• I tried to find him. The corridors of the empty dorm room were dark, and creaky noises came from the wooden floor as my feet padded across it.

    I don't know what he was mad at. Maybe the party was too much for him. I saw him drink the spiked punch. Maybe he was drunk.

    My satin dress dragged against the floor while I kept a fast pace walking along the hallway. I stopped in my tracks.Where could he have gone? And, most importantly, why did I care so much? I closed my eyes in deep thought.

    It was in that precious moment I realized my true feelings for him. Thinking about him made my heart flutter like a hummingbirds. I had not felt this feeling before. I felt a strong desire to see him.

    But, he was mad. Or maybe he was confused. I didn't know why, but I was yearning to solve his problems. Pressure built up in my chest. Maybe I was...in love...

    I heard heavy breathing behind me. In under a second, I opened my eyes and whipped around to face the person. Oh God. I about almost fainted. Three inches from my face was him. My friend. My Zach.

    "What's wrong, Em? Lost or something?" he asked in concern. His short golden brown hair was a little mussed. His dark brown eyes seemed black in the dim light.

    "Uh...no. I was..uh...looking for you. You left the party so suddenly, and I didn't know why..so." I quickly answered, blushing furiously. I wa glad he couldn't see my blush in the low light. He blinked and sighed.

    "Oh, thah. I'm fine. I was just confused about something." He stated and shrugged his shoulders.

    I took a deep breath. Okay now...I will not hide my emotions anymore. I let my instincts take over. I stepped closer, one inch closer, making eye contact. "If it's still troubling you, and you want to tell someone, you can tell me now." I suggested." I'll listen, Zach."

    He paused. His expression then turned to embarrassment and he said grimly,"Why would anyone want to listen to my troubles? Why do you care so much?"

    My heart raced. I wanted to answer truthfully, but I didn't think I was strong enough. "Heh, I bet you would laugh at me if I told you, Zach. I-I really don't want to say..." I whispered with my head hung.

    His head popped up in a state of confusion. I continued to look at the floor. Suddenly, I flt something weigh down my shoulders. I looked up, and he had placed his warm hands on either shoulder. I stared into his familar eyes. I had nver dreamed I would be this close to him in my lifetime."I think your reason is the same as mine, Emily Wardren," he grinned but continued on shaky."I...I think I lik-.....I think I lo-love you."

    My jaw dropped and my world stopped right there. The pressure in my stomach built to a fever pitch as I realized what he was saying. I felt myself smile. "Z-zach...I think I love you..too." I saw his eyes immeadiately turn soft and warm. They nourished my sight and everythig became chrystal clear. He laid his forehead against mine. I closed my eyes and he moved one of his hands to caress my cheek. I opened my eyes and said "This is a dream..pinch me so I know I'm awake.."

    He chuckled darkly and said,"I will never pinch you. But I will do this."

    He tilted my chin up with his hand, and pressed his warm lips against mine. I stayed in that unmoving state of bliss, until we broke for air.

    He kissed me again and I kissed back this time with passion, wrapping my arms around his neck. Both of his hands held my cheeks now.

    He broke the kiss andd wrapped his arms around me tight. I couldn't move a muscle. The heat radiating off his body made me numd and loved. Tears rolled down my cheeks. He turned t look at me, but gasped.

    "What?! Did I do something wrong? Did I hurt you?! Em?!" he asked, looking very concerned. He loosened one of his arms to wipe away my tears.

    "No, Zach. It's just that with your arms around me I feel so loved..." I sniffled, and clung to him like a two year old. He gave me a crooked grin.

    He then shushed me and I laid my head on his chest. He held my head there, his hand twisted in my hair.

    I listened to his heartbeat, his chest rising everytime he took a breath. he kissed the top of my head.

    The world melted away, by his touch.....