Nick and Charlie

by Alice Oseman

I have been going out with Nick Nelson since I was fourteen. He likes rugby and Formula 1, animals (especially dogs), the Marvel universe, the sound felt-tips make on paper, rain, drawing on shoes, Disneyland, and minimalism. He also likes me. His hair is dark blond and his eyes are brown and he is two inches taller than me, if you care about that sort of thing. I think he’s pretty hot, but that might just be my opinion.

“No, but”—he shakes his head—“you’re Nick and Charlie.” I laugh. “What does that mean?” “It’s …” He laughs too, a nervous expulsion of air. “You’re … it’s hard to explain. It’s like, if you had to provide evidence for soul mates, everyone would pick you two.”

“Can I set it as my wallpaper?” “What, and get rid of Henry and Nellie? Do you finally love me more than your dogs?” “Mmm, that’s going a bit far …” I roll over, shoving him off me and flipping us so I’m lying on top of him. “Rude.” Nick laughs and wraps his arms around me. “Okay, fine, I love you more than my dogs.” “Good.” “I love you more than anyone, actually.”