It seemed really rude of James to let something that important slip his mind. And he should have known her mother would have also liked to know in advance, rather than also be put on the spot too. She could tell James was sorry but that didn’t excuse him from the fact that what he did was totally thoughtless and careless. Sasha had a right to be upset with him but she still didn’t want it to ruin their adventure together. He moved closer and said they could put it behind them. But she wanted to make it clear that she did want to go, but it was a pretty big step and a big thing to consider in such a short period of time. Had he given her better notice, she would have been more excited, than surprised and caught off guard.

“James,” She started to say but then she couldn’t help but smile at his comment. She didn’t like seeing him beat himself up. It was a silly reason for them to fight, she just wanted to have him consider her own feelings and why she felt light there was some unwanted spotlight thrust upon her. “I’m not mad, I’m just upset, there is a difference.” She pointed out. “Angry is better fined as a strong emotion where upset pertains more to...something less intense but shares the sentiment of being unhappy.” The writer told him. She sighed and looked off, not really sure what else to say on the matter. All she could do was talk to her parents and mull it over, she just didn’t like being pressed for time or urgency. 

It was unfair.

Sasha looked back over at the water and shifted uncomfortably in their shared silence. She could sense the boy next to her was struggling with something. “James? Are...you okay?” She glanced to him, still disappointed but still concerned about him. Like him, she didn’t want their date to be ruined. Before he could really assure her, he spoke up and began to explain how he wanted to make her Valentine’s Day special. She couldn’t blame him for that since she thought it wasn’t even on his mind. Sasha looked to him, pressing her lips together, something she often did when she was waiting patiently for him to say what was on his mind. Nodding along with his words, she stopped when he began to choke up a little and finally blurt out his confession.

He loved her.

That seemed to be enough for James as he trailed off and tried to collect himself. She looked at him, trying to understand what he had said. Yes, she heard him but she was trying to actually process the words and their meaning. Someone loved her. Someone she was dating, someone who she liked a lot. All the books she read and the love stories she had written were nothing compared to her life at this very moment. Sasha found herself smiling and when she noticed, she couldn’t even consider stopping. “You do?” She asked though she didn’t really need an answer to that. She felt nervous and anxious and excited and didn’t know what to do. One thing that her mind kept telling her, was that she did love him too. “I love you too.” She reached out for his hand, hoping that his mind hadn’t run away too far after that confession.

“James…?” Sasha laughed a little, trying to understand what they had both just admitted to. They loved each other! She then instantly thought about their parents and if her mother knew about this, she might not let her go on the trip. “I-I hope that doesn’t impede the trip any!” She blurted out, not sure if he could connect her comment to her internal train of thought. Neither of them seemed well versed in these sorts of romantic moments but she was thrilled in a surreal sort of way that they could both grow together and experience these sorts of things together. She squeezed his hand gently and leaned over to kiss him. “This day just got a million times better!” She assured him. She had been worried about them as a couple but him being a bit distant now made sense if he had been mulling over his feelings for her for a while. “You didn’t have to wait to tell me!” Sasha laughed.