Shirley and Andrew grew closer and closer with each other as the time pa.s.sed by. They had feelings which were more than just friendship but had never expressed it to each other. They started college together but where in different departments. She would finish her lecture and wait in libraray for him to complete his drama and dance rehearsals. Andrew was the perfect friend, he used to take her to college everyday and drop her at her cla.s.s first, then head to his cla.s.s. Half of the college was envious of there relationship. She would get all her homework done in library as she waited for him. Then they would go back home together from college.Shirley was preparing for Medical school and Andrew for Arts college. There college timings changed hence they couldn"t accompany each other to college anymore. But that didn"t come in between there relationship. They took out time from there busy schedule and met everyday under the sycamore tree. The exams were near and the meetings became shorter and shorter. He would wait for her below the tree. They would spend some time chatting and depart with a heavy heart.
She could still smell his lemon scented bodywash as he was right there. It was the last day of the 1st year of college they had gone out for dinner and got into a fight because he had come late and she had to wait an hour for him. They somehow managed to finish the dinner and headed back home. They were almost near home when it started pouring. The rain was heavy so they took shelter below the sycamore tree. They hadn"t spoken to each other the entire dineer nor on the way home. He couldn"t hold it any more. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms tightly hugging her. He said " I am sorry, I can"t stay like this anymore. I got stuck with the new changes in the script and didn"t realize the time. I promise, it won"t happen again."
Her hand which was lying low besides her legs slowly made it"s way to reach and grab the shirt on the waist and she said " It"s ok I understand I just want you to tell me that you will be late and answer your phone whenever you see my calls and messages. I feel you are going away from me. "
He smiled and said " Stupid girl. Where will I go leaving you. I need to tell you something." She pushed a bit away to face him, she starred at him with eager eyes. He bended down and kissed her forehead and told her " I have kept this from you for a long time now... I have mustered up the courage so here it is..... ( he took a long breath and said) I like you. ..I like you a lot. Don"t know from when and how it all started , but I miss you like crazy when I don"t see or hear from you. I just wanna run and hug you whenever that happens. I really really like you."
She lost her breath and her cheeks were red and blushing she didn"t know what to say it was as if she was dumbstruck. He bended and lifted her chin with his fingers and asked " Are you not gonna reply to me? Its ok take your time....or else don"t.. it"s Ok I will find someone else who likes me." And he let go of his hand that had a grip around her waist and was about to turn away, she grabbed him back and locked her hands behind his waist looked into his eyes and said " No don"t go. I can"t do it like you I am girl ..please stay." He starred at her expectedly and said " Give me a reason to stay then." She was shivering her legs were giving away but somehow she pulled her up on her toes, grabbed his collar and brought his face down, his ears close to her lips and she whispered " I ... I like you too Andrew. " and then as she was about to get back on her feet, he just lifted her up and started to spin her around.
He then slowly put her down on her feet and said again " I like you kitten" grabbed her chin and kissed her on her lips . a small peck. She was so shy she pushed back with her hands. He just folded his arms around her back and they hugged for a long time. He then half heartedly send her home and walked to his place. That night was the biggest night ever. They chatted all night long. And finally they both went off to sleep with a big smile on their faces.