"Tiffany… stop. Please?"

Jessica's face wore a distressed expression, eyes begging for me to stop. My teasing never got to her, my small touches never got to her, and the occasional hinted dreams never got to her. Only when I spoke in the delicate, slightly nervous voice that masked terror sneaking from my soul, did Jessica feel the need to make me stop? Once again it seemed I had crossed the line. I couldn't help but bite my lips, holding back so many thoughts that protested to be let loose. Those fiery thoughts ignored costs that would shoot all beautiful intentions behind them dead.

"I'm sorry, Jessi. I've said too much again."

"No, it's alright. Don't be sorry. I'm more to blame than you."

Shaking my head lightly, I headed towards the window of the room. It was pointless to argue, she would never allow herself to be the victim. Unrequited feelings weren’t her fault; it was easier to deal with that way. Control was all hers then. It drove me crazy. Love is a blameless two-sided ballet, and Jessica was trying to take all the credit.
Moonlight spilled over me and onto the wide ledge below the bay window, a perfect seat to view the night, perfect for getting lost in thought. Tears nagged at my eyes, but I won't let them fall.

'Not in front of Jessica.'

More guilt was the last thing I wished to force upon her. Loving someone and having a sense of rejection was one thing, but being loved and loving one back not quite enough. Especially to her. Despite her cool exterior, I knew that she cared for me in her own little ways. 'Jessi… you sweet girl…' Times before, she explained in her own subtle ways that she needed me, wanted me around, only to turn around and say I shouldn't try so hard for her. Those words haunted and hurt, almost as much as when she held me close, a step from killing, explaining she loved me, but never like that. Not because of another, not because we're girls, but because she doesn't know how. My heart had snapped that moment in the ruined sanctuary, its arrogant wall crumbling like the walls around us. Somewhere along the line I had tricked myself into believing that I was special, I was healing her. Teaching Jessica. I still cling to hope that I've made a little progress. Allowing myself to think otherwise makes me useless to her, the one thing I can never stand to be.

'I want to be here with you Jessi, always. Even though I know you don't feel like that for me.'

'Steph, I’ve told you before it's not fair. Don't base your life on me. Don't deprive yourself just for me. You deserve much more than me...'

'I can't do that. I need you in – '

'Tiffany... stop… please?'

Who would've thought one four letter word would ask the impossible.
My Jessi, if only you could realize, need is relative. I need you, no matter how great I become, no matter how much better you'd like to believe I am, I need you. The worst feeling in the world is to be worthless.
I could be great. I could be loved by someone fully capable. I could be the brightest star in the sky. But without your familiar face, I would be worthless.

If a confused heart, lost in the dark, searching for how to love is all that you can offer me for now; it's all I need. If that's all there is to offer from now until the day you die, I'll gladly take it, and be grateful for every smile, laugh and tear I'm allowed to share, even as an awkward friend. A heart fully healed and loving is honestly a nice dream, but something I can’t happily live without. Being the guide through the dark was always my goal before, but truth is slowly sinking in; there are journeys where all I can do is call out in the dark, and hope my voice is followed.
 

Maybe someday, Jessi, you'll find your way out of the shadows. When you do I'd like to be there. Despite the years I may lose, and the times I may lay in bed alone tearful, wondering why I keep trying, I will be there. Even though sometimes it hurts, I am happy. All the little injuries inflicted by life are healed with your laughs, gentle words, and angry outcries dotted with blushes from my loving mockeries.

I’m so sorry, Jessi, but I will never stop.
 

I will never stop thinking about you, I will never stop being there, I will never stop needing you, and I will never stop loving you. This is excruciatingly hard, but what’s in life worth living if you aren’t there? I could leave, but my heart would always linger in hurt. Part of me prays yours would too, even though it's such a selfish thought. Someday, when the line isn't already pressed, I'll tell you all of this. Somehow. I'll beg you never to make me leave, never take away all you give me. You'd never do it on purpose, Jessi, your heart is much too warm for that, and no matter how much you disbelieve it. But sometimes I wonder how far you'll go to numb yourself to choose your callous remedies.

"T – Tiffany?"

Your quiet voice is starling from beside me, jerking my brain from thought of all the most important words in my life. Chocolate brown eyes question me as you seat yourself closer than necessary on the window ledge. I know you're trying again. Searching in the dark for the glimpse of light. Sometimes your hope runs out and you sit there, accepting blindness as your fate. I hope it's my voice that you hear, that brings you to your feet.

"Yes, Jessi?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean… to sound so… Harsh."

"It's okay, Jessi. You're quite right."