Imagine

Our Future

When you think about graduating, one of the first things that come to mind is that you're growing up. Growing up comes with so many different responsibilities which can be super overwhelming a lot of the time. But when you have someone to share your adult responsibilities with, it can make life a lot easier to handle. 

I already got my acceptance letter to NYU and I plan on moving in with my longtime girlfriend. We both work part-time to pay for the apartment and necessities. My parents didn't think it was the best idea but with the ups and downs that we've already had, I can say moving in together is the least of our worries.  I trust her wholeheartedly and I can openly say that I am in love with her. I'm in this relationship for the long haul, I just hope she continues to feel the same. Lauren has a habit of randomly becoming distant. I don't think she does this on purpose because she's so used to not communicating with others but it is becoming a problem for our relationship. When you go without texting your girlfriend for days at a time when you're a whole state away, it becomes an issue. 

With texting being our only means of communication until I move in, it becomes hard to handle. She's too busy to visit and I understand that, but not even a good morning or good night text is sent. This worries me more than it upsets me because with her living alone and being around so much stress all of the time with school and work, I don't know how she'll handle herself. Her mental health was our main priority when she was here, but now she's over there and I can't physically see how she's holding herself up especially if we aren't talking.

Bringing this up to her may cause some waves and with me moving in soon it might push her away from me a little so I'll refrain from asking until I get there.

I shoot her a quick text hoping she replies.

To Lauren 😍: Hey boo 

9:17 PM

From Lauren 😍: Hey :)

9:18 PM

To Lauren 😍: Can we FaceTime? 

9:18 PM

INCOMING FACETIME FROM Lauren 😍 

I accept it with a huge smile on my face as her tired face pops up on my screen.

"Laur, you look exhausted."

"Yeah, it was a long day. I left my phone home but I realized I left it when I got on the bus to go to class, and I got out of class around 2:30 so when my manager asked if I could fill someones shift I didn't get the message until I got home. Then I had to go fill the shift and I got home around 8:30. I just got out of the shower." 

"I hate when you're exhausted but your voice is so hot." As I said that she couldn't help but laugh.

"I tell you that I'm tired and you talk about how hot I sound?"

"Yeah well, I haven't seen your face or heard your voice in a while..." She could tell I was saddened by the look on my face.

"The only thing I can say is that I'm sorry baby...you know I have a hard time keeping in contact with people when I'm overwhelmed. You know it's not because I'm upset with you or anything." I see her eyes get bigger with sincerity but that really doesn't make me feel any less neglected.

"Okay." The only words I'm able to put out are okay. I want to accept her apology because I know its heartfelt but her apology doesn't compare to the ache that she leaves in my heart every time a week goes by and I haven't heard from her. 

"Don't shut down on me...please? The last thing I need is you being upset with me."

"I'm not upset, I'm just disappointed. I knew that you going away would change things, but I didn't expect it to be this drastic." 

"I'm sorry...I'll make it up to you okay? I'm off this weekend. So how about I come over there?" I can see the hope in her eyes as she says it.

"I don't want you over here if you have tests to study for or any plans with other people."

"I can miss one study session Y/N. And I had no plans unless you count sleeping in as a plan then sure."

"Missing one study session can throw off your whole balance. Once you miss one then you miss two and then you stop going altogether." 

"I'm trying to make it up to you Y/N...work with me."

"Lauren...I don't want you to mess around with your schedule to come and see me. If you're busy then there's nothing I can do but wait until your free. You need rest and if this weekend is part of your rest days then that's fine."

"Now you're making me sad baby. I'm just trying to balance you and school and work and nothing seems to be the right combination. And you know I'm trying my best to make sure everyone is satisfied and I just-"I could see her eyes gloss over with tears and as I interrupted her I saw one fall down her cheek while she quickly wiped it away.

"Lauren, stop crying, please? You know that I cry when I see other people cry. I told you that I'll be fine."

"I hate when you say that, we both know you won't be fine. I know it's hard for you to come to visit me because you work on weekends and after school so I'm coming this weekend whether you're okay with it or not. I need a break from New York. I just want to be with you laying around in bed watching shitty movies. Okay?" She sniffles as she sits up in bed and turns on her bedside light.

"Alright Lauren." I say with an eye roll knowing that she won't take no for an answer "I have school in the morning but I'll text you when I wake up."

"Don't roll your eyes at me for trying to love you, asshole."

I roll my eyes again as I shake my head at her. "You better text me back in the morning Lauren. I'm not kidding." 

"You know I will. Goodnight baby, I love you." She says it but I can't help but look at how her crying left her eyes a little red. 

"Goodnight Laur, I love you too." 

With that said, I ended the call and set my phone aside for the night. I laid in bed curled up in my blankets and thought about how she'd be here in my bed in just two days. I couldn't wait.

A/N: Part 2?