“Oh my god, I can’t believe I didn’t see it, this is her. This is the person you fell in love with, you’re in love with her?” she practically screamed, her voice cracked and she dropped Hunter’s arm as soon as she said it.

“What’s poppin?”

Shannon’s eyes look first then mine

I’m delaying the inevitable, I look to Kyla then to Aiden, back to Ashley then to Blake before I look to Parker.

“Nothing” Aiden speaks up just as I’m about to answer

My eyes are starting to cloud as I look away from Parker and to Ashley. Her eyes are searching mine from a distant and I feel violated.

In an instant I rush past Parker and out through the glass doors to the back patio that leads to the beach she lives on.

I exaggerate my walk, I can’t see clearly and I know that it’s a mix between the alcohol and the tears in my eyes.

I practically trip a few times before I just break down and crash on the grass, sitting with  my knees pulled to my chest.

I know they’re going to send someone, I just honestly don’t know who they will send.

They could send….

Shannon, who just found out her best friend was gay and all her attempts to get me together with a boy have flown out the window

Hunter, who really had no reason to come out except he was the only neutral one in the situation so I really have no reason to fear him

Kyla, who I’m sure had a hand in this somehow

Aiden, who I’m sure has just confirmed that his little sister is gay

Blake, who probably feels the worst out of all of them

Parker, who is my ‘loyal’ boyfriend that wants to protect his girlfriend and console her when she’s upset

“Spence?”

Ashley.

Who is the only one that I wanted to come after me.

I can’t respond, I won’t respond.

I haven’t seen her in 6 months, I haven’t thought her name in 2 months, I haven’t said it even longer.

“Ashley” I stutter out

She closed her eyes and when they opened they were cloudy.

I just spoke the very name I craved to say but I dared not to at the risk I would shatter.

She already shattered me, now she can pick up the pieces.