365 Days Without You

Chapter Seven (Days 71-80)

Day 71. When I visited Alex yesterday, they told me he had caught some kind of a virus. He got mad at me for coming over.

"You're going to get sick."

"I don't care." I said.

"I think you're already sick. Like as in mental."

"I don't care."

"Go home." Alex insisted.

"No, you're my best friend."

"I think I'm dying."

I glared at him.

"Say that again and I'm leaving." I responded angrily.

He didn't repeat it.

Day 72. I saw Mike again today, but I don't know how long it's been anymore. I don't keep count. It's not important. He asked if I wanted to go out sometime and I almost said no. But I decided if there was any time to ask him why he did what he did, why he treated me like that, it would be now. We're meeting the day after tomorrow.

Day 73. I told Alex that you had wanted to go out and talk. He said he hoped it would help me a little. But I told him I don't need help anymore, I think I'm healed. He warned me not to open my heart. He said sometimes it's not really in our control. The heart wants what it wants. I think I agree with him.

Day 74. Mike came to pick me up at 5. My mother gave me confused look because it was surprising you weren't trying to hide me. I gave her a nod and let her know I had it under control, but I knew the moment the door closed behind me I would be getting a lecture when I got home.

He took me to the old coffee shop we used to go to every Wednesday afternoon. It brought back the memories of when I'd lie to my parents that I had a class just so I could get out and see him. I think I regret that now. He wasn't worth it.

We talked about many things but he seemed to avoid the subject of us.

I was sick and tired of staying silent all the time, so I finally spoke up.

"Mike." I interrupted. I don't remember what he was even talking about.

"What?" He looked at me.

"We need to talk about something that actually matters. We can't be friends. I can't just talk to you like nothing ever happened. Not after the way you treated me that night." I say firmly. "So if you're not ready to discuss it, I'm leaving." I started to get up but he grabbed my hand.

"I've wanted to talk to you about it since the day after I left you." He said breathlessly.

I turned to look at him.

"What's that supposed to mean?"