It was a hot summer night, and Hayley lay there, burning from the immense heat. She had a fever, and that didn't help her fall asleep at all.

I can't sleep She texted Ryan for no apparent reason at all.

She got a reply sooner than she had expected.

Me neither. I'm taking a walk…so, why can't you sleep?

I have a fever… She replied

Brb He replied.

Hayley slightly closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she heard a whisper.

"Hayley?" said a familiar voice.

It was Ryan.

Ryan!" Hayley whispered.

"Hey." He said, crawling in next to her.

Hayley leaned against Ryan. She couldn't believe he was actually here…with her…..

"Are you feeling better?" He asked, slowly stroking the hair on her head. She sighed against his shoulder.

"Now I am." She smiled as she leaned a little more into him. He breathed slowly.

"That's good." He said, pulling the blanket so it could cover them both.

"Thanks for coming." Hayley said in a hushed voice.

He chuckled. "I'm surprised you didn't scream when you saw me.

"Why would I scream? It's just you. And I'm too tired to scream…"

He chuckled again.

"I'm glad you feel that way."

"Hey…Ryan?" Hayley asked uncertainly.

"What is it?" He replied.

"Do you think you can…stay for the night?" She asked hesitantly.

"Sure." He grinned, pulling her closer.

"Thanks." Hayley smiled. She started to sound a bit weak.

"Do you need anything? I can take care of you…" Ryan insisted.

Hayley only weakly smiled and said "No, just stay here."

So he did. That night, Ryan stayed by her side, until they both fell asleep next to each other.

The next morning, Hayley was feeling a whole lot better.

"Good morning." she smiled.

"Good morning." He smiled back at her.

"I feel so much better!" Hayley said cheerfully.

"Great!" He said happily, ruffling her dark brown hair.

"Oh, um, Ryan?" Hayley asked.

"Yeah?" He said.

"I love you." She said.

That morning couldn't have been any better for Ryan, until he finally said

"I love you too."