Random Dribbles

Different take on Archway To You: What if Olivia actually got to say goodbye?

The for-sale sign glared in the sunlight as I biked towards it. I couldn't be late. I just couldn't. Peyton couldn't have left yet. Panic set in as I biked harder towards her house. Tears slowly formed as I grew closer, realizing her mother's car was gone.

And then I saw her. Sitting on the front porch, her headphones in and staring down at the ground. "Peyton!" My voice cracked from the built up crying I kept down. I cleared my throat. "Peyton!" She finally glanced up, a puzzled expression on her face. "Olivia? But- what are you doing here? Don't you have class?"

I tossed my bike aside and ran up to her, pulling her in for a hug. "Please don't go. I didn't mean what I said. I just- " I paused. What did I even mean? I didn't deserve Peyton. Not after everything I said. And by the look on her face, she knew it too.

"You broke my heart"

We stood in silence for what felt like hours.

"I know."

More silence. My chest tightened even more. I was at a loss for words.

"I'm sorry."

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yeah, okay. I don't know what else you want me to say Olivia. You broke my heart. I opened up to you in ways I've never opened up to anyone before. Not even my own mother. And you tossed it back at me and made me feel stupid. So okay... I accept your apology but I have nothing else to say. I'm leaving. Like literally soon. You're too late."

I inhaled sharply before grabbing her hands.

"Don't say that. We can make this work. Please..."

"How Olivia? I'll be 5 hours away. You'll be stuck in this wasteland of a town and I'll finally live the life I've always wanted to live"

"I don't know how Peyton but we can. I'll drive to meet you every weekend if I have too. I just...don't want to lose you."

Peyton let go of my hands. The distant sound of her mothers' car broke the silence that settled between us once again.

"Olivia. I love you. But no. I'm sorry."

And that was it. She walked away, putting her earbuds back into place before climbing into the car. "Please don't call or text me. I don't want to hear from you again."

I could feel my heart shatter as they drove off. I don't know what would've been worse. Knowing the truth or not knowing at all. I honestly believe knowing the truth was more heart wrenching than not knowing at all. "Goodbye." I whispered, knowing no one would respond ever again.

That night I cried. I cried harder than I've ever cried before. And from that day forward I vowed I'd never allow myself to feel like this ever again.