Not My Hero

I read the quote a couple of times before I turn my gaze to Brie. She smiles at me as I mouth ‘Thank You’ to her.

Brie could’ve gotten me anything for my birthday, but these quotes are priceless. It reminds me how far we’ve come.

Mrs. Ramsey begins with class, and I tuck the note safely into the inside pocket of my jacket.

Throughout the day, Brie keeps dropping one note after the other on my desk, but it’s the one in history class that fills me with emotion to the point where I have to swallow hard.

I don’t love you because you’re the best looking guy in school. I don’t love you because you can cook a million times better than me. I don’t love you because your kisses are addictive.

I love you because you’re my hero.

I love you because no one has a kinder soul, a braver heart, and a stronger mind than you.

I love you, Colton Lawson, because you hear the words, I don’t say out loud. You see the tears, I don’t cry. Mostly, I love you because you don’t push me, you don’t lead me – you walk beside me.

xox

B.

Holy shit.

I read the note again, and it fills my heart with so much love for Brie, it’s impossible to sit still. Just as Mr. Donati walks into the class, I dart up and press a kiss to Brie’s mouth.

I mouth ‘Sorry’ to Mr. Donati, and he just shakes his head at me with a smile tugging at his mouth.

It’s hard to sit through the lesson, and the second the bell rings, I dart up and stare impatiently at Brie as she gathers her stuff. When she’s ready, I grab her hand and pull her out of the class.

“Where are we going?” Brie laughs behind me.

“Somewhere more private,” I reply, and when we walk around the corner, I drop my bag to the floor. I frame Brie’s face with my hands and closing the distance between us with one step, my mouth crashes against hers. I kiss the living hell out of her, wanting her to know how much her words mean to me.

“Let’s get it on,” Sully belts out as he walks by us, and it makes me pull back.

I watch him walk down the hall before I turn my eyes back to Brie. “Thank you for all the notes. The last one…” I shake my head, “is everything. I love you so much.”

Brie steals a quick kiss, and taking my hand, we walk out of the building. “Your birthday’s not over yet.”

“There are more notes?” I ask, grinning at her.

“Yep.”

As we walk to where I parked the truck, we hear a commotion and see Michael and Sully fighting. “Some people will never change.”

“Luckily, they’re not our problem anymore,” Brie mutters, not even glancing at the fight.

“Yeah, you’re right.”

I open the passenger door for her but instead of getting in, she wraps her arms around my neck. “One last kiss before we head home.” She presses her mouth to mine, and the moment our tongues touch, the commotion behind us fades away.

Breaking the kiss, we’re both breathless as Brie climbs into the truck. I shut the door and walking around the front, I glance at the fight, just shaking my head.

I slide in behind the steering wheel and start the engine. “It’s the weekend,” I say, grinning at Brie.

“Finally,” she sighs. “This weekend is all about you. I’m even going to attempt to bake you a cake. Mom will supervise, but I can’t promise it will be edible.”

I let out a chuckle as I steer the truck toward the school gates.

Knowing the weekend lies ahead of us, and I get to spend it with Brie and Mom makes this birthday even better.

The drive home is quick, and walking into the house, a broad smile spreads over my face when I see all the candy and popcorn on the coffee table.

“Go change out of your uniforms so we can start a movie marathon,” Mom says, looking excited.

“Please tell me we’re not watching romance,” I playfully groan.

Mom shakes her head. “Nope, this is your weekend.”

“Avengers and Grown Ups?” I ask, feeling hopeful.

“Yes, and anything else you want to watch.”

“Yes!” I let out a happy holler. Darting up the stairs, I change into my sweatpants and a t-shirt.

Brie’s just as quick cause she’s right behind me as we head down the stairs.

I fall down on the couch and let out, “Oomph,” as Brie crawls over me to get to her spot.

“Which one first?” Mom asks.

“Grown Ups,” I say as I reach for one of the bowls of M&M’s. I hold one in front of Brie’s mouth, and when her lips part, I drop it inside, then grab a couple for myself.

As the movie begins, the corner of my mouth lifts.

Yeah, life is perfect. I couldn’t ask for more.