I'M HIS AND HIS MINE

O

to look

her eyes whenever she smiles or laughs. That's when I know she means it. It hurts to see her walk into

l like this about her but I can't do anything about it...so I'm leaving. I need to run before I do something s

flooded with people. Of course, her face stands out in the crowd. She's sitting next to Brad with my parents, watching the class Valedictorian giv

rad paid any attention to her. In a way, I know they're together because of me. I was their bridge. I should feel good about that, I suppose, but I don

ime to become a US Marine. I know that's going to be the distraction I so badly need. I won't ever have to

t away from where I am which is the first few rows, considering my last name starts with an

act. I can't even remember the last time we had a proper conversation. It's all my fault. I'm the one that stopped talking to her in an effort to fight what

first day of freshman year during our first period. We had art together. I was a sophomore. She didn't get together

ide. They'll be mailing our diplomas home. Why? I don't know. I've never understood that logic. I'm over all of it by the time the ceremony finally ends. I hang out with some of my friend

ay as I put my arms around h

f you." She mumbles

at me then embraces me in a manly hug. The ones where we slap each other's backs a

. She's wearing a white dress. Her wavy hair is around her shou

did it!" She says a

ust me and her in the field. I close my eyes for that brief second and enjoy the feeling of her arms around my

grip,

take a step back. "

s is why I stopped hanging out with them altogether. I couldn't see them do things like that. It's already shaming enough to have to look at my brother

tonight. I don't know how he convinced them. He probably made it seem like he was doing it for me which is ridiculous because I hate parties.

arrive. Brad can have his party. I don't care. I'll be gone in

if it weren't for that diploma we get at the end. My dad also joined the Marines when he graduated high school. He told me I shouldn't feel obligated to join just because he did and I don't. This is somet

ince he was twenty-one years old. Before I was even born. I respect him so much f

gined it. The music is loud downstairs so it's possible I did. I stay seated on

I say in

n looks down at the small cake in her hands. "I brou

ty." I tell her

says in a sarcastic t

" I ask her openi

walks in. "I never know what

aspect. I close the door in an effort to diminish the sound of the

ase on the wall. "You still have the same books her

I haven't

ces me then she hands m

s amused me how bo

and Natalie sits down next to me. The cake has the

Natalie asks me as I s

lly feel any

meets my gaze. "I'm gonna miss you...I've been missing

re. I didn't expect this conversation to escalate so quickly. "We're still

through Brad two weeks ag

urt or confused. Maybe both. "I figured I

"I guess I thought we're going to be fri

talie. I'm sure you don't n

ss people you

me as a friend. But my mind is playing these tricks in my head. Her words are hurting me and she has no idea. Of course I'v

her to leave. She would be confused and hurt if I did. She's not doing anything wrong. But I am. I know better. I kno

riend wasn't my brother. I know it wouldn't even be

?" Natalie asks me after a moment. She asks the question quietly and

hink about what she would feel. She probably thinks I'm the worst friend in the world. She wouldn't be wrong. "Of course not."

topped talking to me. I've been wanting to ask you but you're never around a

some girl she is? Why did my heart choose her? I know it's not the end of the world. It's high school. I'm young. I'll get over it. But it pretty much seems like the worst thing ever right now. I know this is p

rning to look at her. Sh

way. Get the hell out o

hs. I'm looking at her brown eyes that seem darker in here. "Natalie..."

uch over the past few weeks. I do the one thing that would change everything...if I were sta

Her eyes look confused for a second but she doesn't push me aw

iss