Chasing Mr. Carlton ( The story of a Shrew's Son)

Part 29

"What?" Matt said suddenly, his eyes wide as he stared at Bobby.

She was immobile, suddenly realizing what she'd just said.

"Oh god, oh god." She muttered over and over again, before turning to grab her bag. She could feel the color creeping up on her face and her stomach turned into knots. She was shaking, violently and it was making it hard for her to coordinate her movements.

Matt watched her for a moment, unsure of what he had just heard.

Did she... did she just say she was in love with him? Then he watched her moving quickly, bolting for the door.

"No, wait... wait..." He said, moving as fast as he could and blocking the exit.

Bobby stared at him, finding herself face to face with him, both of them just staring in disbelief.

"I should go." She said, her voice low and raspy as she reached for the door handle but he placed his hand over it and she took a step back.

"What did you just say?" He asked, noting how her lips were trembling. She looked lost, scared.. frantic.

"I..." She began, unsure of what to say next. "I..."

"Bobby..." He began, taking a step towards her but she shook her head.

"I'm sorry." She muttered, tears finally beginning to spill onto her cheeks. "I'm sorry."

"Bobby..." He said, moving closer to her again, this time his hands came up to her face, turning up to face him and holding it in place. "Did you just say you love me?"

Bobby gulped but somehow managed to nod.

He looked at her face- those pretty eyes and all those tears. His thumbs began wiping away at them. She loved him. Bobby loved him. He couldn't believe it... was it really possible?

Then, as if she'd seen her chance, Bobby slipped out of his grasp and ran out the door.

For a few moments Matt didn't react. He stood frozen in place, repeating the words to himself over and over.

"I'm in love with you, you big idiot."

Then he chuckled- of course she would confess it that way. Then he laughed, that sweet and ridiculous girl, adorable, reliable, amazing Bobby. Before he knew what he was doing, he was out his door and moving down the hall where he spotted her about enter her room.

"Bobby." He said, picking up his pace to a jog.

Bobby was absolutely mortified. How could she just betray herself that way? How was she ever going to be able to look him in the face again? She couldn't.

She wouldn't be able to. Never. She'd have to leave Lida and Volstack.

Maybe she'd leave New York.

Oh god, how could she? She was so lost in her thoughts she didn't hear him call her name, she didn't hear him approach her... she only walked into her room, looking around and deciding she needed to pack immediately. She needed to be on the first flight home.

"Bobby." Matt repeated, this time stepping into her room behind her and making her turn to him.

"Oh god." She muttered. Hadn't her humiliation been enough?

Still, they stood on opposite ends of the room just staring at each other, neither sure what to say.

Bobby looked around, lifting her chin and then finally stared directly at his face. He was smiling and it confused her. Then, without a single word, he moved forward and he'd wrapped his arms around her before she could react.