the Nine Signs of a Breakup

he might slowly start texting other women

i've been seeing him in a lot of photos lately. late night parties after work, his hand gripping another woman's waist. why can't i just break it off? why am i so fixated on mending a broken relationship? sure we had something magical in the beginning, but now i can't look in his eyes and smile with as much passion as i used to.

it's been a week and a bit since we've last talked. i wasn't going to contact him, i just hoped he would man up and talk to me first. but who am i kidding? he has so many other girls wrapped around his finger.

i felt my phone buzz under my thigh, followed by many more, and giggled slightly. i was so ticklish, and it reminded me of when he wanted something, he would tickle me with a determined facade. and then i frowned, i'm still in love with him. sliding the device from under my leg, a message from my classes group chat.

:: new horror film at the cinemas, anyone in? ::

my first thought was no. i hate scary movies and i hate the cinemas. but every reply was a, "yes, i'll be there."

i slowly typed, "sure," my thumb pressing a single letter every second. why am i going? i'll pretend it's because i need to get out of the house but really i'm hoping he'll be there, or at least some other eye candy.

it was currently 6 pm and the film starts at 7. i get changed into black leggings, my favourite oversized hoodie, and slide on a pair of sneakers. i chuck my hair into a ponytail and smile in my reflection. sure i have some acne here and there, and some wrinkles from smiling too much, but i feel like a million dollars.

snatching my phone and keys, i walk to my car. the leather seats creak when i fall in and the stereo blasts when i turn the ignition. the sun sets as i find my way to the local cinema, seeing a large group waiting outside. as i climb out of the car and go to them, i scan the group for any familiar faces. getting closer, i see him. he's surrounded by his mates, but his eyes are locked on his phone. his thumbs going crazy over the glass screen. he smiles every few seconds and i guess he's texting a girl, that isn't me. a few people notice me and give me huge bear hugs, and soon enough i've hugged everyone but his group of friends.

i'm actually great friends with them. they used to try and flirt with me, but after many harsh pushing, death glares and awkward coughs from my "one and only," we became best buds. the tallest of the group saw me first, pointing me out and jogging up to me.

"hey, wow you look great. how are things?" he questions, his eyes genuine and his smile large.

"things are good, class has been way easier this semester." he nods in agreement and drags me to the others. they each pull me into a hug, except for one. as i look at him, his eyes are fixed on the phone. i can't help but feel hurt, my own boyfriend not even acknowledging me.

my boyfriend. it doesn't sound right anymore. it sounds so forced.

a blonde boy lightly shoves his shoulder.

"dude, your girlfriends standing right in front of you. quit texting those chicks you met at those cheap clubs." he spoke harshly in his ear, his voice lowering to a whisper.

he looks up with a sigh. his eyes give me a lazy once over before giving me a half smile.

"hey babe, it's been a while. why haven't you texted?" he asked, barely interested. i felt a rush of anger but took a deep breath.

"mmh it has, and i did text but you didn't reply so i thought you were busy." i texted him a week ago, then gave up. his friends seemed awkward and looked at me with pity. i don't need their pity, i just need to tell it as it is.

his phone buzzes once again and as he pulls it out from his pocket, his eyes shine. this is it.

"i think we need to end this," i state. my voice sturdy and my eyes serious. although deep inside, i'm wishing i could've pretended everything was okay for a little longer.

all his friend's, and his, eyes widen. his friends' reactions are totally understandable, to them we were the powerhouse couple. but for him to be surprised made me second guess myself. what if he didn't want to break up? maybe he'll fight for me, or maybe he wants to break up in private. i mean, bringing up that topic in front of his friends was very rude of me. whoops?