the air in the room was filled with the tension of so many unshared feelings, on her part at least, that it was getting very uncomfortable.

"so do you love her?"

he shifted in his seat, and turned his face towards the window.

"i -" his voice cracked ever so slightly "i don't know..."

they sat there in silence for what seemes like the rest of their lives, contemplating what would happen between them. finally, he looked at her. her face was filled with what seemed like sympathy, sorrow, regret. and in that moment when their eyes locked, they knew what had to be. she got up from her perch on the desk, and crossed over to him, his face returning to the window. she kneeled in front of his chair, putting her hands on his legs, and looking up at him with the gentlest expression.

"hey.. look at me.." she whispered. he shook his head slowly.

"i... i can't." he bit his lip, trying to hold back the tears. no matter how strong she was inside, she just couldn't keep it covered then. tears started running down her face, and she made no effort to hide them.

"yes you can." she said a little more firmly. he looked at her beautiful face, and wondered how he could've ever dont such a thing.

"i'm so sorry-" he started, but she put a finger over his lips.

"shh... it's alright..." they both stood up, and he looked down at her tear stained face. her makeup was completely smudged, and her eyes were red from crying.

"no, it's not okay, i never should've.. it's all my fault... i didn't mean to hurt you like that." he took a deep breath, but was stopped from continuing by her arms holding him tighly in a loving embrace. after all he'd done, she was being so... well, like she always was. he had broken her heart, and she wasn't even angry. he couldn't hold it in any longer. he cried softly into her hair, and for those few moments, all that could be heard was their sobs inside the empty classroom. they pulled away from each other, and she looked up at him. holding his face in her hands, she stepped on her tiptoes, and reached her face up to his. her lips found his, and held the kiss not a moment too long. her mouth found its way to his ear, and, her fingers entwined in his dark hair, whispered softly to him.

"i forgive you." she said, and pulling back from him, made her way to the door and out of the room without even looking back. he collapsed into his chair again, and didn't care that the sound of his crying could be heard throughout the school. she walked slowly down the front steps and down the old path to the forest, her shoulders quivering slighty as she let herself go.