The Coast Between Us

On graduation night, I gave my first time to Leonardo.

The pain was real, but so was my joy, believing my devotion had finally been seen.

But I never imagined that at the bonfire party the next day, I would hear his teammates joking with him.

That night after graduation, Leonardo took everything from me.

"Nice work, man, you finally sealed the deal with your little shadow."

And Leonardo, who had been so gentle the night before, replied with a lazy drawl.

"Jessica is the real prize. I’m just getting in some practice with Kira, don't want to fumble in front of the queen."

I said nothing, just turned and walked away.

Then, before the final deadline, I changed my college choice from Seattle to Los Angeles.