It had to be done. She had to know. It had been far too long for her not to hear what I had to say.

And just what are you going to say? I asked myself. Good question, I answered myself. Oh, great. Now I was going crazy. Talking to myself, now that's going to make her love you back...

A brief flash of fear ran through me. What if she didn't? Was I prepared for heartbreak? I had been suppressing my feelings for so long, never thinking of the consequences if she hadn't felt the same. Regardless, she should know. I had to try. Or, atleast, that's what I was trying to convince myself.

Did she see the way I looked at her? The way that my hands fluttered protectively when she lost her balance (which was often)? I was sure that it had to be noticeable by now. I was far too in love with her now to be careful of my movements around her. It was like a second sense to me now. She never seemed to care, either. I had hoped that this was a good sign.

I had tried to tell her once.

"Jen..." I started.

She turned towards me with a smile. I fought back the urge to smile back. "Yes?" What was that look in her eyes? Hesitation? Love? I could never tell.

"Well, um, here's the thing..." I took a deep breath. I can't do this! my head screamed. "Never mind."

She had just looked at me oddly, nodded, and continued with whatever she was doing. I mentally kicked myself at the memory. Stupid, stupid!

Not this time, I promised. I was going to do it this time. I had to tell her. I had started rehearsing what I was going into my head when the doorbell rang. I hesitated, wringing my hands at my sides. I staggered towards the door and opened it. The greeting smile on her face was too much for me.

"H-hi, Jen." I studdered.

"Hey! You said you had something to talk about?" She edged. I nodded.

Was it hot in there, or was it just me? My palms were sweating, and I was sure my cheeks were decorated with a lovely shade of red.

"Are you okay?" she asked. "You look like hell."

"I-I'm f-f-fine." Crap. Get yourself together! "Please, h-have a s-s-seat." She followed me to the kitchen table and took a seat next to me.

"So? What's up?" She urged.

Okay, be brave. You can do this. "J-Jen, there's something I've been wanting to tell you for a w-while." I checked her eyes. What was that flicker in her eyes? She nodded slowly. I took a deep breath. "Well," I began. I grabbed her hand, held it gently. "Jen, I rehearsed this in my head a million times. I never imagined it would be so nerve-wracking. And maybe I'm setting myself up for failure, but you have to know. Jen, I'm in love with you."

Silence. She was looking down.

I continued. "Jen, everytime I look at you, everytime you smile, it makes me happy. When you're sad, I'm sad. Now, we've been friends for a very long time, but I want to be so much more. "

I rubbed my thumb gently across her hand. She finally looked up. Smiled.

"You have no how long I've been waiting to hear that." Her smile widened, and her eyes crinkled and sparkled.

My heart expanded, filling my chest and throat, blocking my airways. I was speechless. I had considered the fact that she might not feel the same, but had I considered that she might? No. This was a feeling like no other. I had never been so happy in all my life. I couldn't help it; a smile burst onto my face, flashing my top row of teeth.

Still holding my hand, Jen got up and crossed over to me. I was still smiling, probably looking like an She sat on my lap and wrapped her arms around my neck, looking me straight in the eyes.

"I've loved you for years, Luke. What took you so long?" She asked, a slight note of teasing in her tone. She smiled, bent her face to mine. I crossed the last bit of distance between our heads and kissed her.

It had to be done.