You Said It, And I Am So Glad

Something about you....

"It's embarrassing Michael, I don't know how to explain...I'm not sure...This is so.."

You're now sitting next to him on your front door steps as he listens to you, sure that you are just trying to understand things, unaware that you are about to reveal something that will change his life forever. It's nighttime and you two just got back from a lunch date. Life has not been fair and he reminds you everyday that he's going to be there to fight that shit, with you, together. Everything was good until he spoke the words, "I love you woman."

He's said this before, why tonight? Why are you suddenly undone tonight? You made him laugh and he responded oh so genuinely. This can't happen, you needed to retreat. And bad. "Uhm, can we get outta here?" You asked jokingly, trying to hide what your mind is now replaying over and over in your head. "I love you...." Michael?

Fast forward.

He's attentive and focused. He hates seeing you like this. He knows something is bothering you.

"It's okay, love. Take your time. I'm here, I'll never leave." He shifts his position, eyes never escaping your face even if you are looking down, trying not to cry. He moves closer, taking your hand in his. You almost let out a sound that would alert him, alert his mind, but you don't you take it, trembling a little.

"I know how hard this is for you, you've been going through a lot. You know we have a very good understanding about things and that coming to me heals you. Please, let me help you"

"I...I am going through a lot...yes. But there's new...feelings..I can't shake them." You start fidgeting and he notices, kissing you on the cheek. Reassurance. A tear escapes your eye and trickles down, you want to be honest with him. Now's the time. He wipes away your struggle right now with his delicate fingers, pulling you into a side hug as you two are now joined together.

"Michael....." You're tired of pretending. He has to know. If not already. You're curious. Unintentionally his name sounds like a plea. His hand movements on your shoulder freeze as they were doing what was once done to your hands not too long ago, his eyes and expressions now on you intensely. He's never heard you sound so desperate, your voice is laced with pain, desire, loneliness, longing and determination.

"Yes?" He watches as you suddenly switch body language, no longer as upset as you seemed. You turn towards him, fully facing him with your body and locked in eyes. The tears are falling like crazy. But there's more. You're burning. Still unsure about everything, but now you are almost angry. Is it anger?

Your love overflows, your vocal cords sound completely different from what he's used to. You are releasing.

"I love you Michael. For a long time, I've liked you this way. No one else in this world makes me feel the way you do, I won't ever love anyone the way I do you. You don't have to want this, and it might sound crazy, but all I need is for you to know you are loved. I love you. "

You sigh as you are sure you will be faced with rejection. He's just a close friend, nothing more. And to top things off for you right now, he has lost his words, hands off of you, body tensed and the energy has shifted. You pat his hand, and smile trying to ease the tension that is now between you two. Standing up so you can just head inside your home and cry, you climb the stairs and reach for your house keys in your purse and laugh shyly, trying to mask your embarrassment and nerves.

"Wait. Wait..." Michael stands abruptly, now awoke from his state of shock. Is this real? He pulls you in
for a back hug as you were just about to turn the key, unaware that he will make the next move.