Three words

The words had just slipped out, without my brain actually thinking about them. As if they had been battling to get out along, and finally had found a weakness and taken the chance!

I stiffened; suddenly the wonderful moment seemed to have vanished. The rain was still falling gently, actually more mist like than actual water droplets but the world outside of the water trailed window was still soaked through; the leaves dripped every now and again and the grass shined as it bent limply towards the earth. Nathan’s arms were still held comfortably around my middle, his chest firm under my torso as I leaned against him. But something had just shifted, like a shimmer in the air which I had never been aware of, had been flung to the side, relieving a fear which curled itself around me.

“…What did you just say?” Nathan said sharply, his arms tightened around me and he bent his head forwards to stare shocked at me. His brown eyes gazed at mine, wide and full of surprise, his mouth slightly parted.

I gulped nervously, suddenly my throat was tight and my mouth dry.

Three words. Three, little, simple words had just changed everything. Did I mean them? Should I take them back? Was the fear I felt inside of me the right reaction, or should I be cursing and hitting myself for letting them slip out?

“That’s the first time you’ve ever said that…” His voice reflected this expression, but also held upset.

Was it? My mind whirled through my memories. Yes, he was right. They had never been uttered before. But why not?! Suddenly, they felt so true, so right – why shouldn’t I say them, I was only expressing my feelings after all.

“Do you really mean it?” Now his voice was full of fear and uncertainty. Would I dare sound those words to him again?

Of course I would.

I nodded, smiling with clear belief, “I love you… Nathan I love you!”