Cure for Love

Nine • Is this Reality?

"I just...I don't know what to do. One moment he's friendly to me and the next he's with another girl." There was a pause and a sniffle. "Why am I not good enough?" Her voice drops to a hoarse whisper. "What's wrong with me?"

I sucked in a breath. Held it. Let it go.

"May. There's nothing wrong with you. It's not your fault. You also shouldn't place so much of your self worth on some guy. You'll only end up getting hurt." I sighed deeply, rubbing my temples and glancing at my reflection in the window. The glow of my laptop illuminated my face, giving it a washed out look. The bags under my eyes seemed more visible than ever and my hair was in a disastrous bun. I braced myself to deliver the advice that I wish I'd known so many years ago.

"You're in high school, and believe me, I know how that feels. To think that the guy you like is this perfect, once in s life time kinda guy. But he's usually not the one. I'm not saying that you should abandon your crush, because I know it's not easy to get over. But you should focus on bettering yourself and living life rather than call a lame talk show at midnight to sort out your life problems. In a couple of years, I bet you won't even know his name. Don't cry, you'll be okay," I said softly and sincerely.

May's sobbing slowly subsided as she thanked me and I opened another caller's line.

"I'm in love with this girl. And I don't know what to do," a panicky voice said over the phone. I pursed my lips bitterly.

"I'll tell you what not to do. Don't lead on other girls. Don't flirt with her and ten other girls at once. Don't make her feel special and then turn around and do the same to another girl. Don't be unclear about your feelings. Let her know. Or sometimes, it's too late." I sighed for what seemed to be the millionth time that night.

"I'm still pretty freaked out," he said desperately.

"Be calm. Be yourself. Don't sweat the small stuff. You'll be fine. Most importantly, respect her and her decisions. She doesn't have to like you or do what you want, got it kid?" I sat up in my chair, ready to rant, but then shut my mouth. "If you love her, let her know. I've been on the side that hurts because I came too late. And trust me, the regret you feel is monstrous."

"Thank you. That cleared up a lot for my head." 

I sighed again. My heart clenched in my chest. He reminds me of a young you. Too bad you didn't get any good advice on girls.