Her hair falls in raven ringlets; her big eyes looking always sad, turned down at the sides as they are, their irises an icy blue. They sit awkwardly in her long face like large eggs balancing on the rim of a nest. For years I have been Melina’s best friend, whilst I, in turn, fell pathetically and unrequitedly in love with her.

Boys asked me out but I always turned them down, hoping it would make Melina realise, but she always told me to go ahead and smiled sadly.

I long ago gave up on the idea that Melina might return the feelings I have for her. Too many stunted attempts at the Question and too few outward signs made all hope drop from the boughs of my heart.

So it obviously surprised me when that beautiful girl sat in the booth opposite me, sipped her hot chocolate and kept her eyes focused on the table as she asked me,
“I know you’ll probably say ‘no’ but would you go out with me?”

It surprised me greater still that I felt only hollowness at the revelation that should have brightened my world.