It often felt like I had known him forever and I found myself looking forward to seeing him, something that was so unusual for me.  In addition, I felt completely at ease with him and I didn't feel pressured or like he was simply waiting for me to give in and start dating.

I found that it was easy and for the first time in a very confusing childhood, I didn't have to pretend or act happy when I wasn't.  I didn't have to hold back on my opinions or pretend to be something I wasn't.  I was me, in all my opinionated, strange and dark way.  I could laugh without being scared to do so and more importantly, I could cry and actually explain the reason why I did.

It was a wonderful experience for me, and I cherished the friendship that we were building in such a short time.  But it was just a friendship, I had told myself.  I mean, who finds their true love at 16?

As summer quickly shifted into fall, I realized that I had feelings building for Peter.  We didn't talk about them, we talked about everything else but what was happening.  The days became crisp and the leaves began to change, a vivid color display amidst the evergreens.  And then one day, I looked up at him as he slipped his fingers between mine and I knew this was the man that I loved.

___

Another short lovely chapter~

Thanks for reading!