Grayson

This girl has raised herself, that accident happened a long time ago, all I've ever done is build cars and played football, and I have two stable parents.

She stood from the table and smiled. "Let's talk about something happier. What did it feel like to earn the state championship?"

Well, it feels like it doesn't matter much anymore. She's conquering the world all by herself.

I stood too. "At the time I felt like a God, but now it seems so small in comparison to what you have accomplished."

"Don't be silly, you guys worked hard for that title, you should be proud, and that will stay with you forever." She said.

She looks so carefree and beautiful right now.

She turned to look out across the town that has done nothing but shunned her and treated her like shit. The big homes that people like Katheryn live in, and even the bank.

"Mary Ellen?"

She turned with a smile.

"I...I..well." I took a deep breath, and she looked at me like she is worried.

"I think you are beautiful." I said it fast, so that I wouldn't stop myself.

She gave me a strange look. "Me?" She pointed at herself, and had doubt all over her face.

My heart raced.

I took a step forward then grabbed her face and kissed those lips, she was tense, then finally relaxed. I couldn't help myself for another moment, I'm going to give her the best first kiss anyone has experienced.

I parted my lips and she followed. I dipped my tongue in between her lips and brushed mine against hers. She took a deep breath and moaned the tiniest moan.

Okay, it's the best first kiss for both of us. I've kissed other girls of course, but this is the first kiss that truly means something to me.

I slowly pulled away, and when she slowly opened her eyes and those beautiful lips were still parted, I almost fell to my knees. I've never seen someone so beautiful.

"Please don't be mad at me." I whispered.

She just kept looking in my eyes.

"I see you now Mary Ellen." My eyes begin to water, because so much hate and shame I have for myself came to the surface. "All those years, and the only thing being mean to you did, was cheat myself out of knowing an amazing person." My voice broke. "You're everything I wish I was." I whispered, and her eyes softened. She then placed the palm of her hand on my cheek. "Please forgive me." I closed my eyes at her touch.

She got on her tiptoes, and whispered in my ear. "It's not about having my forgiveness, it's about forgiving yourself."

Her breath sent shivers down my spine.

I turned my head and our lips brushed against eachother. "Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?" She let out a soft cry. "You're an angel." My voice broke again.

I wiped the tear from her cheek with my thumb.

"You're quickly becoming more than just a friend, Mary Ellen." I whispered, just before I kissed her again. I felt her warm tears on my cheek, so I pulled her in tighter. I want her to feel safe and protected. Her days of torment are over, I'll make sure of it until my last breath.

I need to get her home before I lose control, I can't do that here or now. I gently pulled back and rested my head against hers. "I better get you home. I..I can't let you think this is why I brought you up here. I'm going to do right by you."

She nodded and took a step back.

I held her hand as I drove her home. She stared out the window, and I can see she's just as confused as me. When I pulled up outside her house I kissed her hand. "Don't move."

I got out and opened her door, then offered my hand. Again, she looked up at me from under those long lashes, and I had that constricting pain in my chest. I may need to have that looked at.

I walked her to her door and held both her hands. "Well, that was unexpected." We both laughed.

"I'll see you Monday." She said.

"Save a seat for me at lunch?" I asked, and she nodded then just looked at her feet.

I bend down just a little to bring her gaze back up to me. "I don't really want to walk away." I chuckled a little.

She didn't say a word, and just looked at me like she's trying to figure out a puzzle.

"Hey, everything's going to be okay from here on out." I said.

Again she just nodded. I let go of one of her hands and lifted her chin. "Don't worry anymore, okay?"

I lowered my head and kissed her one last time. She went limp in my arms, and that was enough to make my heart beat against my chest.

I pulled back. "I'll see you soon."

"Okay, bye Grayson." She had a blush on her face.

One last peck on those sweet lips, then I walked away and stopped.

"Mary Ellen?" I turned back.

"Yes?"

"Wear your hair down more, you're beautiful." I turned and jogged to my car and got in. I laid my head against the headrest, and closed my eyes.

"Under my nose this whole damn time." I muttered, and looked up to make sure she made it inside okay.