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Twenty Six

I have most of my totes packed when I hear a knock on the door. I walk over a few piles of clothes and books before opening the door to two pairs of concerned eyes.

Kayla and Mackie.

"Hey, guys. " I sigh, opening the door for them to step in.

"What is happening? Why are you packing?" Kayla asks as she walks into my apartment.

"We're over." I say sadly, wrapping my arms around myself. "For good, I think."

"What?" Kayla and Mackie ask in unison as they whip around to look at me. I give them a sad smile.

"Yeah. We, well I, said some nasty things. I think it's best if I just leave and go back home." I tell them in a quiet voice.

"No. You can't just leave. You guys can work this out. You always do. You two are too good for each other." Mackie argues and I'm surprised. I wasn't expecting him to be rooting for me to say. I had assumed Sebastian would have told him everything I said.

"Yeah, you and Sebastian are perfect for each other." Kayla agrees with Mackie.

"Maybe it's not the end, but I think some time away from each other would be good for both of us." I sigh.

"Madelaine..." Kayla sighs.

"I'll be fine." I say, giving her a forced smile even though I want to fall apart.

"Do you have to move though?" She asks, tears welling in her eyes.

"I don't think I can live next to him anymore. It's too much." I admit, looking at the floor.

"Come stay with us." Mackie offers.

"No, I can't. That's asking too much of you guys." I tell him.

"No it isn't. You know we have two extra bedrooms now that we have a house. There is plenty of room for you." Kayla says enthusiastically.

"I don't know. I don't want to impose." I sigh.

"Shut up. You aren't leaving New York. You're coming to our place until you two can figure this out." Mackie says and starts grabbing boxes. He begins carrying them out the door one by one while Kayla helps me finish packing the last bits of my belongings.

Soon, the apartment is empty. Kayla and Mackie leave me alone for a while and tell me they will wait downstairs.

I stand alone in the empty bedroom. The only thing left is the bed and bedside tables. I think of all the times Sebastian and I had snuck over here while our friends watched Aurelia. The first day I had come to New York, I fell in love with this apartment. There are so many memories in here.

I wipe the tear that escapes my eye as I look out the window that watches over the city for the last time before heading back into the living room.

The door is still propped open and I'm surprised when I see a very unshaven, very drunk looking Sebastian standing outside it.

"What are you doing?" He slurs as he stumbles into the apartment.

"I'm leaving. "I say quietly, shocked by his appearance.

We hadn't seen each other since the fight three days ago.

"Where are you going?" He asks, I can see the hurt behind his glossy eyes.

"I'm going to go stay with Mackie and Kayla for a while." I tell him.

"Oh, that's good." His face gives away his true thoughts through the look of pain and betrayal that washes over it.