Chapter 9 - Farewell

3rd Person.

It was silent. The physical distance between Gabbie and Kiel is not even a meter apart but the internal barrier felt like a kilometer long. No one is breaking the silence or even planning to at any moment. They both want to savor the relationship that is at the risk to change with the news that Gabbie is very willing to hide forever but about to spill.

It's Saturday morning when Gabbie called Kiel for a meetup and now they are on their favorite bench in a basketball court just a few strides outside Gabbie's house. Leia is not with them and that made it more nerve-wracking for Kiel. 'Something is going on' is what he is thinking the whole time. But what makes that something different is that it should be said in the absence of their other best friend.

"I like you, Kiel."

And that's it.

It was said.

In a very soft and relaxed voice.

Gabbie did not look at him and even veered more when Kiel pointed his stares at her in utter shock.

Gabbie could not hide this forever and she wa