I sat up in bed and watched my alarm go off. I decided not to go running this morning. I went to the bathroom and took a nice long shower. After I returned to my room, I pulled out my laptop and started working on my anatomy project. I really hate when things get piled up, it gives me anxiety, so I do them as soon as they come. Plus I actually enjoy this class and the teacher is so freaking gorgeous, I wouldn't mind studying her anatomy instead. Therefore, I like being on her good side. Not to say her bad side wouldn't be one hell of a turn-on.

I was halfway done with my project when I heard my mom yell my and Sarah's name to come down for breakfast. I put on some clothes and took my bag. When I got downstairs, it seemed as though dad had left for work already so it was just us three this morning.

"How is school, Sarah?" Mom asked. Sarah took a bite of her pancake and began to make grunting noises which I only assumed were meant to be words. It irked mom. I looked over and I swear I saw her eyebrow twitch. She started to yell at Sarah. Something about talking with food and pig. Don't ask me how they connect, I was minding my own business. We all know how weird Sarah can get.

I heard a honk so I grabbed my bag and kissed my mom as she continued to bicker with the child. The car ride was always the same. I have a car but I lost a bet so I have to ride with Joyner to school this year, meaning the actual year, our second year only started this spring. Although he had Pat, he didn't fail to pick me up even when I told him not to.

I had two lectures before lunch and they were pretty good, but then came lunchtime. I had messaged Joyner during my first period telling him I wouldn't be joining him for lunch. He responded by saying he knew. I also texted Linda, asking her to meet me by the tennis court.

When she arrived I tried my best to make it seem like all was well. We spoke for about a good twenty-three minutes while I searched for a decent way to do this because is there ever a good or best way to leave someone who loves you with such a pure heart? I sighed. We walked around the court and stopped and stood under a tree.

"Linda" I started. She looked up at me with wide eyes as if in shock and immediately tears gathered. I then realize that I have never called her Linda, I only ever called her Lee. Crap! "I'm sorry. Bu-" I let out before she cut me off.

"NO!" She shouted. "No, no, no, no!" she continued as she fell to her knees, looking at the ground. I knew she loved me but I didn't know it was this much. I went on my knees in front of her and touched her chin, lifting her head so she could look at me, but she refused. Her eyes continued to drown in tears as they searched the grass between us.

"Linda, please look at me" I tried.

"Don't call me that, call me Lee! I am your Lee!" she managed to say as her eyes darted up at me. They were so full of sorrow.

"But I can't, well, not anymore," I said sadly.

"Why are you doing this to me? This is what you should be saying you can't do" she let out with a trembling voice. I felt as though something was stuck in my throat and I couldn't swallow. I knew I had to continue. I know I shouldn't hold her because I don't want to send the wrong signals but I couldn't help it, she looked so fragile and I am so afraid to break her. I hugged her for a brief moment and then pulled back. I used my thumb to wipe away her tear as her sobbing slowed down. I held her face and stared into her eyes.

"You didn't do anything wrong. I am just incapable of continuing this relationship. If I should wait longer to end it, the more you will hurt." I told her as I continued to stare into her eyes. I felt her wince at the word 'end' and I mentally face-palmed myself.

She closed her eyes and the last of her tears fell. As odd as it may sound, a small smile came across her face. I removed my hand from her face and stood up and helped her to do the same.

"Okay," she whispered. I looked at her a bit puzzled. So this is it right? I thought to myself. "I never wanted us to break up this quickly, hell I never wanted us to break up at all. But I do believe you. You are a good guy Shen. Thanks for letting me go now. I will be fine...eventually. I hope we can still be friends though" she said as she brushed off her knees.

Thanks? Is she sure that's what she wanted to say? Is she sure she didn't want to slap me and throw a fit? I would endure it all for doing this to her. I know firsthand how heartbreak feels and in no way did I want to say thanks to Lucy. Maybe if I had responded in this way, my heart would be okay right now. But all I did was have it heal with a small hole in the center that is now getting too big to be mended.

"Of course," I said with a smile. She turned and started to walk away.

"Welp, see you around campus," she said as her voice broke. Her back was turned but I could hear her quiet sobs. She took off running. It took so much of my strength, almost all of it, not to yell for her or run after her. I just watched her. I am sure she will find someone to love her even more than she loved me. She deserves that much...and more.

After I could no longer see Linda I continued to stand under the tree. Then I remembered that I had a class after lunch. I pulled out my phone to check the time, only to see that my class had already started forty mins ago. How long were we here for? I swear, time is not my friend! I didn't even get to eat, not that I am even hungry now after all that has happened. I decided to head home.

As I was walking by the school's parking lot I saw a familiar black Audi with a figure leaning against it, he turned his head and saw me. "Hey man!" he yelled at me, and I walked over. I had forgotten that Joyner had no classes after lunch today.

"How long have you been standing out here in this freakishly hot weather?" I asked. But he just shrugged.

"Eh! It doesn't matter. Now let's go." He ordered and I got in the car.

"Where are we going?" I asked as he began driving.

"Out for drinks," he said as he momentarily turned and looked at me.

"Wow, wow, wow. At least ask me before taking me out on a date prince charming" I said and we both started to laugh.

"Okay first... gross, you are my best friend, and second I wouldn't take anyone drinking for a first date" he let out while still laughing.

"Gross!! What do you mean by that? I don't need to tell you how much of a lady's man I am. And don't let me start talking about my body" I retaliated very proudly.

"No please don't!" He pleaded with a hint of sarcasm in his tone. He turned on some music and I didn't object. He knew I needed it. He always seems to know exactly what I need. Drinking huh? Drinking wasn't something we typically did but again, I need it.

Joyner

I drove out of town. We were never fans of seeing people we knew while doing something we shouldn't be doing. And plus, getting into clubs and bars elsewhere was so much easier. Shen had fallen asleep. He gets car sick after driving for more than an hour and on top of that, he looked so exhausted. We arrived at the bar in the late evening.

I started us off with a light beer each because I didn't plan to drink much, I had to drive. I knew that breaking up with Linda must have sucked hard so I didn't need to mention it, I only cared about how it affected him and for now, he seems to be holding up. I hated her but I couldn't help but feel sorry for her in that instance.

"I need something stronger" I heard him say as he pushed away the empty bottle. I nodded and went to order him a couple of glasses of vodka on the rocks. I couldn't help but think, tonight is going to be an interesting one.