"Elsie, I love you."

You were completely, absolutely, and overwhelmingly broadsided by the emotion that rises up in you in that moment. As you grew up you had always carried a torch for your older sister Fiona. But Elsie? Elsie was always your buddy, your cohort, your playmate, your constant companion. In the most important ways she was your very best friend. You had never even thought of her in this way before. This had taken you completely off guard despite all of the numerous warning signs throughout the day. Now that she was forcing the issue you were surprised by the depth and strength of the feelings you were experiencing.

You see a pained expression come to her face, as if realizing she had made a horrible error of judgment. She was immediately regretting being so honest with you as self conscious and doubting thoughts began to run through her mind. Her eyes drop as you witnessed her heart break at what she was sure would be your response. Seeing her torment was like a thousand red hot knives sinking into your heart. You take her head in your hands, gently cupping under her around her jaw and neck, and pull her face back up towards yours. You reestablish eye contact. You had not one single doubt in your heart.

Gazing deeply you say the most honest words you ever had or ever would speak in your life.

"Elsie, I love you."

You didn't know how this forbidden love would work, you didn't know how you would break it to your family, you didn't even know if it was legal, you only knew one thing. You were truly, madly, deeply in love with Elsie. You were the luckiest man alive. The thought of your relationship with the girl you had been chasing, Allison, seemed like a paltry frivolous thing compared to what you were feeling right now.

The smile that spreads across Elsie's face was like the first warming rays of dawn after a cold endless night. The two of you sit there in the quiet moment simply in awe of one another. Happiness seemed too petty a word to describe your feelings at this moment. Language simply failed to even come close to describing it.

You come together and share the most tender special perfect kiss that could ever grace human existence.