it was always you

21

it's valentine's day.

sasha is satisfied with the teddy bear, necklace, and expensive perfumes.

she should be,

since she told me to get them for her.

while she gushes over the gifts with her girlfriends,

as if she didn't know i'd get them,

there's suddenly a shout.

someone yelled at you for bumping into them,

but you aren't paying attention.

you have your head lowered,

and you're walking fast.

i know you're crying without needing to see your face.

my suspicion is confirmed when you rush into the girl's bathroom.

sasha snorts beside me. "must suck to be dumped on valentine's day."

i don't think twice before heading in your direction.

"max! max, where are you going? the bell is ringing soon and you have to walk me to class!" sasha yells after me.

i don't hear her.

i don't see the girls cursing at me in the restroom when i barge in,

and they scurry out.

i lock the door. 

i don't care if i get in trouble.

you're in the middle stall.

i hear you sniffling.

i raise my knuckles to knock.

"don't you dare," is all you reply.

i swallow the sudden lump in my throat. 

"get out of here, max."

i've never heard you sound so angry.

i can't bring myself to turn away from you, though.

so i sit on that disgusting bathroom floor with my back to the stall.

i'll let the principal drag me away before

i leave you crying alone.