Page 48 of Don't Leave Me

They both looked at each other immediately with knowing faces, then back at me.

“Do you remember what you told me last night?” Emily asked with wide eyes, her dimpled smile getting wider.

Great. I had a conversation with Emily that I don’t remember either? I’m either a huge lightweight or the combination of my panic attack, my meds and alcohol did a number on me.

I leaned against the counter and crossed my arms, hugging myself to keep warm in my light t-shirt and leggings.

“No,” I said, furrowing my brows, ashamed of my blackout.

The amusement was clear on her face.

“I was sitting with you in your room while Michael was in the bathroom,” she started, her voice getting low like she was about to share a piece of gossip with me.

I nodded with anticipation, suddenly nervous. Billie was also staring at Emily, intrigued, although I was sure she was already filled in with the story.

“And I said that Michael seems to really care about you, and you flopped down on your bed and said you were in love with him,” she explained, smiling to herself.

I widened my eyes. Of course I would spill my guts and not remember.

“Is that all?” I asked after waiting for her to continue.

“Is thatall?” Emily reiterated, laughing. “I asked if you were serious and you laughed and said yes and then Michael walked in,” she widened her eyes.

Oh shit. What if he overheard?“Did he hear us?” I asked worriedly, not as amused as her and Billie were.

“I don’t think so,” Emily assured me, shaking her head.

“Oh god,” I started walking back to my room, putting my hands up to my head. “I hope I didn’t tell him. I want to be able to remember when I tell him,” I moaned, crawling onto my bed.

“So youarein love with him!” Emily hopped onto my bed excitedly, Billie following as they giggled like teenagers.

They were both sitting eagerly at the foot of my bed, waiting for my answer. I laughed and lifted myself up on my elbows.

“Of course I am! The man is amazing, and beautiful, and smart, and funny, and sweet,” I said loudly, letting my excitement finally take over.

Billie smiled and laid next to me, her eyes lit up.

“You should tell him,” she grinned, playfully raising her eyebrows.

I scoffed. “Yeah, no. That would be movingwaytoo fast for him. I’m his first girlfriend in like, years,” I explained to them.

“So what?” Emily shrugged. “He’s obviously crazy about you. I mean, the way he looks at you,” she continued, then Billie quickly chimed in.

“And no guy goes and meets the parents if he doesn’treallycare about you,” she explained matter-of-factly.

I sighed and fell on my back. They may have been right, but there was no way I was gonna say the “l” word first, especially not after only seeing him for the past two weeks.

“The time will come,” I said nonchalantly, wanting to change the subject. “So, what are we doing tonight?”

We all had decided to stay in, watch a movie and order take out. I couldn’t stop thinking about Michael as we watched a romcom, my heart full knowing that he was mine.He takes such good care of me. I want to take care of him. I want him to know that I can provide for him too.My phone suddenly pinged and I felt my heart drop as I looked down and realized who it was.

“I’m sorry for being an asshole last night. I care about you, Hana. I hope you’re okay,” the text from Jack read.

My fingers hovered over the keyboard but I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t want to keep jeopardizing things with Michael. Instead, I set my phone on the coffee table and continued to daydream about Michael.

* * *

“I’m dropping out of UPenn,” Emily confided, tears forming in her eyes.

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