Puddle Jumping(40)

“What’s this?” I had an inkling it was another pass to the museum, so I narrowed my eyes prepared to tell her I didn’t really need them since her son had unlimited access to the exhibits. But just as I opened my mouth, my boyfriend cut me off.

“We asked your parents if it was okay.”

I stared at his face, confused while I held the envelope in my hands and waved it at him. “There are museum passes in here, right?”

Mr. Neely leaned forward and I caught a glimpse of my mom as she covered her mouth and tears welled up in her eyes. My father took a deep breath and exhaled loudly.

Sheila reached out and ran her fingers across my cheek. “We want you to go.”

My fingers trembled as I tore open the envelope and I lost my breath staring at the ticket in my hand.

“Really?”

It was Colton who answered, his voice steady and unwavering. “I want you there, Lilly.”

I was blinded by tears. “Are you sure? Certain? Are you certain?”

He didn’t need me to go with him so I could be there to make sure he was okay. To ensure he kept his routine and didn’t feel lonely.

He wanted me.

“I’m sure and I’m certain.”

“The flight leaves on the third.” Mom’s voice was shaky and my dad reached for her hand.

My mind raced with every unanswered question and every promise of tomorrow. But when I looked at my boyfriend and how he was really, really smiling – that his eyes were finally looking at mine for longer than a second’s worth of time – I knew.

Hollywood has to get their happy endings from somewhere. And even though the road is filled with bumps and bruises along the way, there’s always the possibility of happiness in the end. I’m living proof.

My education won’t be within the confines of a brick building while I sit in plastic chairs. Not anymore. Life is meant to be lived, and if you’re offered the chance to experience exceptional things with an extraordinary person, then there isn’t one reason in the world to say no.

And I didn’t. I said yes because our love is no different than anyone else’s. It’s ours and that’s all that matters.

It’s a true story of a girl falling for a boy.

Nothing more.

Nothing less.

And I wouldn’t want it any other way.