The Hardest Fall

by Ella Maise

He wasn’t pretty; I wouldn’t have used that word specifically. You might not even call him traditionally handsome, but he was certainly striking. He had charisma, confidence. He looked strong and big and maybe a little rough, too, but more than anything, he looked solid. Yes, that was one way you could describe Dylan Reed.

and this time, now that I know what to look out for, I’ll catch you, no problem.”

Third time is the charm, so maybe next time we’ll make it happen.”

Life was a tricky bitch sometimes.

“This is the strangest thing, but I think you’re going to be my best friend, Zoe Clarke.”

“They always say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and I think I’m becoming a believer.”

“Let’s bet on a kiss,” I said, deciding to end her misery. “I think we’re gonna end up kissing one of these days, and I bet you’ll be the first one to beg for it.”

Her eyes softened. “I won’t steal your money.” I smiled at her and didn’t think before speaking. “I know you won’t, baby.”

“Zoe,” I said, my voice lower since we were now closer. “You’re rambling again. It’s too cute, and it’s completely okay if you think of your friend as hot. I think you’re hot, too.”

“You look beautiful,” I said honestly. “You always look beautiful, but tonight you look happier. I like your smile tonight. I always like it when you smile, Flash,” I said sincerely.

It felt good, just…being with her.

I wish he was mine,

“I like having your eyes on me, Zoe.”

“Choose me, Zoe.” The words rushed out of me before I could stop myself.

“Leave him,” I continued. “I’m right here and I want you, so damn much.

You’re driving me crazy, and I’ve never been so jealous of anyone in my life.” I paused. “I need you to let him go, Zoe. Whatever it is that’s going on between you two, I don’t want to know. Just…I need you to choose me now. I’m the one that’s supposed to be with you, not anyone else.”

Now you’re everywhere, always on my mind. I close my eyes and I can see you, right there.”

I didn’t want to miss out on another second with this girl. Fuck everything. Fuck everyone. None of it mattered.

“My heart beats differently for you. It feels different somehow. I know this probably doesn’t make sense, but…it beats louder, wilder when I see you.”

“Hi, Flash.” I smiled. “Hi, buddy.”

“I’ll catch you when you land, Flash. Just don’t take too much time, because I’m already there, impatiently waiting for you.”

It’s hard to explain what draws you to a person, what it is about them that makes them so special that you give them your heart. I believe it’s all about who you are together, how you are together. It’s simple, what I feel for her—simple, and the most powerful thing in the world. We chose each other, and we’d keep choosing each other long after we took our last breaths on this earth. Zoe Clarke was my forever, the love of my life, and I was hers.