Close As Strangers

Gone

"Cal, you've been gone for six months," I shakily said into the phone, "and now you want a break?"

"You say it like I want to be gone," Calum sighed, "I can't stand hurting you like this..." he trailed off.

"Then don't," I scoffed.

  "Let me finish, Jesus fucking Christ . You always fucking do this," Cal raised his voice, "I'm not doing this anymore, okay? I don't want you. I need to explore other women. We're done, yeah?"

I choked up, tears blurring my vision, "Yeah." I hung up the phone as he started apologizing. My phone buzzed and it read, "NEW MESSAGE: Cally💖"

I threw my phone to the foot of the bed and started sobbing. My fingers traced my engagement ring and slowly slid it off, leaving an impression of three years empty. I put it next to our picture and wedding plans on my dresser and went outside. I found half a cigarette in my car and tried to smoke it, but I haven't smoked in over two years, so I immediately got sick. I went back inside. Calum's pictures lined the walls; I wanted to vomit. "I hate you, Calum Hood," I mumbled as I slammed my door shut.

I had multiple messages, "37 NEW MESSAGES: Lukey, smASH!, Mike-ro-wave, Crys, and Sissy." They all asked if I was okay. I responded with a simple "No."