Love, Theoretically

“I can’t believe we missed the part when Bella beats up Jacob.” “Jesus, Elsie, what is this movie?”

I think I might be happy. Though due to a lack of hands-on experience, I cannot be sure.

He starts the engine. “Look at you.” “Look at me?” He puts his hand on the headrest of the seat to back out of the spot. His fingers brush against my hair, soft, distracted. “Yeah. Look at you, telling the truth.”

“The way you seem to always get under my skin.” “Elsie.” His eyes close for a brief moment. When he opens them, stars are born. “You think you don’t live under mine?”

I’ve never been this healthy—mentally and physically. The wonders of having insurance.

“I’m here,” Jack says. We’re alone in this hallway, me and him. Just the two of us, in any way that matters. “But take your time, Elsie. I’ll wait for as long as it takes.”

But that night he hugs me from behind while I brush my teeth and whispers, “You are the most magnificent thing that ever happened to me,” and I know it to be true.

I’m positive that a mallard must have flown in and eaten Cece’s brain.

“Then go to your room and play with your Transformers figurines. Leave her alone.”