Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Allison had never seen Joshua looking so worn out.

A lump formed in her throat, her feelings a tangle she couldn't quite name.

Before she could think twice, she rushed over and hugged him from behind, holding on tight.

"You're here." The words came out soft as a sigh.

Joshua froze, startled by the sudden closeness.

It had been so long since their last hug-God knew how much he'd missed this.

The sky was painted with a gentle orange glow, like a splash of color from an artist's brush. Morning light crept in, smoke curled from distant chimneys and tangled with the mist, as if the whole world was wrapped up in a gentle embrace. Trees slowly took shape in the dawn, and dewdrops slipped from the leaves, sending ripples through the calm like secrets whispered to a lover.

Everything felt so perfect, it was almost unreal.

With Allison's arms around him, time seemed to stop for Joshua. He didn't even dare move, afraid the moment would vanish if he did.

they just stood there, letting silence say

forever before Joshua

his Adam's apple bobbed with nerves. Then she met his eyes-deep, dark, and full of emotion. The intensity was too much;

told you not to come. Why'd you find me

turning her back to him. "Because I wanted to see you." His handsome features softened, his voice warm

stared at him, completely caught up

Joshua teased with

her nose

been that long, has

what I look

was tender, her voice still sleepy and soft. "It just...

gentle and reassuring. "If you don't believe me,

"Even if I did, how would I know

laughed, eyes bright. "Then what should I do? If you

chest a playful tap. "Alright, enough with the

in his, his tone turning serious. "I mean it,