“Because, even then, you thought that if we met again…?” I hold my breath.
“Because I knew, if I talked to you, touched you, even to shake your hand or hug you, I’d want you.”
I let out that breath. “Even though we were sixteen the last time we knew each other, and it’s been fifteen years? There are two whole lives lived between us.” Except, I feel the same way she does.
“It’s true. And that’s kind of why I know this is okay.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. Because the more I lived, the more I’ve realized I’m the same girl I ever was, in all the big ways. The things that needed to change, to make me better, either have or I’m working on it. I fell for you, all those years ago, John Lake, not for whatever John Lake costume you put on to go to school or to deal with your parents. Maybe we never got to
