LANDO'S POV

"Technically I fell for you, just when you got in a relationship with George," I say, thinking 'she will obviously hate me now.'
"Don't tell me you have been keeping this to yourself since April," Artemis says, showing her compassion to me. I noticed her expression drop.
     "I have," I mumble.
     "Why didn't you say anything?" Artemis asks concerned. Then I did something to where I apologised immediately.
     "Because you were in love with him!" I raised my voice. I noticed her shrinking due my voice.
     "A-Artemis, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have raised my voice to you" I say, extending my hands to her. She doesn't look at me while she lays her hands in mine and I feel calm.

"You were in love with each other," I repeat calmly, "and I couldn't ruin that. I just couldn't." I feel another sting in my heart, knowing she will never be mine.
     "When I heard about your car incident, I worried sick," I said, "Carlos noticed that and asked what was wrong with me. And I let it all out." I just stared at our entangled fingers.
"And ... I just played along, pretending to be happy. So no one could see the pain," I said. Artemis softly squeezes my hands.

"And I'm perfectly aware," I continue, "that you and I will never happen." I finally glance up, only to see Artemis looking at our hands as well.
     "It obviously sucks, but it is what it is."
     "I'm sorry," mutter Artemis, looking me in the eyes, "I'm sorry I can't give you what you deserve."
     "You do not have to say sorry," I say, "it's just ... I needed the person to know."

"How are we going to tell George?" I ask, feeling nauseous by the thought of George's reaction.
"I will tell him," Artemis says, causing me to look her in the eyes. The eyes that I love, the eyes I adore most.
"You will?" I ask, little surprised. She nods and smiles.
"Yes, I will do that."
"Thank you so much," I say, "it's not that I don't want to tell him. I just feel ... scared to lose a best friend."
"You won't lose him," she assured me.
"Can I give you a hug?"

"Always."