“How could this possibly work out?” Aaron asked his reflection. “They always say ‘just friends’ never works out. Well lets just hope we’re special.” He walked out to the kitchen.
“Aaron, you look stressed. Did you have a bad day at school?” Elise asked.
“Is Jess here yet?”
“No. Is something wrong?”
“I have to break up with her so she won’t end up getting hurt. I guess it makes no sense but it’s what I have to do.”
“It sort of makes sense, I guess.”
“Shorty, I can’t do it.”
“Aaron you can’t chicken out, act normal, just not too normal. I’m sure you two can stay friends. Just go for it Aaron.”
“Thank you so much Shorty,” Aaron stepped into the front room just as Jess walked in.
“Hey babe,” Jess smiled and kissed his cheek.
“Jess, we need to talk,” Aaron led her to the couch.
“What’s wrong?”
“I just need to talk to you about us.”
“Really? I wanted to talk to you too.”
“Oh,” Aaron took her hand in his, ‘Please don’t hate me Jess.’
Jess tried to read Aaron’s actions but she wasn’t doing too well. ‘Just don’t say you love me Aaron,’ she said to herself, ‘I wouldn’t be able to handle it.’
Aaron gradually got up the courage to tell her, “Jess before I tell you this can I have one last kiss?”
“Of course Carter.” Jess leaned in.
Aaron bent down and first softly, slowly he kissed her then figuring it was his last chance he made the best of it. When they pulled apart he took a deep breath. “Jess I’m sorry but I have to do this… please forgive me…”
“Aaron,” Jess interrupted, “if you’re saying we should break up and just be friends… I absolutely agree.”
“Can it work?” Aaron sighed with relief.
Jess nodded, smiling. “So friends?” Aaron asked cautiously.
“The best ever… Jack.”
Aaron smiled and leaned in, “Forgive me for that kiss?” he whispered.
“Why should you even apologize? It was perfect.”
Aaron blushed slightly and stood up. “Thanks Shorty.”
“You’re very welcome. Now I’m hungry, do we have any ice cream?”
They all sat out on the patio and ate their ice cream. They sat around tossing around ideas for the school play.
After their ice cream was gone Jess almost fell out of her seat. “Oh I know a perfect one. My mom had a copy of this play called… Our Town. I read it once when I was bored. It would be perfect for your directing debut.”
“I know that one… I was in it in high school. It will be perfect.”
The next week tryouts were set up and Elise was stunned at the turnout. She listened carefully to each performance and also to other peoples’ reactions. It was unmistakable that Aaron and Jess were perfect for the roles of George and Emily.
“Ok everyone! I’ll have the list up in a few days!” she dismissed them and she and Aaron headed home.
“Can you give me any clues?” Aaron begged.
“Oh good grief,” Elise smiled, “When will Jess be here?”
“She said around 6:30, she had to get a shower. She won’t be too long.”
“Ok, I’ll talk to you then.”