A Different Kind Of Forever

Chapter Four:

**Chapter 4: Miles’ POV**

Man, I’ve always been good at reading people. Not that I like to show off or anything, but it’s kind of my thing. I guess that’s what makes me popular—being confident, knowing how to talk to people, and having that smooth vibe that makes everyone want to be near me. Girls especially—they see the way I carry myself, the way I look at them, and they know I mean business. But there’s one girl, one person I’m absolutely crazy about, and she doesn’t even know it.

Taleigha.

Yeah, her name’s like a song in my head. I’ve known her since we were five years old—been best friends forever. I remember the first day I saw her, she was this tiny girl with big eyes and a smile that could melt the coldest heart. We clicked instantly. We’d run around the yard, play tag, share snacks, and she’d always steal my baseball cap. She was smart, funny, stubborn, and kind of kick-ass in her own quiet way. We were inseparable.

Her dad was a teacher at our school—history, if I remember right—and he coached the football team. He was the kind of guy everyone looked up to. Tall, strong, fair but strict when he needed to be. Taleigha adored him. I saw the way her face lit up whenever she talked about her dad. It was obvious she loved him more than anything in the world. But that all changed when her parents split. One day, her mom just shut her out, said she wasn’t welcome around her dad anymore. It crushed Taleigha. All she ever wanted was to be with her dad, to have that piece of her life back.

That’s the part no one really sees—the pain behind her smile, the hurt she hides. And honestly? It kills me. I’d do anything to protect her, to show her she’s not alone. She’s been through so much, and still she’s strong, still she’s kind. That’s what I love about her. She’s my best friend, but I can’t help feeling like there’s something more. The way I look at her, I think she senses it sometimes, but she doesn’t say anything. She’s so damn brave.

My friends? Yeah, they’re a different story. They’re typical guys—loud, rude, always trying to impress girls, especially those who wear short dresses or tight clothes. They don’t get how to treat a girl right. They look at women like they’re objects, not people. Honestly, it’s embarrassing sometimes. I’ve told them plenty of times to chill out, but they’re stubborn. They think being “cool” means acting like jerks. But I’m not like that.

I see women as more than just eye candy. Every woman deserves respect. Every girl deserves to be treated with kindness and honesty. I don’t need to act like a player or a typical dude to get attention. I’ve got enough confidence to just be myself. That’s what makes me different—passionate, strong, and genuine. Every woman I meet, I want to make her feel special, not just another notch on the bedpost.

And that’s exactly how I feel about Taleigha. I’ve never told her, but I love her. I’ve loved her from the moment I realized she was more than just my best friend. She’s fierce, funny, and smart. She’s been through hell, and she still manages to keep that fire burning inside her. I want to be the guy who makes her feel safe, who shows her she’s loved. More than anything, I want her to see that I’m the guy who’s always got her back.

But I’m also painfully aware of how complicated things are. She doesn’t see me that way—at least, I don’t think she does. We’re just friends, and I get it. I don’t want to push her away, but sometimes I wish I could just tell her how I feel. I worry about messing up what we have, but I also know I can’t keep pretending I don’t love her.

Today’s no different. We’re walking to school together, and I’m trying to keep my cool, even though inside, my mind’s racing. I watch her out of the corner of my eye, her long hair bouncing with every step, her hoodie pulled over her head, hiding her face just a little. She’s beautiful—more than beautiful. She’s the kind of girl that makes you believe in everything good in the world.

My mind drifts back to my friends. I’ve known them a long time—been through a lot with them. But honestly? I don’t respect the way they treat girls sometimes. They’re loud, rude, and always trying to impress with stupid jokes or by making fun of others. If a girl wears a short dress, they’ll say something nasty, act like they’re the coolest guys in the room. They don’t understand that real men treat women with respect. And I hate that about them. I don’t want to be like that.

I’ve always tried to be different. I want to be a guy women can trust, a guy who’s strong but gentle, passionate but respectful. I want to be the guy who makes Taleigha feel safe, who shows her that she’s worth more than any stupid joke or shallow compliment. I know I’m handsome—girls always notice me—but that’s not what I care about. I want to be known for who I am inside.

Sometimes I catch myself staring at her, wondering what she thinks about me. I try to brush it off, but it’s hard. I feel this deep pull, this need to protect her, to show her how much she means to me. I know she’s hurt, and I wish I could just take all that pain away. She deserves happiness, and I want to be the one to give it to her.

We reach the school gates, and I take a deep breath. The usual chaos is already starting—kids rushing to get inside, teachers shouting warnings, the buzz of chatter fills the air. I glance over at Taleigha and see her adjusting her hoodie, shy but determined. I lean closer.

“Hey,” I say softly, “you good today?”

Her lips curl into a small smile, and I feel my heart squeeze. I want to tell her everything—how much she means, how much I love her—but I hold back. For now. yea I'm good she replied

We walk in silence for a moment, just the sound of our footsteps and the distant sounds of students. I don’t care what anyone says—I know I’ll always keep her safe, always be there for her. No matter what, I’ll protect her, love her, and hope someday she’ll see me for who I really am.

Because she’s worth it I'm not stuck up my mama just showed me how to treat a beautiful woman.