"I can't," I stated.

"Why not?" he demanded, fingers slicing through his hair in aggravation.

"Because I just can't.  It will never work.  Just forget it, I'll go to LA and be a boring business major."  My heart sank just saying those words.  I was having a hard time admitting defeat.  Admitting that my life will be nothing more than a cubicle and data entry.

"No, that isn't true!  Please don't give up!" he begged.  I stared at him.  His eyes were wide and he sounded frantic.    "Please, just try.  You could do it.  I know you can.  Please try.  Please, please don't leave."

I sighed heavily.  Yeah, we were friends and yeah, I cared about him, but why was he making this harder for me?

"Why do you care so damn much?" I muttered, crossing my arms over my chest.

He blinked rapidly and looked away from me.  "I-I just...well, I like...I don't want..."  He inhaled and exhaled slowly.  With a shrug, he said, "I would miss you."

I smiled and shook my head.  "You're a good friend.  We could still talk or email and stuff.  Besides, you'll stay super busy.  After a few days, you won't even notice I'm gone."

He scoffed and narrowed his eyes at me.  "I don't care about any of that.  I want you to stay."

I studied his expression.  He was angry.  "What's the matter?  Why are you so upset all of a sudden?"

"What's the matter?!" he repeated in a hiss.  His hands clenched into fists.  "You're the most awesome girl I've ever met!  There's a chance you could stay here and you don't even want to try!  I'm so in love with you, I would follow you anywhere if I could, but I can't and you're ready to just pack up and leave the country!" he shouted.

My stomach tumbled over itself.

"What did you just say?"

He rolled his eyes.  "You're awesome?  I have to stay here because of my band?  You want to leave the country?"

"No, the other part," I mumbled.

"Oh, you mean the part about me being in love with you?  Did I mention I think about you every second of every day?  And the thought of not being able to see you whenever I wanted makes me want to throw up?  That part?" he asked sarcastically.

Yeah, that part...