The Experiment (Draft)

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Luke:

I wake to Lydia snoring softly in my arms. I wish she hadn't chose me. I never liked her the way she liked me. I know I shouldn't have led her on, but loved the attention. The look of love in her eyes when she wakes up almost breaks me, but I hold it it. and smile back at her.

After breakfast we choose what to take. I take four Rolex watches, and a pair of Nike sneakers. Lydia takes two pairs of heels, the ukulele, a pair of jeans with a sparkly M on them, and that black dress with the red lace. Owen takes two pairs of sneakers, two pairs of jeans, and, to my surprise, TFIOS. We all wear the same thing we came in with, and I decide now is the time to talk to Lydia. I knock on her door. All of her stuff is in a huge leather handbag.

"I'm sure they won't mind that I take the bag?" She laughs. She sees my serious expression, and it drops. Her chin quivers. She knows what's coming.

"Lydia, I think you should know that, well, " Fast and hard. "Well, I don't really like you Lydia. I like you as a friend, you are great, but it's just not romantic." A big tear rolls down her smooth, pale cheek. She swallows hard, and gives one slow nod

"Why would you do this to me?" She pleads, her voice barely a whisper.

"I thought I would like you, but there is nothing here for me."

Silence. The clock reads 5:58.

"Luke, just, uh, please don't do this to the next girl who falls in love with you." I nod. She is doing everything she can not to break in front of me. I know right then that I've ruined her.