed?" I asked and I felt my whole body freeze under its skin, and not from the cold weather.

Thomas let out a troubled sigh. "Well this changes everything. Our friendship can't be the same now."

"What do you mean Thomas?" I asked hearing the accusation in my voice.

"I just..I'll see you Monday." and with that, he got up and left.

(the end)