Matches | √

Epilogue

sparks | emit sparks of fire or electricity

• • •

9/7/17

"I CAN'T BELIEVE you're here," I say, still shocked to see Brooklyn at a college party in Illinois when he's supposed to be at school in Florida.

My eyes can't help but take in every piece of him. Almost as if I can't believe he's real. I take in his curly brown hair, bright chocolate eyes, perfect lips, and warm cheeks. I let my eyes trail over every piece of the boy who has shown me unwavering love and friendship.

We text and talk as much as we can, but being in different states miles and miles away and on different schedules means we don't always align. Sometimes we go days without talking. I hate those days.

He opens his mouth to speak but cheering erupts from the corner of the room as the game of flip cup draws to an end. The music rises from the speakers as it pours out louder and louder.

Brooklyn leans forward so I can hear him even through the loud party that surrounds us. "Can we go somewhere and talk?" he questions and my skin tingles at the way his warm breath hits my cheek.

I pause as I turn towards my roommate Teegan. Her eyes are bouncing between Brooklyn and me with curious wonder. "I'm here with my roommate—" I start motioning to my silver haired friend beside me.

But she cuts me off. "You're fine," she tells me with a knowing grin spreading across her lips. "Go," she tells me with a raised eyebrow and I already know I'm going to have to answer a million and one questions tonight back in our room.

"Tee, are you sure?" I ask not wanting to leave her all alone at the party.

She nods eagerly as she leans in and cups a hand to whisper in my ear. "He's cute," she tells me proudly before pulling back. "And the girls from across the hall just got here so I can go hang out with them," she tells me with a quick tilt of her head drawing my attention to the few girls we met on orientation day.

I had already been living on campus for a couple months with a few other students involved in the program before the rest of the freshman class showed up. I enjoyed getting to know the campus without it being overflowed with students, but I was beginning to grow lonely so I'm thankful for Teegan and the friends we are already starting to make.

"Really?" I double check not wanting her to feel like I'm abandoning her.

She waves me off. "Have fun," she says taking a few steps away with her drink clasped in her hand. "And I want all the details," she sings with a laugh.

I roll my eyes but can't help the flush that coats my cheeks when I turn my gaze to Brooklyn. Is it possible he's gotten even hotter? "I'll text you," I tell her before my teeth sink into my bottom lip.

Teegan winks before she turns and walks towards our new friends from across the hall.

I flicker my eyes to Brooklyn's and let out a pent up sigh. "Okay, lets go talk," I tell him and he lifts his hand to lace his fingers through mine before tugging me towards the staircase. He doesn't say a word. Just pulls me along to some unknown destination.

He leads me towards the end of the hallway until he turns and we see another door. He opens it right away and nerves weave through me as he takes me up another set of stairs that lead to an attic that's converted to a bedroom.

"I don't think we should be up here," I tell him looking around to make sure no one is around.

His lips stretch into a smile. "It's my friend's room," he explains casually. "Don't worry. You'll love this," he tells me with a confident gleam in his eyes before he pulls on my hand until we are on the other side of the room.