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

Leonardo looked exhausted, like something terrible had happened.


"I wanted to see your school, see how you're doing in LA."


I smiled and said, "It's great here. The food is amazing. You should look up some good places to eat while you're here."


He looked uncomfortable and didn't reply.


"Kira, can't you just have one meal with me? Just once."


Before I could answer, another voice cut in.


"Sorry, but her schedule's booked. You'll have to get in line."


Noah walked over, putting himself protectively between me and Leonardo.


The two of them stared each other down, the air crackling with tension.


"Kira, did you come back to school early just for him?"


Leonardo's voice was laced with an emotion I couldn't name.


I didn't understand what he was thinking, but I also felt no need to explain myself.


"Sorry, Leonardo. We're about to go get lunch. We have to go."


I nudged Noah, who was frozen in place.


Chapter 12