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“Hey there.”
Rae’s voice ripped me from my trance. She slipped her arm around mine and relief flooded my veins. As the sun slowly set, we stood there. Leaning against the pier. Taking in the sun’s murky reflection in the ocean water.
Then, Ally spoke. “Things will never be the same again.”
My stomach dropped as Rae sighed.
“You’re right. It won’t.”
Mike piped up. “That doesn’t mean we can’t get together, though. This isn’t an end.”
Rae snickered. “Yeah. Just a massive change that never goes according to plan.”
I slowly looked over at her. “What was your plan?”
She shrugged. “Does it matter now?”
I furrowed my brow. “It’s always mattered to me, Rae.”
Her eyes turned up toward mine and I saw tears in them. Pain. My girl was hurting, and it killed me inside. I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her close to me. And as her cheek fell against my chest, she sniffled. The sound was enough to cripple me. I felt like my body had been broken all over again. I kissed the top of her head, over and over. Trying to physically kiss the pain out of her body.
A body I hadn’t felt against mine in weeks.
“The distance won’t keep any of us apart. Not in spirit, anyway,” I murmured.
Mike nodded. “He’s right. We’re going to have our phones. Which means video conferences. Weekends with one another.”
Ally giggled. “And don’t forget holidays. We’re still exchanging New Year’s presents like we always do.”
I nodded. “Yeah. I’ve only gotten to do that once with you guys. I’m not missing out on another chance to do it.”
Rae snickered. “I guess so.”
Ally shrugged. “Well, I don’t guess. I know.”
Rae whispered, “At least one of us does.”
I held her as close as she’d let me as her tears fell against my shirt. She cried softly as the sun set, and it felt as if the weight of the world had settled back onto my shoulders. I kept looking over at Mike’s and Ally’s worried faces. We were all worried for Rae. She’d shut all of us out, in some way, shape, or form. None of us knew what to do about it, either.
Especially after all we’d been through this past year.
The sun set and darkness blanketed us, forcing us to turn around. Rae skated in front of me, making a quick exit away from my embrace. I slipped my hands into my pockets. I heaved a heavy sigh. I walked behind Mike and Ally, trying not to stare as they kissed underneath the moonlight.
“You girls want a ride home?” he asked.
Ally smiled up at him. “I don’t know about Rae. But I’d love one.”
By the time we got to Mike’s car, Rae was standing there. She had her rollerblades in hand and she looked eager to get into the stifling car. Mike unlocked the doors and we all piled in. We rode home silently, and not once did Rae let me take her hand. She didn’t look at me, or talk to me, or lean in to kiss me.
The only thing that gave me hope was her climbing out behind me once we got back to my apartment.
“Rae, you staying here?” Ally asked.
She nodded. “Yeah. Just want to spend some time with Clint for a little while.”
Mike leaned over. “Need me to come get you in a couple hours?”
She shook her head. “I’ll catch a ride or hail a cab.”
