The Boy Down the Street // Blake Gray

22

Steph's POV
My mind is filled to the brim with millions of thoughts. Do I like the idea of moving to LA? Maybe I do-nice weather, nice culture, not to mention all of the celebrities! But when we do move I'll be leaving behind so much-my school friends, hockey and Blake. Yes I know, he's my middle school boyfriend and chances are we won't be together forever, but I really like him and I don't want to part ways this quick.

As I continue to be overwhelmed with thoughts, my parents and Trent are chatting up a storm about living arrangements and career moves and what not. I'm not fully paying attention to know the exact topic on their conversation. All of a sudden the room goes quiet.

"Steph you're being awfully quiet about this. Are you okay?" my mom asks taking a seat beside me. "Yeah I'm fine, I just don't know what to think of all this," I say quietly.

"What do you mean?" asks Trent sitting on the other side of me. "It's just that its a big change. How will everything all work out? Like living arrangements and your jobs. And this may sound a little selfish but what about me?" I respond as honest as possible.

"I don't know exactly how it's all going to pan out, but we have a general idea of what is going to happen," says my dad. "When it comes to mine and your moms jobs this is how it will work. Since I own a chiropractic centre I'm going to get a space for my business in LA and your mom will transfer to the LA office within her company. When Trent got the job he was offered a nice penthouse right in downtown LA that is as big as this house, so that's where we will live," my dad continues.

"And you Steph, we've enrolled you in a nice, small private school with good education and sports programs, and I'm sure that there will be a hockey team for you to play on there." my mom finishes.

To be honest, that sounds like a great lifestyle. In fact, it seems like the perfect lifestyle. Like one that would come from a movie or something. How can I say no?

"Wow, that sounds; amazing," I say to my family. They all smile and close in on me for a group hug.

"Glad you're okay with the soon to come changes. It means a lot to me. I know what you're sacrificing to let me live my dream. All of you, thanks. I love you," Trent says as we pull away from the hug.

"Love you too Trent," I say getting up to get to the door, followed my my parents. "I'm going to bed now, congratulations again Trent. And goodnight," I say going to my room.

As I get ready for bed I keep thinking about the move to LA. I'm super stoked about the new opportunities my family will get there. It's all perfect.

As I get under my covers something hits me like a wrecking ball. It circles my mind for a few minutes before I realize that this has to be doing me no matter what. I have to tell Blake about my move.

I can't get to sleep without telling him-I just can't. So I get up and flip open my Mac and FaceTime him. Hopefully he picks up.

After about 30 seconds his face shows up with a huge grin. It hurts to see him happy right now, because I know what I'm gonna tell him is going to be painful.

"So you couldn't get enough of me eh?" he jokes as he gets comfortable. But he clearly sees the seriousness on my face. "Hey, what's up?" he asks.

I quietly gulp knowing that there is no good way to say it.

"Blake, we need to talk."