11 Smile

And suddenly you're all I need, the reason why I smile.

– Avril Lavigne

•••

“Oh? I like you too.”

William was stunned at Annaliese’s unexpectedly quick response. Anticipating any misconception, he then clarified, “No, no. If you think I like you only as a friend, then you’re wrong. I’m saying, it’s more than that. I like you as a woman.” He stressed the last three words.

Annaliese let out a short sigh. “That’s what I meant too,” she said.

“Really?” William still couldn’t believe it. All this time he’d received only indifferent responses when it came to such a man-and-woman situation.

“Yeah.” Annaliese nodded. Her eyes repeatedly blinked in nervousness and her fingers were intertwined with each other. “I guess it’s time for me to stop denying it. As you said. The more I deny it, the stronger the feelings are. So… Yeah, I like you. You’re unlike the other guys I knew. You value me as a woman. And I can tell you’re not just sweet talking when you compliment me.”

William looked Ann