Right Where You Left Me | G. Abrams

1.07

Real life

A back to school party was a stupid idea.

It was someone's home filled with drunk seventeen to nineteen year olds that couldn't care less. Cheap vodka sat in plastic cups, mixed with multiple other liquors. Boys didn't bother keeping their hands to themselves and girls were smoking, not caring if they blew it into someone else's face. The fabrics were stained with the smell and the colour of cherry-ade.

August felt out of place. She had never been to a party like this before. No adults, no care. She hated it. Bran had been pulling her through the house, introducing her as his. She didn't like that, but forced a smile onto her face as to not upset or embarrass him.

Suddenly, she missed Sawyer. Sawyer who would go out of her way to make sure August was comfortable.

August had never been a fan of crowded gatherings, especially ones filled with unfamiliar faces. Yet here she was, standing in the middle of a pulsating party, surrounded by the loud chatter and energetic music that seemed to reverberate through her entire being. Her boyfriend, Bran, had insisted on bringing her along, hoping she would have a good time. However, August's discomfort only grew with each passing moment.

Trying to find solace, August moved toward a quieter corner of the room, hoping to catch her breath and collect her thoughts. She felt a sense of detachment as conversations buzzed around her, feeling like an outsider in a sea of people who seemed to effortlessly navigate social interactions. She wondered if she would ever fit into this scene.

As August leaned against the wall, she caught a glimpse of Bran across the room, engrossed in conversation with a group of his friends. He looked so at ease, smiling and laughing without a trace of self-consciousness. August couldn't help but feel envious of his ability to effortlessly blend into any social setting. She wondered if he truly understood how out of place she felt.

Feeling a wave of anxiety wash over her, August's longing for familiarity and comfort grew stronger. She missed the quiet evenings they would spend together, curled up on the couch, engrossed in their favorite movies or engaging in deep conversations that made her feel seen and understood. August yearned for that sense of connection and intimacy, and it felt distant in this chaotic atmosphere.

Unable to bear it any longer, August approached Bran, gently tapping his shoulder. He turned to face her, his eyes filled with curiosity. Sensing her unease, he asked, "Everything okay, August?"

Struggling to find the right words, August replied softly, "Bran, I don't- I'm feeling really uncomfortable. Could we go home?"

Bran chuckled and shook his head, "We've only been here, like, ten minutes. Look, this is my friend, Mal."

"Hi, Mal," August whispered, "Can we go? Please?"

Bran nodded, downing his drink and taking Mal's before leaning August out of the house. August was relaxing slightly until a girl that age didn't know came over to them, stealing Bran's attention. They swapped drinks and August wondered if they knew each other.

Bran got too distracted by said girl and followed her back into the house, hand not once letting go of August's. The brunette sniffled when he finally let go. They were back where they started as he took a blunt from someone.

August just walked away, finding a closet and sitting on the floor, trying to drown out the loud music.

And she called the first person she could think of, the only person she wanted to hear.

"Lilah?"

"Gracie," August sniffled.

"Are you okay?" Gracie asked instantly, sobering up.

August sniffled once more, "I just... I wanted to hear your voice. I miss you."

"I miss you, too," Gracie admitted. It had only been a week, if that, since August's birthday. Since they last spoke. But they week had been painful for the both of them.

"Are you mad at me?" August asked before she could stop herself. Of course Gracie was mad at her, she just didn't know why-

"No," The singer says truthfully, though it hurt her to do so. "No, I'm not mad at you. I'm not upset with you, either. Not anymore."

"But you were?"

"I was."

"Why?"

"Wh..." Gracie trailed off before sighing, "Where are you? Do you need someone to pick you up?"

"I- ...Yeah," August caved easily.

"Text me your address, I'll message your sister."

"I can't text her," The actress mumbled, "Just... Just stay on the phone with me?"

"Okay," Gracie agreed. "I'll wait."

She'd always wait for August, because in a world of fleeting desires and impatient hearts, she possessed a rare patience, for she knew the worth of her love. With steadfast devotion, she remained, a beacon of unwavering loyalty, embracing the passage of time, for deep within her soul, she believed that true love is worth the wait.

And she was sure that August was her true love.