The time finally comes. I pick Lexi up at her house and we walk along the beach together, just talking, just like we did the other night. The sunset is twice as beautiful as it has been, with streaks of every color lining the sky against an orange sun. The water is reflecting all the colors, and you would think you were looking at a movie shot that was enhanced by computers. Clouds are thin little streaks dotting the colorful sky and everything just gives off a sense of peace and balance that couldn't be found underwater.

     The view still isn't as beautiful as Lexi, though. Her eyes are shining, the breeze gently lifting her soft brown hair. Whenever she makes eye contact with me, the butterflyfish flood my stomach and my heart skips a beat. 

     The world seems to still as she sighs and smiles. "Do you like it here?" she asks. "I know it's only been a couple days, but...have you enjoyed your time so far?"

     I let out a soft chuckle and smile. "I'm very happy here. It's great, there's so much to see, so many places to go."

     She giggles. "Well, that's good, especially considering I was the first person you met, I mean, I'm not that great with first impressions. I'm glad that didn't screw up your first day."

     "You made my first day so much better!" I say. "You're so wonderful, I wouldn't have wanted to meet anybody else." She laughs it off. "No really," I say. "You're...you're amazing." I want to stop there, but something inside me wants otherwise. 

     She blushes. I step in front of her and take her hands. 

"I...I can't describe how happy you make me feel. You are so kind and accepting, and you put up with someone like me..."

And it slips out before I can stop it.

"I love you."

     I see shock in her eyes at first. Then a hint of a smile, then hesitation, then disbelief. Is this what Logan feels like every time someone feels feelings? I can't tell what she's feeling, and it's kind of scary. 

     Then I realize that somehow our faces have gotten closer together. An alarm is going off in my brain, overloaded with excitement and panic and confusion, but all that sort of seems to tune out as I realize our noses are touching. 

     This is going by painstakingly slowly. But I like it that way.

     I close my eyes and

*Yeah, this looks like a good place to end the chapter*