“I heard you took the test yesterday.” Xavier said, spreading what little butter there was on a moldy piece of bread.

“Cut the mold off.”

He nodded. “How’d it go?”

She considered telling him all that had happened the day before but decided against it. She didn’t want to risk potentially endangering his life with what the man had told her yesterday.

“Well enough.”

He set the bread down on the table and sat himself on the seat across from her.

The next thing he said made her want to jump off a building.

“Listen. I’ve wanted to tell you for awhile now but I figured it would be better to wait until after you took the test.” He hesitated. Then, “I like you Ailith Gallow. And not as a friend but as a woman. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

She couldn’t stop the shock from showing on her face. Xavier must have taken that as a good sign because he smiled-the biggest freaking smile she had ever seen him show.

She said under her breath, “Since when?”

“I've liked you since the day i met you.”

“You were 7.”

He shrugged and continued speaking. “I didn’t realize until that day you were caught and beaten up by authorities for stealing from the market. I was horrified when you returned with a bruised face and a broken arm. When I returned home, I beat myself up for not going with you. Even though I wouldn’t have been of much use…I like you”

And there it was. Those three dangerous words. One she had not expected would ever come out of her friend’s mouth. It changed everything. Absolutely everything. And it made her feel so guilty. It shouldn’t have. But it still did. Ever since her parent’s death, she had made a promise to herself that she would never love anyone again. The loss was too devastating and she wasn’t ready to face it again. She stared at him.

He started speaking faster. “Now that you’ve taken the test, we can find a home together. I’ll pay for all of it if you want. And once we settle down, I would like to propose to you. Perhaps in that park you like so dearly. Of course it’ll be a rough journey but, I’d be there for you every step of the way. And...”

“Stop. Just stop.” She rubbed her temple. They had no future together. “I’m sorry Xavier. I only see you as a friend.”

“No, I’m sorry. I know that was a bit much. We could start slowly if you feel uncomfortable.”

“We can’t.”

“Why not? Can’t you just give me a chance? We’ve been friends for so long. Is it because of my personality? I could change for you. Anything for you.”

“No, it's not that. You’re fine just the way you are.”

A tinge of hope showed on his desperate face.

“What is it then?”

‘No, she was hoping she wouldn’t have to tell him but he was showing no sign of giving up.’ She looked up and stared him dead in the eye. “I took the test, Xavier... And I ranked a 1.”