My mouth had just dropped to form a small, peculiar ‘O!’
Jack laughed, and licked my lower lip.
“Wh-” I couldn’t even form the right question.
“Mmh,” he sighed, “You taste like strawberry soda today.”
“It’s the lipgloss,” I told him.
“I love Ashley,” Jack murmered. I briefly wondered if he was just trying to get my attention back.
“I love you,” I responded warmly, leaning against him. The hallway’s lighting was dim and our skin looked rather grey. Jack gently tilted my face up so he could kiss it. Our eyes were open and nothing was left unsaid.
“I love you, Ashley” he whispered against my trembling chin.
Finally I thought, fighting the urge to cry; happy tears, mind you.
“Don’t cry,” he told me, looking worrisome.
He picked me up and carried me back into Brandy’s and let me curl up against him listenning to his heart..
Finally. Finally Tom understood.
Finally. Finally Jack told me. He had proved it so many times, but human beings need reassurance, especially with such a doubtful topic as love.