She cleared her throat, trying not to look too
flustered. Her cheeks flushed.
“Sure.”
I smiled back. I put down the files, and she
brought me to the amusement park.
To help me relieve stress, Sarah took me on
the carousel.
<
since I’ve come here.“I used to think it was
too childish.“Now that I think about it, I used
to ignore you.”
She looked away from me.
“No, I wasn’t considerate.”
I sighed, thinking about how I’d been so
focused on school and work.
I wanted to make sure she was taken care of,
but I forgot to do what would make her
happy.
She looked at all the couples around them,
and her eyes turned somber.
She suggested playing bumper cars, then was
drawn to the shooting gallery.
く
In no time, I was carrying a bunch of stuffed
animals she’d won.
And I was sipping a frozen soda, all content.
But I was so cold, it was making me grimace.
Sarah chuckled, looking relaxed.
“You never used to go for this stuff. Careful
you don’t get a stomachache.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Who says I don’t like it?”
Then I looked down, a little embarrassed.
“I was just pretending when I was around
<
you.”
Sarah blinked. “What do you mean?”
- 7.
I decided to just lay it all out. We sat down on
a bench.
“Remember how I told you I spent every
vacation studying at the library? I lied.”
I said, “I was with my dad, doing charity work
in poor areas. My dad worked his way up. He
wanted to give back.
“He was afraid I’d turn into a spoiled rich kid,
so he dragged me along. I actually had a
blast, hanging out with the kids in the
mountains.
く
“And you probably won’t believe this, but I
love street food, especially the super spicy
stuff…”
My eyes sparkled as I told her the stories.
Sarah listened, looking soft.
“I never knew that side of you.”
I looked away, a little awkward.
“You were the debutante. I didn’t want you to
think I was some hick who didn’t deserve you.
I have pride too.
“Plus, you weren’t doing so great. I needed to
set an example for you.”
something eating at you.
I looked over at Sarah.
Her brow was furrowed.
I waited for her to speak.
Finally, she said, “That time you saved me…”
Her voice trailed off.
I knew what she wanted to know.
It was back in high school. Sarah went hiking by herself and ran into a group of guys
harassing her.
I was running nearby, heard her yell, and took
off.
く
I took a few punches, but got them off her.
Seeing how freaked out she was, I took off
my jacket and put it around her.
“It’s okay, Sarah. I’m here.”
That’s when she really let me in.
After that, her family stopped putting
pressure on me. We got engaged.
My family’s company really took off, and we
were able to hold our own with her family.
Everyone thought we were a match made in
heaven.
Then she dumped me.
- 8.
I remembered when I caught them being
intimate. I’d been furious.
“Chad’s just using you!”
Sarah just looked at me, dead–eyed.
“And you saving me wasn’t just for your own
benefit?”
I looked at Chad. He stared at the floor.
Sarah grabbed his hand and they walked out.
Soon after, she broke off the engagement.
Looks like Sarah still hadn’t worked through
that.
<
Now was the time.
I looked over at her, putting a little sadness in
my eyes.
“Yeah, I was totally trying to get closer to
you.”
She fidgeted with her fingers.
“Because I liked you.”
Sarah turned to face me. I let a tear trickle
down my cheek.
“I know you stood up to those bullies to
protect your classmates. I admired that.
“And the year I was volunteering, I was glad
く
I choked up, trying to smile.
Her eyes filled with tears. She put her hand
over mine, and leaned her head against my
shoulder.
“I’m so sorry, Blake. I had no idea.”
I felt her warm tears on my hand.
I yanked my hand away, giving her a gentle,
confused look.
“Love is precious. Take care of it.
“Chad’s who you picked. Don’t blame him.
