One House Behind | ✓

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞

Tanner

Because school was out, and I had gotten a job, things were hectic. I knew I was supposed to be talking to Shelly, more like wanted to talk to her, I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

I didn't want to explain why I pushed her away. I couldn't if I didn't know myself. Instead, I decided to talk to Leslie and smooth things out.

She deserved it.

"Hey."

"Les," I greeted her before tucking my bottom lip between my teeth.

"What did you want to talk about?"

"I wanted you to know I'm sorry for what I said. I know it was mean and rude, it was sorta true though, but still rude do say. I'm sorry. I was... I was angry and said whatever I said. It doesn't forgive it."

"No, it doesn't."

"I'm still sorry. I know what we had was something to you, I knew you liked me, but it's over now. As harsh as that sounds, we can't be together. I'm here and you're in Washington. It's not going to work."

"We could make it work?"

I hated having to say no. It was a reason I was reluctant with starting our confusing relationship. Knowing that one day we wouldn't be together was what kept me back from tons of things.

I shook my head at her. Her mic then muted and she moved out of the screen. Taking in a harsh breath, my hand went to look at my phone. Shelly still hadn't texted more.

I thought she was going to break her quiet streak. Jaw clenched, I started typing. I had to somehow make it up to her. But then Leslie came back into view, eyes red and lip between her teeth, and I knew that Shelly would get her own time.

"Okay, " her voice was rough and I felt guilt drown me as I knew I had done that, "I'm okay with it. I knew it wouldn't work out. You're going to college and I'm barely a junior this year. I'll be fine,"

"Are you sure?"

"No, not really. But I will be," she added a strained laugh to try to convince me.

"Just because we aren't a couple doesn't mean you can't come to me. I'll always be there for you to talk to and to lean on. We are still friends, I hope you know that." I told her with honesty.

"I know. But for now, to ease the pain and awkwardness, let's not talk. I need some time away."

"That's fine, " I nodded.

"Okay, talk later then Tanner."

"Later Leslie."

And then it was just me in my room. Alone with a half-typed message to Shelly on my phone. I pulled my phone up and finished it.

I knew this could change everything. It was going to change what I did to us. I still couldn't understand what it was we had. We weren't a couple, merely friends, but with everything going on, we had somehow become dependent on each other.

Shelly had made the anger go away and I made her loneliness go away. Without each other, we were confused again. I had to fix this so we could someone manage to be okay together again.

With hope in this thought, I willed myself to press send.