From Lukov with Love

by Mariana Zapata

You are who you are in life, and you either live that time trying to bend yourself to make other people happy, or… you don’t.

“Drink it, baby,” whispered to me.

“I know your password. I’ve seen you put it in,” he muttered as his hand snatched my phone from the other nightstand.

“Choose, baby.

“Vanya and his rescues. Always taking the things other people don’t want anymore, ever since he was a little boy.”

“I believe in you. In us. Regardless of what happens, you will always be the best partner I’ve ever had. You’ll always be the hardest working person I’ve ever known. There will only ever be you.”

“I’d give you every ribbon, trophy, medal, anything at my house or at the LC if it meant something,” he told me. “I’ll give you anything you want if you stop crying.”

I’d give him my fucking all.

he asked. “I want to know why we hate her.”

“Jasmine, it was because Ivan called me a week afterward and said he would ‘fuck me up’ if I ever contacted you again.”

“I also said that I’d destroy you. You missed that part,” a familiar voice piped up, making both of us turn to find Ivan peeking his head inside the room, the door barely cracked, hair perfectly gelled into place, his face shaved clean, everything about him bright and sparkling. And he was smiling. And holding red roses. I loved him.

Whatever happens, he mouthed to me. But then his lips kept forming words. Three words exactly. I love you.

“I made up Mindy taking the season off when really our agreement had ended, and I hadn’t planned on going back to skate with her. Because even though you drove me crazy, I wanted to skate with you.”

“I love you so much I spend all day with you, and it still isn’t enough for me,” he kept going. I stopped breathing.

“You’re not ever going to be anyone else’s partner. Not while I’m alive, Meatball. I will drag your stubborn, beautiful ass kicking and screaming back to me because nobody else will ever be good enough for you.” I blinked. I blinked so fast I knew I was about two point five seconds away from losing my shit.

“Because I’m okay with you having ten other people be your favorite. But you’re always going to be my favorite person,” he finished. “Always. No matter what.” I blinked so fast, I couldn’t help but let my eyes fill up with tears. “I… I’m not good….” His smile was so gentle, so sweet, it took half my soul with it. “I know,” he whispered