Camilla

twenty-nine

G I L L I G A N

Camilla takes Mae to the park after, and I tag along. We both sit on a bench as Mae leaves to go play with other kids. I look over at Camilla who's smiling as her eyes follow Mae around the park with a smile. I've known it for a while. 

I love Camilla Flores. And I'm going to tell her. Right now. 

Eventually, her eyes grow more serious as she turns to look at me. "Camilla, I have something I really want to say." I suck a breath of air in. "I lo-"

"Shut the fuck up."

I stopped. "What?"

"Don't finish that sentence, you asshole!"

She stands up and points a finger at me. "What did I do?"

"You were about to ruin my huge moment!"

"What huge moment?"

Camilla sighs, flipping her hair to change the way it's parted. Instead of being on the right, it was now sitting on the left. "I wanted to tell you 'I love you' first."

I feel my heart stop as I digest her words. "What?" That's clearly the only word I can start my sentences with now.

"I love you, fucktard."

I can't help but smile. I pause briefly and then stand up, pulling Camilla to me and kissing her with all I have. "I love you too."