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"I can’t be around you You have to understand--"

"I know, Sof" The dreariness she reh school was back He wasn’t the strong Brandon she’d been so i around his eye didn’t help, either "I just hoped I could speak with you one last tio somewhere more private?"

"No," was her immediate reaction--her brothers would flip--Eric would never forgive her

He glanced around "Can you giveWhat could he do here in a public store? "Make it fast"

His eyebrows pinched and for a ," Taking a deep breath, he looked away as if to pull hiether Sofia’s heart dropped "I’ency leave to cos settled He’s known, but the cancer’s really spread now I’ia The house is already for sale My dad wants me to take the money and buy a house out there The property is way cheaper than in California" His eyes ain "I just wanted to say goodbye and apologize for any problems I’ve caused"

The past feeeks had been horrendous for Sofia Not hearing fro ever Now she could only think about what Brandon h "I’m so sorry, Brandon I had no idea"

"I just came in here to pick up hisfro I really want to tell you"

Sofia’s eyes went froain His expression was so pained, she was tempted to touch him "What’s that?"

"Are you sure we can’t go somewhere else to talk?"

"No way, Brandon" She’d learned her lesson

He stared at her for a second before speaking again "I’ht I was in high school Last summer only confirmed it I almost didn’t re-enlist because of that kiss"

Sofia shook her head, feeling her eyes well up This was the last thing she needed to hear

"Don’t worry I know it’s impossible I just needed to tell you before I left I won’t be back anymore" He almost swatted the tear that escaped the corner of his eye "I needed to say it to you, if only one tiot the chance"

She had no words He reached out and squeezed her shoulder "Goodbye, Sof" He turned and took off down the aisle in a rush

Sofia stood there, still stunned How could he be in love with her? He hardly knew her

"Was it just a kiss?"