Strings Attached

Chapter Twenty-Four

Henry and Teddy built a bonfire, and Louise and I sat in front of them, staring deeply into those mighty flames. The flames were as wild as my heart that night, for they burned with such intensity that I was afraid the whole beach would burn down and so would my heart.

Just looking at Teddy made me feel weak. It made everything part of me tremble, and I loved it.

"I can't believe we're out now," said Henry, sighing. "I'm not ready for college yet."

Teddy smiled reassuringly. "Don't you worry, my friend. We're ready for everything that life throws at us now."

"I wish we were," said Louise, sighing. "I feel less ready every passing day. I'll miss my family to death."

"Me too," said Henry. "Especially my little brother."

"I think we're ready," I said. "We're just not used to the idea of being college students."

"True," said Louise. "I'm not used to that idea."

"Come to think of it, I'm not used to the idea of everything changing so suddenly," said Henry, lowering his face. "I just got the best friends I could ask for, and we're going to be apart in a matter of months."

Teddy smiled and patted him on the back. "We'll be apart only physically, pal," he said. "Our souls will still be connected with each other."

Henry grinned. "That was extremely cheesy, man," he said. "But I forgive you for the sake of our friendship."

I smiled at that.

Louise sighed. "I'll really miss this, guys," she said. "I'll miss every part of it."

"Me too," I said, shaking my head. "I used to want for this to be over, but now I don't anymore."

"Too bad it's almost over," said Henry. "Too bad this is the end."

"Or maybe it's actually the beginning," said Teddy.

Henry sighed. "For some things maybe," he said. "But it's the end for many others."

"At least it's not the end for us, right?" said Louise. "At least we'll still be great friends."

"Yeah," I said, smiling. "You can count on it."

Teddy sighed. "I'm going to take a walk," he announced as he stood up. "Do you want to come, Chris?"

"Oh, I get it. The couple wants to be left alone, huh?" Henry winked at Teddy.

Teddy grinned. "Just for a little bit."

I turned to see Louise apologetically.

"It's okay, guys. Go," said Louise, smiling.

I smiled and stood up, and then I followed Teddy as he made his way towards the sea. He grabbed my hand, and together we walked hand to hand.

Teddy sighed. "I don't know how to express what I feel for you," he said, sighing. "Feeling my heart racing as I saw you sitting next to the fire made me understand that you're the most precious thing I have right now."

I smiled. "You're extremely precious to me, too," I said.

He stopped walking and lowered his face. "You don't get it, Chris," he said. "You're too valuable for me. I'm a mess, and... I don't want you to be hurt." He bit his bottom lip.

"Teddy," I told him, staring at him firmly. "Nothing could hurt me more than not being with you."

He stared into my eyes, and I could see the sadness in his eyes again.