It’s amazing how much three words can change your life. Everyone knows what those words are.

I. Love. You.

The first time I said it I was five years old, to Timmy next door. We were playing in my garden with some neighbourhood kids, playing chase – with a twist: whoever was caught got kissed.

Finally, Jennifer yelled “Girls chase boys!” and everyone did a U-turn. The chaser became the chasee.
I made a bee-line for Timmy, ignoring boys closer to me. I jumped with more determination than I had ever known and knocked him off his feet. Rolling him over I kissed him smack on the lips, and a new emotion just kicked in. I knew the words.

“I love you, Timmy!” I shouted.

Timmy’s expression shifted to a grimace. “Eww!” he squealed pushing me off him and into the mud before jumping away.

Childrens’ jeers filled my head.
“Cara loves Timmy!”
“You lurve him, Cara!”
“Cara and Timmy sittin’ in a tree, K-I-S-S-I…”

I felt my face heat as Timmy glared at me, pure hatred in his eyes.