Chapter Seven – Looking Back

"I grew up in a happy little." Becca mutters through her soft tears. "Just my mom, dad and I. My parents loved me and taught me all they could. But they weren't perfect; they raised me to believe that being anything but heterosexual is a great sin, and I followed it. I didn't get it, but I didn't question them; I never did. Until I had my first crush; my first love, if you will, and I was only 13. Her name was Emily and I fell for her like a ton of bricks. I had never felt attracted to anyone until her.

"I had to get over her; I couldn't date a girl. My parents would've killed me, and I knew that. So, I suffered in silence as she disappeared from my heart. A few months ago, my old school was having a dance; informal. I wanted to go with someone, but I was lacking in the friends department. So I did the next best thing, and a year after my crush had fizzed out, I finally asked Emily to the dance. She said yes and we hung out; nothing happened but a peck on the cheek. Well, that little peck was photographed, and my parents saw it. Let's just say… I was kicked out and that's when I moved here. I live with my aunt now and I have been outcasted from my other family. I got over Emily, obviously, but I have never gotten over my horrible family. They just threw away all of our happy memories, just because I like girls."

She was heavily crying now; she cuddles up next to me, her tears forcing me to embrace her. Despite her tears free-falling all the way down the tree, she continues:

"I chose to move here because this tree is the last thing I can cherish. All the memories in this tree were once so sweet but even now they are melancholy."

I lift her chin with my hand, and stare into her deep ocean eyes. They may be leaking, but they are still the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I suddenly cannot stop myself any longer; I press my lips against hers. I feel her kiss me back. A sensation of euphoria fills my entire body as our lips caress each other. We finally part; my world is the most vibrant utopia imaginable. The most stunning colors berate my vision, lighting my world like to never had before. In the moment, I had forgotten I was in a tree. I glance at Becca; her face is a glorious shade of red -left over from crying most likely- but a smile has appeared on her face.

"Are…" She trails off in wonderment. "Are you gonna add any context or a I left to ponder the reasoning?"

"Ummm." Shit, I hadn't thought this far. You know what? I'm going to tell her exactly what I'm thinking. No holds.

"Becca, ever since I met you, my world has been so different. My life was so dull, unchanging, boring, but you made it bright. You make me colorful. You make me happy like no one ever has. It would mean the world to me if we could go out. Would you like to date me, Becca?"

I feel her throw her arms around me as she happily whispers in my ear:

"Way to add some flare, A. Of course, I'll go out with you."

She leans away for one second then kisses me once again. My world flashed with beauty. Who knew that I would be in the top of a great oak tree with a girl with amber hair and ocean eyes - in an adorable skater outfit- when my world gained color. Becca, you gave my world color; you took me from dull to color.