December 23, 2059. 4:00 am. Jamaica, New York. (Queens Borough)

Coming from Sunnyside, they drove down Hillside Avenue. Then to Sutphin Blvd, and finally into Archer Ave, that leads to 93rd Ave where Anna's apartment building is located.

Gabriel pulled into the driveway and turned off the ignition. The building is tan with four doors in the front. Anna lived in the first apartment and drug head lived in the second. He was sitting on his front porch when they pulled up, when he realized who it was, he seamed happy. I looked at her in the passenger seat, she looked back.

Anna: Told you so. I think he knows my schedule.

Gabriel: Alright if he asks, I'm the new boy-buddy.

Anna: Boy-buddy? I like it!

She got out and I followed quickly. We approached the stairs and the drug head, Evan, looked up from his phone and squinted, getting used to the darkness away from his phone.

Evan: Hey Anna, this the Husband?

It's kind of silent while she opens the wooden door. She unlocks the door and opens it with a jar.

Anna: Nope, just the boy-buddy!

We both dashed inside and closed the door, leaving Evan with a weird look on his face.

We both started cackling and snorting as we took off our coats and went into the living room.

Anna: Oh, my gosh, I love that word! That's your title now, not best friend- Boy-buddy. HAHAHA

Gabriel: Hahaha, (looks at phone) alright we need to get home before the babysitter leaves from me not having enough money to pay her.

Anna: Ok, could you get a few things from the fridge?

Gabriel: Why?

Anna: I'm going to make green bean casserole.

Gabriel: Oooh, yum, what do I get?

Anna told me all the items, then went to pack her bag while I stalked into the kitchen. Opening the fridge, I found everything she said and some whip cream, pizza, fried chicken, and various other junk food.

Gabriel: JEEZ, ANNA, HOW ARE YOU SO SKINNY WITH ALL THIS CRAP IN YOUR FRIDGE!?

Anna: I WORK OUT A LOT! PLUS THAT'S USUALLY NOT WHAT I HAVE IN THERE, ITS THE HOLIDAYS!

Gabriel: Oh...

I got everything and put it in a reusable grocery bag. I set it by the front door and joined Anna in her room. Its not the first time I've been in there, but today is different. I hyped myself up in the car to tell her how I feel today. I mean, life's to short, right?

Gabriel stood in the door frame and watched Anna. She's very pretty. Nice figure, pretty eyes, funny personality. They have been together for a long time, and Gabriel has loved her a long time. But the thing he's been afraid of is does she love him too? Now is the time to find out.

Gabriel: Anna?

Anna: Hmm?

She didn't look up from folding and stuffing clothes into her bag.

Gabriel: ... I love you.

She flinched a second.

Anna: love you to Gabby.

Gabriel: No, I mean I'm in love with you, Anna.

She stopped. Looked at Gabriel and saw he wasn't joking. His light brown skin was flushed around his cheeks and ears. That only happens when he's embarrassed.

Anna: ... Wha- err... are you serious?

Gabriel: Of course. Why do you think I haven't been infected yet?

She was blushing now as well. Plopping onto the bed, I took a seat next to her and took her hand in mine. I looked at her for a response. She started crying.

Gabriel: Woah, wait, I'm sorry what did I do?

Anna: I thought you were still in love with Jen!

Gabriel: Ha, no I was years ago, but I started liking you when we were children. Then I fell for Jen as a teen. But I realized that I really only love you.

Anna: ... Gabby...

I turned my head to her again. Just as I did, she leaned in and kissed me. Her cheeks are wet and her face burned. Maybe she was crying from embarrassment. I curled my hand onto her soft face while my other stayed on her hand. She pulled away.

Gabriel: Does that mean you love me too?

Anna: ... I don't know if I love you yet... I mean, of course I love you, but I think I extremely like you in that way right now.

An energetic, happy feeling passed in my heart and head. My throat closed up and I lost the ability to think for a while. It's almost like I'm about to throw- up but it doesn't feel bad of queasy. My mouth watered and I feel really happy.

Anna: You ok?

Gabriel: Ahem, yeah, I juz- I'm- uh. I'm so happy right now. I thought for sure you didn't like me and I was going to ruin everything when I told you. GAAAA, I'M SO HAPPY!

I hugged her really tight and she hugs me back just as hard.

My phone buzzes.

Its Lucas.

Gabriel: uh crap, I forgot its already five. Why does that boy have to get up so early?

Anna: I'll finish packing.

She kissed my head and I answered the phone.

Gabriel: Hey Lucas, sorry, me and Anna will be there soon. Just getting a few things.

Lucas: Well hurry, I'm hungry for some of Anna's food. And I woke up around three. So I'm really hungry.

Gabriel: Ah, ok, be there in about thirty. Bye, love you.

Lucas: Love you.

I hung up the phone and turned to Anna.

Gabriel: Hey, he's been up for a while we have to hurry. Wait, are we going to tell him?

Anna: Tell him what?

Gabriel: Err, I didn't ask you.

The burning was coming back to my cheeks.

Gabriel: Um, Anna, will you go out with me?

Anna: Hehehe, embarrassed Gabby is adorable.

Gabriel: oh my gosh, will you just answer me?

Anna: Hahaha, yes Gabby, yes. And we just tell him. Why hide it, that's stupid.

Hmm, I really love her.