ManyWriters

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.

The Coast Between Us

He dragged me into the hotel's quiet wine cellar and slammed the door.


Leonardo blocked the exit, trapping me as he interrogated me.


"So you just ignored our pact and signed up for a school in LA on your own?"


Gathering all my courage, I met his gaze.


"I have my own dreams. Why should my entire future revolve around you?"


"Leonardo, be honest. Are you mad that I broke a promise, or that you're losing your convenient backup plan?"


The color drained from Leonardo's face.


"We're adults now. That night... wasn't it consensual? Are you still hung up on that?"


Feeling a flash of shame, I stared back defiantly.


"Leo, if you like someone else, just say it. I won't hang on desperately.


"But you clearly don't care about me, yet you loved watching me chase you. Did it make you feel powerful?"


You only say goodbye when there's no hope left.


Chapter 9