But after meeting with your mother to retrieve an earing that I had accidently left at her gallery, I knew that although Eric was a great person, he wasnt the one I wanted. That in fact being with him for so long and at an early age, I missed a lot of things. I wasnt given a chance to experience a lot of things girls my age got to experience. I didnt blame him for that. I blame myself. I blame myself for not living my life. And when I met your mother and being with her, she showed me how to enjoy life.

She stopped talking and looked past me over my shoulder. I watched her take a deep breathe.

Evan, I dont want you to be serious about anyone right now. Youre too young to tie yourself down to anyone. Youre only fifteen, baby. You need to hang out with your friends, get into trouble…not terrible trouble but innocent trouble. I want you to enjoy this time in your life cause once its over… you wont get it back.

I understood what she was saying but I didnt want to let Lindsey go.

Im not saying that you have to stop seeing Lindsey but see other people. Dont spend all your time with one person. You wont grow that way.

I still sat there quietly not quite sure of what to say.

Okay, was the only thing I think of to say.
Are you okay with this? she asked.
Uh, yeah.

I moved off the couch and was getting ready to walk out the door when she grabbed my arm.

Evan, you know that I love you, right?
Yeah.
And you know that Im only saying this to you cause I care and not to hurt you.
Yeah.

I was looking down at my feet.

Look at me.

I did.

Im not saying that you have to stop seeing Lindsey, baby, but just cool it for a while. Dont lose yourself in her.
Okay, I answered.

She let go of my arm.

So where are you going?
Uh… to hang out with the crew, I lied.
Okay. Have fun.

I gave her half a smile in response.

*****

I knocked on her door afraid of what her reaction was going to be. After I had told her that I think we need some time apart, she yelled at me and then ran to her room in tears. I never wanted to hurt her. I was only following what Tina said to do. Im not blaming her but she was right. I was losing myself and alienating my friends. I needed to get back to how it was before but only better. I needed to be a teenager and have fun. But how could I tell Lindsey that? She didnt want to hear that lame ***** excuse, as she put it.

If you want to see other people then just say so! If you dont want to be with me then just say so! she screamed.
No, its not that. Believe me its not that. I just think that its… not healthy to spend every minute with you. I need to be around other kids. I still want to see you just not as much.
***** you! ***** YOU! she ran away screaming.

I followed her but wasnt fast enough. The door slammed in my face. I knock again but instead of silence she yells for me to get out.

Lindsey, please.

The door flew open.

Get the ***** out of my house, she said solemnly.

Her voice was so cold. Her face showed no emotion.

Im sorry, I whispered.
GET OUT! she yelled an inch from my face.

Her anger scared me. Tears began to drop. I quickly turned and ran down the stairs and out her house.

*****