{Theo}
I can still feel her soft lips on mine. It seemed like the wrong move -kissing some girl you barely knew while you were already engaged- but I enjoyed it and I hope she did too. I throw my keys on the table by the door and take off my jacket. Ruth should be home soon. I'd have to deal with her. (Or I could lie to her.)
Then I hear the clomp clomp of heels down the hallway. "Theooo? Are you homeee?"
"Uh, yeah. Hey, Ruth." I force a smile on my face.
"Hey, babe." Ruth wraps her arms around my neck and leans in for a kiss. It feels foreign, so wrong to kiss her. But I do anyway. Her lips are nothing like Shai's. Her lips are dry and lifeless. I pull out immediately.
"I'll help you unpack, how about that?"
"Thanks, Theo."
Now I think to myself: How in this damn world was I ever even attracted to Ruth? She was so...cocky, and it just seemed so wrong. She was so formal yet disgusting. Why did I propose to her? Just the thought of her makes me feel sour. I don't think I could take this any longer.
I unzip her suitcase and take her clothes and other toiletries and souvenirs out. Then I come across something peculiar in the side pocket. It's a photo, taken from a photo booth, so there's multiple shots on it. The photos feature Ruth and another man. Anger rages through me. The top photo, Ruth and the man are smiling. The second, Ruth and the man are laughing. The third photo, Ruth and the man are sharing a drink. The fourth and last photo, Ruth and the man are kissing. What is this shit?
"Hey, hey Ruth. What's this?"
Ruth looks startled but regains herself. "Um, me and Ralph."
"Who's this Ralph shit?" I'm yelling now.
"He's not shit, Theo!! I met him in New York, okay?"
"Well, then why are you two freaking kissing??" My face is red with anger.
"Because I like him, Theo!! Okay? I don't think we are working out so I met him and he's much better than you, you little twit." Her breaths are unsteady.
I suddenly feel dizzy. "Fine. Okay. Just...please leave. T-this is my home. I, just leave."
Ruth pulls the expensive ring off her finger and throws it at me. "I'm much happier with Ralph anyway."
I try to make it that the comment doesn't hurt me. "Just, leave."
I walk to our bedroom and rub my head. I hated getting mad. Especially at Ruth. Well, I guess she's not my fiancée anymore. At least I still have Shai. She's nice and beautiful and laughs a lot. My head pounds loudly so I take a rest. I just hope tomorrow will be better than tonight.
{Shai}
I can still feel his rough lips on mine. I felt so secure and warm with Theo. I just can't believe he actually kissed me. Theo kissed me. I hope that the next time I see him, it isn't awkward. I slip into bed and fall asleep quickly.
The next morning, I wake to a text.
Theo
Hey Shai, wanna hangout today?
I smile excitedly. This man, he was just so wonderful.
Sure. You wanna go to the coffee shop?
He immediately replies.
Yep! I'll pick you up soon.
I jump in the shower and wash my hair and body. I get out and tie my hair is a messy fishtail. I just loved hanging out with Theo. I wear a tank top and shorts. Then the doorbell rings and Theo stands there.
He looks so carefree, laid back. It made me want to hug him and kiss him all over like a teddy bear. I go with the hug. "Heyyy."
"Hi, Shailene. You look beautiful."
I blush and the word beautiful courses through my mind. "Shailene?"
"Just wanted to try it out. I think it's more formal." I smile. Theo's arms let go of my small back and grabs my hand. I feel surprised at first, but I entwine our fingers together. It felt so right, yet so wrong at the same time.
We walk to the nearest coffee shop and Theo orders two coffees for us. I sip my coffee while Theo takes a piss. My phone buzzes on the table. On the screen, it showed a tab that said:
Breaking news: Worldwide
Ukraine has declared war on the United States of America. Prepare yourselves for the worst. More news coming up.
I thought, is this some kind of joke? What is this crap: World War III? It seemed like a practical joke until I saw everybody checking their phones for such a notice.
Prepare yourselves for the worst.
Theo comes back and says, "Do you think it's a joke?"
"Um. It seems a little far-fetched. But nonetheless, no."
Theo's face contorts as he sits down. Worry washes over his face.
"What?"
Theo remains silent.
"What is it?" I ask again, even though the answer is forming in my head.
"You....you're not signed up, are you?" Theo doesn't reply.
"Please, Theo, tell me you aren't signed up. Please."
He stays silent for a few moments. "Every man eligible at eighteen years of age must be signed up and could be drafted for a war."
Prepare yourselves for the worst.
