Sink or Swim

Chapter One: From Good Times to Goodbyes

It was the summer before college. For most highschool sweethearts this was dreadful. Going to different colleges, losing contact, forgetting the sweet memories you told yourself you'd always remember. Promising to meet up again after it's all over, but knowing deep down that this was the very end. For Dream and George, this unsaid policy remained true. They knew of this 'danger', yet they wanted to spend all of their last months together. And so they did.

It began in May, going on adventures everyday. Whether it was hiking or staying in and having a movie night, they cherished every last second. Every place in and around their town had memories attached to it. Some sweet, some bitter, but it didn't matter, they were made by the same two people. It didn't matter what was said, Dream's words dripped like sweet honey. George absorbed them all, never failing to make him smile. They were gentle and passionate, like all young love. But, all good things must come to an end, right? Right.

Their last day together was by far the hardest for them both. Hugs tight enough to prevent breathing, yet the sobs were already doing that. Tears rolling down both of their faces as George's face was sunk into Dream's neck. His tears leaving a puddle like shape on his light grey hoodie. Neither of them were ready for this day to come, even though they'd known about it for months. They could've had all the time in the world, and it still wouldn't be enough.

They slowly separated from the hug, emotion filled Dream's eyes. George could feel the boy peering at him intensely. They stared at each other for a bit, basking in each other's beauty and love. It was really over, it wasn't like a movie. There was no happily ever after. Reality hit both of them like a train at that moment. Dream cupped his soft hands around George's face, trying to calm his cries, while trying to calm his own at the same time. George smirked up at the man, he couldn't help it. Dream's thumb lightly glided over George's cheek, collecting the tears as they fell. Dream smiled back at the shorter boy.

"This is really it." George broke the silence.

"I guess it is." Dream gave a weak reply, removing his hand from George's face.

"I can't believe I won't see you for at least four years..." George sighed. He knew they didn't plan on seeing each other again, but part of him still hoped they might meet up after it was all over, and just be friends again.

"It will be over before you know it." Dream said with a slight smile. He didn't actually think that was true, but he wasn't going to break George's heart anymore than it already was.

"I'm not ready to say goodbye." George put his face in his hands once more and leaned into Dream's chest.

Dream looked down at the boy as more sorrow filled his body, like boiling water overflowing in a pot. It hurt, but for some reason the pain wasn't that bad. He knew they both would grow into better people with some time away. It hasn't fully hit him that George will be gone completely. No more late nights or early mornings together. Dream wrapped his arms around George and started to cry again. Until they were interrupted by a ringing of Dream's phone. An alarm was going off, it was his que to leave before he was late. George knew this and looked up with puppy dog eyes. Their final moment together was over.

Dream's arms brushed against George's sides once again as he removed them. His right hand swiftly sliding into his back pocket taking out his phone. He turned off the alarm, he quickly got tired of it mocking him in George in their trance of one another. After turning it off, Dream slid his phone back into his pocket and glanced back down at his boyfriend. Ex-boyfriend? They never really discussed it fully when these new labels would set in. George and Dream stared at each other for around a minute before Dream broke eye contact.

"I'll love you forever George." Dream said grabbing his black and heavy backpack off the ground.

George couldn't get any words out without bursting into tears again, so he just nodded. He picked up his bag as well.

"Me too." George managed to get out quivering. He quickly put his arms through his straps and turned into the direction of his car.

Dream did the same. After about 20 seconds they began walking their separate ways, for the last time. George looked back, hoping to lock eyes with Dream once more, but Dream was walking away. His focus firmly set on the view ahead of him. George turned his head back the right way and continued walking, wiping his tears every other step.

Dream turned around just then, hoping to meet George's eyes like in the iconic romance films, but George was already facing away. They missed their chance, without even knowing. Maybe it was for the better, maybe for the worst, neither of them have decided which one yet. Will they ever know truthfully? Who knows. But, for now they both had a destination to be at, even though the only feeling either of them felt was unbelievably lost.

George threw his backpack in the back of his car, along with all his other belongings he was taking with him to college. He sighed deeply once more before lightly slamming the car door behind him. He walked to the other side of the car, the driver's side, dragging his feet with each step. He couldn't believe what had just happened. He wasn't ready to process it yet.

Dream did the same. Put his bag in his car and got in the driver's seat. He knew he needed some good music at a time like this. He opened a playlist on Spotify and shuffled the music hoping for a song he could listen to taking his mind off of George. The song Summer by L. Martian began to echo throughout the car, coming from all speakers. Wow, this song? He added this song to the playlist because of its beat, but now, he listened to the lyrics. George did the same, he knew music would be a good distraction, except he put a lot of thought and consideration into his choice. After choosing one, he started pulling out of the parking spot and decided to make his way to his new normal.

As a young boy, George was always excited by the idea of college. Being on his own, making the decisions he wanted to without any parental backlash. A dream of his, really. He never knew it would end up like this. The bright eyed child he once was would probably be disappointed in the emotions he was feeling on his first day of college. There was nothing he could do about it now, though. The hardest lesson he still had to learn in life was acceptance of change.

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