Deep Affection

Right at Shore.

Which do we value more? Friendship or love? I guess it depends on who you ask, but at the end of the day, you're breaking someones heart no matter which you choose.

Every lunch period Isla and Cedar are either arguing or making out at their table. Me and Tasha have learned to give them their own room when they get like this, and have even adapted to another table. It's very upsetting and confusing to me, how they can be so deep in love as well as have an infatuating hatred for each other. 

"Hey August. Isla's being a dick again." 

He rests his hand on my shoulder. I look behind me startled.

"oh hi Cedar. You shouldn't say that, you know you love her. You guys will get over this yet again."

I say reassuringly. 

"Honestly Im so over this. I cant keep arguing with her everyday..."

He continues venting about his horrid relationship. Ive started to tune him out when he talks for too long, as he's usually just saying the same thing, just in different way. I think this is why we aren't very close. He's way too much for me. 

"August? You there?"

He asks concerningly seem to forget when i space out  I look like i'm on a completely different planet. 

"Oh! ya. sorry. What were you saying?" 

"I need your opinion. Do you really think me and Isla will be okay.?"

I freeze. This is the first time i've ever seen him... sad? Vulnerable? Im not sure. But this is new.

"I Do. You guys are meant to be."

He doesn't respond. Instead he looks at me, like in a sad or concerned way. Im confused. Is that not the response he would have wanted? Did i make things worse? I look over the lunchroom to see Tasha comforting Isla. It's annoying that we have to do this, fix them. I do think they are meant to be, but why do we have to put in the work for them? Tasha looks over to me, feeling me staring. She gives me a look i'm used to. She's annoyed as well. 

By 7th period I can tell Isla and Cedar made up. 

"oh."

I awkwardly say when walking into the mens room. You'd never guess who was in there! Cedar and Isla making out. Maybe you couldn't have guessed, but this is a weekly occurrence for me.

"A-August! Hey!"

Cedar says startled.

"Look who made up huh."

I say in an annoyed tone. I cant be bothered to put up with them anymore. They both awkwardly giggle as I walk out. Guess i'll pee next period huh.

                                                                                 10 o'clock at night

My phone begins to ring. Im really confused why this late, but i pick it up.

"Hello?" 

"August? I need your help."

"Cedar? If you're drunk at a party, i'm not picking you up."

"What? No. Do you really think me and Isla are perfect for each other?"

"Do you?"

Though talking over the phone, I can tell Cedar's taken back by this. He pauses, which concerns me.

"....Im..Im not sure."

"..What makes you say that?"

I immediately start texting Tasha. This is big. 

"I'm just so over our fights. Is it really worth it?"

"I cant answer those questions for you."