(I used this prompt as inspo, but it’s not exactly like it.)

In a quiet courtyard, we sat side by side on the bleachers.

“I love you,” He proclaimed, reaching for my hand, and intertwining our fingers

I lean on him. “I love you too.”

“What if you forget me?” He asked genuinely.

I gently grazed his face with one hand, “I won’t. Not ever.”

“Okay,” He let go of my hand and brought his pinky up. “Pinky promise?”

“Pinky promise,” I replied. Both pinkies intertwined and thumbs touching, it was sealed. I’d never forget him, he’d never forget me.

“But what if you move to college and forget me?” I ask.

“Why would I?” He looked straight into my eyes.

“I don’t know, maybe you’ll find someone you like better?”

“But they could never replace or come near my Shayla.”

I smile. “What if there is another Shayla?”

He scrunched his face and shook his head, “Never, this Shayla in front of me, is the only one I’ll ever want.”

I basked in his love and wanted to be in this moment forever.

Something touches me and I move over. “Leave me alone, I’m still sleeping,” I reply, half awake now.

“Shayla?” I hear a familiar voice. I roll over and look at his face. And scream.

“Shayla shh,” He whispered.

“But—but—You were just..” I pause myself, _I sound crazy. _

“I missed you so I came to visit you.” He replies, his hands in his pockets.

“What—what?” I stutter, eyes wide. Covering myself with my blanket.

“Do you not remember me?” He joked.

“No I do… but..?”

_Am I in a dream? Is this real?_

“But what?” He sits down on my bed curiously.

“I was just confused is all, I guess you were in a dream of mine and I didn’t expect you to be here.”

He smiles, “So you _do_ think of me.”

“Yes,” I replied shyly.

“Do you want to go somewhere?”

“Where?” I sat up excitedly.

“I have a plan, get ready and meet me outside.”

I put a white and pink dress on, layered with a pink, buttoned sweater.

I leave a note for my family and head out.

He’s waiting outside with his hands behind his back.

I run up to him.

“You look beautiful,” He smiles in admiration.

“Thank you!” I twirl around, showing my dress.

“For my _princess_,” He hands me a pink bouquet.

“You didn’t have to!” My face lights up and I jump into his arms.

“You’re so worth it.” He leans into my hug.

The feeling of being in his arms felt so right and comfortable. But was this real? Would he still be there when I arose tomorrow?

Dismissing the burdening thoughts, I chose to live in the moment.

“Let’s go!” I announce excitedly.

He grabs my hand and leads me.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“You’ll see,” He replied, a playful glint in his eye.

Some distance came between us, and I rushed to his side, “Tell me!”

He shook his head, “Nope.”

“Please!” I begged

“Nope,” He said, clearly amused.

It took 15 minutes of walking on country roads to arrive.

“Where are we?” I ask, looking around.

He grabs my hand. We run forward till we see an opening in the trees, hiding what’s beyond.

“You ready?”

“Yes,” I insisted.

We walk into the opening. Mostly full of trees.. until..

I gasp loudly, looking around at all the flowers hanging around. Some grow in trees, others on the ground. A bench right in the middle.

“Isn’t it gorgeous?” He asks.

I nod, wordless. “I can’t—“ Tears start rushing down my face.

“What’s wrong?” He smiles gently.

“It’s just so beautiful,” I say through tears.

He takes a step closer, till he’s right in front of me, then cups my face.

“You’re so cute, even when you cry.”

I smile through tears. And he scrunches my face with his hands.

“_Hey_!” I reply playfully.

“The old Shayla is back,” He messes with my hair.

_Who’s Shayla? I’m not Shayla. _

_ _ “Shayla?” He whispers.

“Mm,” I look back at him.

“Can I kiss you?”

“But I’m not Shayla.”

“What do you mean? You _are_ Shayla.” He laughs. “What kind of joke is this?”

_ _I pull my phone out and look at my camera app. Then scream.

“I’m Shayla!” I scream. _Who is Shayla? I don’t know. But I’m Shayla. _

“You’re so silly.” He laughs, not understanding.

I calm down. “I can’t kiss you, not _yet_.”

“What’s going on Shayla? You’ve been acting weird.”

I gently pinch myself. Ouch. _Nope. This isn’t a dream, I guess I’m Shayla now._