It feels like that one scene in every rom-com ever, where the romantic interest and the main character knock into each other and end up in an awkward position on top of each other. Except it’s somehow not awkward. We’re both laughing so hard we can’t breathe. If we were in a rom-com, I think this is where we’re supposed to kiss.
It isn’t until Bo’s parents come to help us up that I remember they’re here in the first place. It’s almost like that first time we spun around together, when everything else was a blur but Bo. That’s how it is with her sometimes. Dizzying and breathtaking, but she’s right there when I come up for breath.
Bo starts recording us all the next time we slide down. For the camera, I decide to try something cool and slide down belly first for maximum aerodynamics. Bo chases me down the hill, recording and cheering me on. The farther down the hill I get, the faster I go. Since I’m on my belly, I don’t stop sliding at the bottom of the hill. I’m about to slide right into the lake when Bo leaps forward and grabs my ankles to keep me in place. My ice block shoots out from under me and into the water.
I roll around when she lets go of my ankles.
“I GOT THAT ON CAMERA!” Bo hops up on her feet and wags her butt in a victory dance.
“You saved me!” I get up and tackle-hug her. We both fall to the ground laughing again. “Thanks for not letting me fall into the lake for views.”
“Oh man, I didn’t even think of that!” She sits up and snaps like she’s disappointed. I laugh and curl up on my side. Adrenaline really drains you. Bo lies down next to me, and I swear I’m dreaming because the fireworks go off right when she looks at me. I watch them go off in her eyes for a second before I roll onto my back to see them for real. We just lie there, while rainbow matches light up the sky.
Bo’s parents meet us at the bottom with blankets, hot chocolate, and Oreos. There are only two blankets, so Bo and I have one to share. I’m side-eyeing Rick super hard right now, since he totally could have brought more than two blankets for the four of us, but I’m not exactly complaining. It’s cold enough outside for a straight girl to want to snuggle her friend-who-has-a-girlfriend to keep warm, right?
Bo leans her head on my shoulder, and I want to melt into the grass under me. Because she’s not afraid of making me uncomfortable anymore. Because she’s comfortable like this. Because her parents are right here with us and it’s not weird. I respond by leaning my head on hers, so she knows I’m not being weird. And because I want to. Because I’m comfortable, too.
Even though I like her, it’s not about that at all right now. I’m just happy to be this close with someone.
It’s not long before Bo’s parents start packing up.
“What? We’re going home already?” Bo whines.
“No, we’re going home already,” Bo’s mom says. “We’re old, honey. You two enjoy the fireworks.”
I don’t need to hide my relief. This feels too intimate, and I don’t want to ruin it by going back. Bo and I stay lying out on the grass.
“Is it weird if we cuddle?” Bo asks. Thank God, too, because I’m cold and gay.
“Not weird. It’s cold.” I throw the blanket Bo’s parents left over both of us and hug Bo’s arm like a body pillow. I can feel her shivering.
I hope she doesn’t catch on to how badly I’ve been wanting to snuggle up to her ever since I dreamed about cuddling her after the homecoming party. But this is way better. We don’t talk for a while. I used to think silence could only be awkward, but it’s not. I’m just watching the fireworks and enjoying her company. No music necessary.
When the fireworks slow down a bit, I sit up to watch their sparkling reflections in the lake. I like how the reflection distorts the lights just enough that it feels like a dream.