Broken

Let Go of Her

"I'm moving out. I got offered a job in New York." Nikki flips pancakes in the pan.

"What did you just say; you're moving out, you're moving to New York?" I jump up from my chair excited for Nikki.

"I said it three times." Nikki signs tilting her head at me, putting her hand on her hip. "You're just preoccupied as usual." She laughs. "I got offered a job at a restaurant that's opening in New York City." "I am going to be their pastry chef, and I get to create my own menu."

"That's amazing. I'm so proud of you." I sit back down on my chair. "Are you nervous to move?"

"Yes and no. My brother is making the move with me, so that makes me a lot less paranoid." She says piling pancakes on to a plate.

"When are you moving?" I ask forking a pancake on to my plate.

"This weekend..... I know it's so sudden, I'm sorry. I am going to pay my rent for next month, before I leave, because I know it's really short notice, and that you will need to get another roommate." Nikki slathers butter and syrup over her pancakes.

Shit. I'm not worried about rent. I'm worried about being here. Alone. Alone when I get the call. When someone tells me that my dad has died.

"Don't worry about me. I'll find a roommate quickly. I'll post something on Campus." I rinse my plate in the sink. "Thank you for breakfast." I smile at Nikki leaving the kitchen to get ready for classes.

I shout to Nikki from the other room. "Nikki I'm going to plan to have a, pack it up party for you, what day should I have people come to load up your moving truck?"

I hear the sink running and plates and pots clinking around. "Sunday," Nikki belts out with excitement.

I pull out my phone and create a group text.

Pack it up Party @ my apartment, this Sunday 2PM. My Nikki, is moving to New York.

I text Malak:

Is Courtney back from her holiday? I need her to cover my shift on Sunday.

Malak: I'll take care of it

Thanks.....😊

It's Thursday, I have class and my shift at the bar. I take a shower, and get dressed. I slip on skinny jeans and fitted hoodie. I straighten my hair and apply a little cover up, trying to hide the circles under my eyes. Some lip gloss and I am ready.

I get in my car and crank up the volume. It's not helping drowned out my thoughts, as I had hoped.

Alex. The gym. "I'll always catch you." My breath hitches replaying the words over and over. Malak. "I want something more." Nikki. "This weekend, I'm sorry I know it's sudden." Dr. Sarah. "Why do you think you choose this to write about?" Shit.

I quickly get out of my car and light up, letting the cold air swoosh over me.

Buzz

I pull my phone out of my bag. imessage Group 

Damon: I'll be there

Steph: Me too

Shane: I won't be in town this weekend.... BUT guess what I am moving back to MI

Shane! What? Awesome!

Shane: Roommates?

Hell Yezzzzzzz