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“Chloe! Are you okay?” Madison runs over to me as soon as Tyler walks away. Lennox and Everleigh fall close behind.
I watch him go and feel so lost. Why can’t it just be easy?
Why can’t I just figure out what I want?
Not long ago, he was my world. Unexpectedly, we crashed into each other and changed the course of our summer. A relationship no one saw coming was born. Just to be pulled apart, leaving us broken & confused.
I shake my head as my friends surround me. “No, but I will be,” I answer, sounding more sure than I feel inside. A tear slips down my cheek.
“Aw, Lo,” Everleigh says, and the four of us group hug.
“C’mon, Mason is saving us a spot at the big fire. There are yummy s’mores!” Madison says as she slides her arm through mine.
I try to enjoy the rest of the party surrounded by my friends, but it’s hard with my emotions all over the place. While everyone laughs and dances around me, I stare at the fire as my mood slowly deflates by the hour. When the time passes midnight, I’ve reached my limit for tonight. Maybe I should get an Uber home. That way, Madison can stay if she wants. I don’t want to drag everyone home if they aren’t ready.
Just as I go to stand, Mason takes a seat beside me. I didn’t even realize it was empty. Where did Madison go?
“Hey, how’s it going?” Mason asks, pulling my attention away from looking for Madison.
“It’s going alright. The s’mores are delicious.” I nod toward my plate where my half-eaten one sits. I lost my appetite halfway through, but it still was damn good.
“S’mores are always delicious.” Mason smiles.
“Unless the marshmallow is burnt.”
“That’s the best part!” Mason laughs, and I shake my head, scrunching my face up in disgust.
“Ew.”
“No way, Lo. Madison and I need to teach you some shit.”
“Don’t tell me she likes them burnt, too! Seems like I need to teach you both what a good s’more tastes like.”
“She doesn’t like them as dark as mine, but she still prefers a well-done mallow.”
I chuckle, grateful for the mood boost. But I’m still ready to leave. “I’m gonna head out. I need to find Madison and let her know,” I say as I stand.
Mason stands too. “Was she your ride? I can let her know. But how are you getting back to campus?”
“I’ll Uber.”
“That’s expensive. If Madison isn’t ready to leave now, I’ll give you a ride.”
I shake my head. “No, that’s okay. I’m sure you want to stay longer with your friends. And your girlfriend? Where is Sienna?”
“She went home for the weekend. But I’d rather you not take an Uber. Mads or I got you.”
“Thanks, Mase. I appreciate it.”
“Anytime. I know you’ve had a rough night.”
I freeze at his words. Ugh. How embarrassing. See, I knew the whole party would know what happened. Tyler making a fool of himself as usual.
“Tyler’s a good guy, and he cares about you, Chloe. Those jerks deserved a punch in the face.”
“Why didn’t you tell me he was in town or that you two were hanging out?” I ask.
Mason cracks his knuckles and shuffles his feet, two habits I’ve noticed he does when he’s uncomfortable. “I didn’t want to get in the middle of anything, but I should’ve given you a heads-up. I’m sorry.”
