I was shocked. "Mmmbop" hitting number one paled in comparison to this. At the most, I expected a phone call. But truthfully, I figured it was the end for us. That is, up until now. But as I looked out the peep-hole there stood Laura on the other side of the door.
I opened it. But before I could utter a sound, her lips were pressed against mine. She deepened the kiss and walked me into the apartment, kicking the door shut. She continued kissing me, and I was too stunned to react. But then she began to gently run her fingers up and down my spine. Their touch was a sharp contrast to her passionate kisses, and brought me out of my trance. I knew where this was going. This is what I had been waiting for since the day I met her. But there were some things that needed to be said first.
"Laura, wait."
"Taylor, that's the problem. I've waited too long... to tell you I'm sorry, to introduce you to Maddy, to tell you I love you." Her eyes clouded over with emotion.
"What did you just say?"
"I love you," she repeated softly.
"Laura..."
"No, let me explain. I... I was hiding... behind Maddy. I was afraid... that I wouldn't be good enough for you and of rejection. After everything that happened, I didn't know if you could love me the way I loved you. I did... I did want to protect Maddy, but I used that to push you away. And instead of protecting her, I hurt all three of us."
I sighed. A glimpse of the Laura I fell in love with in college returned. "Laura, do you remember... do you remember how it used to be? We can still have that. It's still there. I know it seems as if everything's different, but really nothing's changed. My feeling for you certainly haven't. And it wasn't all you either. I played a part in this too. That night before you left for Spain, I wanted so badly to tell you I loved you. But I thought it was too soon. Maybe if I had..." My voice trailed off.
"Please, Taylor, don't beat yourself up over it. Don't blame yourself for even a second. Only I can be responsible for my actions. But... it's hard. I shouldn't expect you to give up so much."
"Laura, I'm not giving up anything. In fact, it's just the opposite. I'm gaining something. You put too much on your shoulders, and you don't have to. You have your parents. You have me. I want to share that with you, not stand by and watch you do it alone. I wanna be there for BOTH you AND Maddy."
She smiled, her eyes shining with tears. She circled her arms around my waist and buried her head in my chest. We just stood there in silence, embracing one another, absorbing every detail of this moment. Then she looked up at me, small, soft giggles escaping her lips.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"Don't say nothing. What's so funny?"
"Well, it's just..."
"Yeah?"
"Nevermind. You're just gonna think I'm stupid."
"Laura, you are a FAR cry from being stupid. Just tell me already."
"Well, it just, this is like something out of fan fiction, or whatnot."
I had to laught at that one. "Oh, really? Any story in particular?"
"No, of course not. I can't even set the clock on my VCR. You know that. So no, Tay, I didn't have a webpage for you," she laughed.
It was like we were eighteen again, sitting out by her pond. Only better, because her dad wasn't around.
"I have a question for you."
I nodded my head, encouraging her to go on.
"After Paramus, if someone told you that you'd be with the fan who ripped your shirt, would you have believed 'em?"
"Not a chance in hell."
"Do I scare you?"
"What?!"
"Do I scare you? You know, being a fan and all?"
"No, just don't go ripping any more of my shirts."
We laughed. The thing I loved the most about Laura was her ability to be candid. And where her fan status was concerned, she had ALWAYS been suprisingly honest. I glanced at the clock. "It's getting late. Maybe you should be going."
"Why?" she asked, smiling flirtatiously.
"What do you mean 'why'?"
"Well, tonight's not a school night, so my curfew's been extended."
"Oh, really?" I kissed the hollow of her neck. "To when?"
"Hmmm... to tomorrow morning."
I stroked her hair. "Are you sure? I mean, are you REALLY sure? You don't have to, you know."
She kissed me gently on the lips. "Jordan Taylor Hanson, I love you."
"I love you, too," I said, returning the kiss.
"But Taylor..."
"Yeah?"
"Tonight... I just want to be with you."