I found her under the bridge, which was what we called the school’s entryway, where a bridge was overhanging just as you enter. She was crying. I approached her softly.

“Go away!” she pushed at me lightly.

“Emma never told on you,” I said.

“Liar,” she sniffed.

“It was Ian who told me.”

“And what would that fucker know?”

Apparently, a lot. “Nothing. Since he didn’t tell me you liked me.”

Bethany stopped crying and looked at me questioningly.

“Ian told me I liked you.” I said.

“And?”

“And,” No! My mind screamed. You won’t just hurt Emma. You’ll hurt Bethany too! “I think he’s right,” I said, as I took her hand and put it on my chest, right above my heart. It was beating loudly, I could hear the drumbeat in my ears.

She leaned into me, her face looking up into mine. Her tears have dried. She closed her eyes. I knew what she was waiting for. It seemed like an eternity, with my mind and heart torn in half. I kissed her anyway.

Right then, Rosie arrived. She stood behind Bethany with that utter shock on her face. Bethany ended our kiss and turned back to see her.

She ran and embraced Rosie. Rosie gave me a “what the fuck happened” look. I just shrugged sheepishly. Bethany didn’t notice. She was busy whirling Rosie around. Then she turned back to me and jumped into my arms.

Ian arrived.

“Well, this calls for a wedding!” he exclaimed. “Just a pretend wedding of course. You two lovebirds aren’t old enough for a legal wedding.”

“Can we do it?” Bethany asks excitedly, looking at me, Ian, and Rosie in turn. Ian nodded vigorously, Rosie was just in shock, and I shrugged in apparent capitulation.

“Yes!” Ian exclaimed pumping his fist. “Wedding bells it is!” he shouted, calling the attention of passersby.