The Way I Am Now (The Way I Used to Be, #2)

by Amber Smith

She spent so much of our relationship hiding her emotions because this is how she feels things—deeply, completely. That and this: she really has always cared.

I turn to see her skipping after me.

lizzy young 💔

my hair aside. I turn my face away because I don’t know how to explain. “You’re crying.” “No, I’m not,” I try to say, but I hear my own voice, all wet and raspy. “Yes, you are.” His hands are on my face now, his eyes searching mine. “Talk to me. Did I…?” He pauses. “Did I hurt you?” “No,” I gasp, and the tears are coming faster now. “No, I’m crying because I’ve just never felt like this. Ever. I’ve never felt so…” So happy, cared for, respected, even. But then I say what all those things really mean: “So loved.”

“I love you too.” “Thank you.” “For what, loving you?” he asks, a small laugh in his voice. I smile—it hurts my face. “Yes.”