Just a summer thing - A Folklore Love Triangle

POV: Augustine

James left a week ago. He said he was moving close to New York University so he could attend there next year. He said he went a year early so he can get a good job, money, and a car. I've tried so hard all week to be happy for him, but all I can see is us lost in the memory. Back when we were still changing for the better and wanting was enough, because there was still time left. For me, it was enough to live for the hope of it all. The hope that he'd call, but he hasn't yet. I text but I don't think they go through anymore.

I still cancel plans just in case he calls to say, "Meet me behind the mall." I don't know if he even left town yet and I'm too scared to find out. No, screw that. I'm going to drive by his house before I head into work today. Maybe we can have another goodbye. Maybe it doesn't have to actually be a goodbye. I check my phone to see if he's posted anything recently, and see he's posted Betty. He was at her birthday party yesterday, they've still been together this entire time.

So much for summer love and saying "us". He wasn't even mine to lose, his love was never mine. I texted a final time, just to ramble on about everything and ask "But do you remember?" I know he does. He remembers and here we are anyway. I get dressed and leave for work.

"Hey, you're Augustine right?"

"Yeah, who are you?" I ask to a seemingly familiar face. "Do I know you?"

"We went to school together, I'm a friend of James. You were his other woman, right? His mistress? Summer fling? Ring any bells?"

I start to tear up, but hold it back. "I haven't talked to James since I graduated, sorry. Wrong person. Where'd you hear that from anyway?"

"Oh." She laughs. "The whole town's been talking about it, surprised you haven't heard. Have a good day." She says before walking away.

After work I dig around for my old yearbook. Nope, not her. No. No...Found her, Inez. We were in the same lunch. James wouldn't have told everyone would he have? That I was a summer fling? He clearly was with Betty this whole time after all. I bet he spent all those weekends with her. If this gets out to teachers or my parents, I won't get into college this winter. It'll ruin my families reputation. We've never been known to do something wrong ever. This will ruin me.