As Close As Strangers

Seventeen

Ella

I asked him to avoid telling Michael. I could hardly tell Luke, never mind have Michael know. He would just blame himself or worse. It wasn't really his fault anyway. I was the one who made that mistake.

I couldn't imagine Luke having to tell Michael either. It was just better for us to stay away from each other. It was going to be hard. I just wanted to run into his arms and cry and forgive him and have everything be okay. But that's not how it's going to happen.

I had to let Michael move on. He deserved so much more than me.

Michael

I didn't know where I was going. Yet again, I didn't care. I just wanted to be alone. For once, I wanted to be alone. Maybe Luke was right. Maybe it was just time to give up.

I didn't want to give up. It took me years to gather up the courage to speak to Ella, then a few more to ask her out. She's been here through everything and I can't just forget her. It would just hurt too much.

But, I think I have to set her free. I hurt her. I broke up with her. I had to let her be free and on her own.

"Wow." I muttered to myself.

I was impressed with my thinking. I guess I was a little too impressed, because I forgot I was driving. And I definitely didn't see that other car coming.

Authors note

Filler chapter 😒 sorry it's so short!