“David, you have to believe that I will forgive you. But..."

“We're done, aren't we?" I interrupted.

“Yeah, I think that's best. Don't you?"

"To be honest, my hormones don't think so. But unfortunately, my head agrees."

“We had a good run." Monica stepped a few inches closer and looked up at me, her eyes Liquid and on the verge of tears. "But..." She composed herself.

“But we were bound to break up eventually. You and I weren't meant to be together forever. I just hope that we can stay friends."

“Friends. I'd like that."

In the back of my head, I knew there would be some challenges. It would be hard to ever look at her again and NOT remember what she felt like intimately. But at the same time, many of our classmates had broken up and managed to remain in the same circle of friends. Teenagers are just resilient that way.

"Besides," Monica gave a significant look behind my shoulder, and I turned to see where she was staring. Seemingly waiting, just twenty feet away, were Nate and Ellie.

“I think there are other people who want to get to know us."

I turned back to Monica, and automatically I reached out with my finger to intercept the tear rolling down her left cheek. She sniffled once and then smiled. As a last gesture, she leaned up and kissed me on the cheek. And then she walked away, heading straight for our friends.

I turned and watched as Ellie split away, walking towards us. Ellie and

Monica exchanged brief smiles, hopeful smiles, as they passed each other. The next thing I knew, Ellie was standing right before me.

At first she stared at the floor to compose herself before looking up at me hesitantly. Her eyes were wide and honest, her face completely absent of any seduction. She just looked like a nervous little girl.

"Hi..." she managed to mumble.

Seeing her this way was so completely different from the usual teasing flirt I was used to. Ellie looked downright vulnerable and so desperate to be loved. "Hi," I replied.

She'd made her feelings clear once before and now she was frightened at how I might really respond now that everyone knew. So despite having broken up with my girlfriend literally a minute prior, I knew what I wanted to do.

“Ellie, I know this will seem very sudden. And given what happened between us last Monday it may even be a little... late. But in all seriousness, Elemis, can I take you out to dinner Friday night?"

For just a brief second, the vision of Cherys fell over Ellie's features, reminding me just why I was so powerfully attracted to her physically. And then Ellie's more innocent, sweet smile shone through.

It took another moment for her to shake off her nerves, but then she leaned into my body and while wrapping her arms behind my head, she pulled me into a soft kiss.

It wasn't aggressive, it wasn't raw, but it was passionate and filled with years of unrequited longing. I had not yet sorted out what my feelings were for the pretty young woman in my arms, but I could accept the strength of her feelings for me. And I'd be happy to see where this went.

When we broke for air, I asked, "Is that a yes?"

Blinking away her own tears, Ellie smiled and nodded.

“Yes!" And then the first bell rang, and it was time to move along to class.

Slowly, Ellie pulled away and checked her clothing to make sure nothing was out of place while I got a better grip on my backpack. I Looked down the hallway and saw Monica and Nate walking off together, deep in their own conversation. My ex-girlfriend and my best friend. We still had a whole semester of school left. I knew with certainty that they would be big parts of my life in the near future.