73 Confession

"Yes, I did deny those feelings I had for you, but I admitted it at the end too." Adeline took a deep breath. "I just told you that our relationship is impossible."

"Dont't make me do something I'll regret." Nicholas clenched his fist.

"Look, I'm not in the mood. Let's just talk about it in some other—"

"You like me."

"Not anymore."

"Yes, you do."

"That was before!"

"You do."

"Fine then! I like you, happy? I wanna spend the rest of my life with you no matter how much it hurts!

I love you so much that I'm like a fool. I love you so much that I cannot be myself. We aren't even together, but you're still on my mind. I...can't stop thinking about you...." Tears started falling from Adeline's eyes. "Loving someone who doesn't even love you back is like hugging a cactus, Nic. The tighter you hold on, the more it hurts."

Nicholas wrapped his arms around her waist. "I'm sorry..."

"You were my first love, but you hurt me so much without even realizing it...and I can't understand why I still love you despite all that..."

"I'll make up for everything I've done. I won't hurt you again, Adele."

"You can't say that. No one knows what'll happen in the future."

"I was just trying to—"

"I love you." Adeline hugged him tight. "I-I don't care about the past. I just...want you...that's it."

"W-What?"

"If you're still surprised, then I could give you a few days to—"

"I don't need that." Nicholas caressed her cheeks and smiled. "I have you now don't I?"

"I-I'm sorry...for making you wait too l-long..."

"That's how it's suppose to be." Nicholas used his thumb to wipe her tears. "D-Don't cry alright?"

"B-But we have another problem...." Adeline scratched her head. "H-How are we gonna tell my parents about this?"

"Really? You call that a problem?" Nicholas bursted into laughter. "Leave it to me."

A few minutes later...

(In the living room)

"You're scaring us." Dave looked at Nicholas and Adeline. "What is it that you wanted to say?"

Adeline tapped Nicholas' shoulder and whispered, "Nic!"

"Hmm?"

Carol sighed, "If it's something you guys aren't ready to talk about then—"

"Adele and I...we're together." Nicholas looked away. "J-Just this morning." He held Adeline's hand. "I promise to not hurt her and protect her at all costs, so if you—"

"Really?" Dave and Carol's mouth dropped opened. "Goodness. This day has finally come!"

"You guys aren't against our relationship...?" Adeline scratched her head.

"Honey, it was all part of the plan." Carol smiled. "You're father and I planned this."

Adeline glared at Nicholas. "What are they saying...?"

Nicholas looked away. "I..."

Dave patted her back. "We knew that you still had feelings for him. We just—"

"Wait." Adeline stood up. "So Nicholas sleeping in my room is all part of it too?"

Carol nodded. "Of course it it, honey."

"Nic...NICHOLAS!" Adeline grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the kitchen. "What is this? So you knew all along?"

"Ye...Yeah...but I did it because—"

"I understand." Adeline took a deep breath. "Don't worry, I'm not angry at you."

"I love you."

"What?"

"I'm sure you heard me."

Adeline nodded. "Yes I did."

"Say it too."

"No way—"

Before Adeline could even finish, Nicholas gently brushed his lips against hers and said, "I'll keep kissing you if you don't say it."

"I-I love you..." Adeline looked away. "Okay, let's go now!"

"Wait." Nicholas grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a hug. "Let's stay like this for a while." he closed his eyes. "I just still can't believe that this isn't a dream..."