Love and War

Prologue

Prologue-

        I stare off into the night, not being able to feel my toes anymore. I've been standing out here for what seems like ages, staring off into the distance. I can't believe that just happened, and I didn't even respond to a single thing being said. I just stood there, being the biggest fool ever. Why didn't I say anything?

        Part of me believes fear held me back. After all, fear is really just being nervous about uncertainty. I didn't know what would happen if I really said what I felt. She probably wouldn't have agreed with me at all, and would've called me stupid. After all, isn't that what she always did? But maybe she would've been different and maybe agree partially.

       The scent of Starbucks brings me back to reality, as I realize how freezing it is outside. My hands are warm from the warm coffee that I'm holding. One last look into the distance, and I turn around. As I enter into the Starbucks, the warm air comforts my cold body. I quickly make my way to the back, where we had been sitting.

       I sit down, pulling my laptop out of my messenger bag. Right now I just want to finish this short story I'm supposed to be writing. As I wait for my laptop to load, I stare at my iPhone. Should I text her first, or ler her cool off? I enter my password on my laptop, trying to push any thoughts about her away from my mind.

      "Excuse me, sir," A Starbucks girl says. I look up at her and she looks like she's thirty. Her honey blonde hair is up in a messy bun. Her hazel eyes glance at my laptop. Her southern accent says, "We'll be closin up here soon,"

"Thank you," I nod my head in acknowledgement.

"Why are you here this late anyways?" She cocks her head to the side.

      "Please, join me," I say, gestering to the other part of the booth in front of me. She sits down silently. "There's this project for school, a short story, and I'm here to brainstorm," I smile.

"Wasn't someone else here?"

"Yes ma'am,"

"A girl?"

I nod.

"Why?"

       I shrug my shoulders. "It's too complicated. I really don't know what happened," My eyes focus on my iPhone for a second. Then I look up at her. "We were starting off fine but then broke into a fight--"

       All of a sudden, my ringtone goes off. I glance at who's calling, and see 9-1-1. My fingers shake as I slide the answer icon on the phone. My voice is shaky as I answer, "H-Hello?" I wait for a response, worrying about everyone I love.

As I listen to the caller, my eyes widen.

"No...no...NO!" I scream, hanging up my phone.

       I hurry to pack up my laptop and put my phone in my pocket. "What's the rush?" The woman asks, with a worried look in her eyes. I don't respond. "Please don't go, I'm worried for you! You're in a bad emotional state, you can't be driving!"

       "You don't understand!" I scream. "I-I--gahhhh!" I run out of the Starbucks location, hurrying hastily to my car. I turn the key quickly, starting the car. I hurry onto the highway, trying my best to calm down from this whole situation.

       But I can't help myself from sobbing. I try to take deep breaths, but I find myself hyperventilating. Why was I so selfish and immature? Why did I anger her? Why did I let that happen? Why did I just stand there? Why didn't I do anything?

And then I realize something.

Which causes me to sob even more.