If It Makes You Happy

by Julie Olivia

“I should have known you’d keep this from them for as long as possible. You don’t tell anybody anything. Not me. Not your family. You keep all your emotions bottled up until they explode. Well, congratulations. Here’s your explosion.”

I think I can relate to this. I want to see how Shelly changes, or if someone lets her feel comfortable enough to talk about her feelings and vulnerabilities throughout the story.

Once they’re separated, I realize the girl isn’t screaming. She’s giggling. Her cute button nose scrunches up in overwhelming laughter. Her curly blond hair, held up high with a scrunchie and little sparkling butterfly clips, bounces with every breath.

This melts my heart.

Closer now, I can see his eyes are a light blue, reminiscent of a summer day devoid of clouds. Bright. Happy. Nothing like today’s overcast sky, a day almost filtered in sepia from all the falling leaves. Faint freckles dot the bridge of his nose while the nose itself sits slightly crooked, like maybe he’s been punched once or twice in his life. A small, faded scar adorns his upper lip, probably confirming my theory. But aside from that, his cheeks are smooth-shaven, and that little crease beside his mouth is just how I remember it. Handsome. Like he’s on the edge of a laugh.

THIS

The corner of her lips kicks up. I think that might be the first smile I’ve seen from her. I return the gesture even though her smile isn’t aimed at me.

This is too sweet aaaaah

I didn’t realize baking was…this. Strong forearms and deft hands.

Haha I'm adding 'baker' to my ideal type list ;)

Emily grumbles, “Is this when you tell me I’ll understand when I’m older?” I shrug. “Maybe you will. And honestly, maybe you won’t.”