Runaway

It's raining.

But not a lot, not enough to bring an umbrella. But Mom insists, so I take one with me. She doesn't ask where I'm going, but tells me to return safely.

Two minutes 'till school is out, and then I'll see Avery. Maybe I should mentally prepare myself, but as I take a deep breath, the school bell rings.

And then, Avery's eyes meet mine.

"Uh, hey, Avery." I look away quickly, but he grabs my face.

"Wha—Maple, it's really you, right? Why'd you ignore all my texts? I was so worried. God, I'm sorry, forgive me.. please?" His hoodie is drenched from the rain.

I hold the umbrella over his head. "Hey, you'll get sick if you continue to stand in the rain. Where's your umbrella? Ah, it doesn't matter. Come with me."

He looks hesitant to, but why? "Uh.. I wish I could, but..." He turns his head, and I do too. A girl is walking towards us with an umbrella in her hand, it's big enough for two people.

"Who is she?"

Who is that?

Did Avery really give up on me that quickly?

Does... Avery not need me anymore?

No! That can't be true, Avery hasn't given up on me...

   "Maple? Are you okay?" The girl has caught up to us now, she looks at me, eyes filled with concern.

   "Sorry, I'm fine. Did you say something Avery?"

   "Yeah, uh, this is my new friend, Hazel. I met her in class the other day..."

   "Maple, Avery's friend, right? I've heard.. a lot.. about you. Only good things, of course. Pleased to meet you." She smiles at me. I smile back, but really, I feel like crying. And how can I just be a 'friend'? We've kissed, had moments that friends don't just have together.

   "Yeah, a friend. I guess you two have some business to take care of. I gotta go." I start running away, forget the stupid umbrella.

My tears mix with the rain that has started to pour, sound of cars drown out my cries. I pull my hoodie up, sit down on the wet pavement. The rain suddenly stops, and I look up to see Lucas.