Rachel Dyken - Toxic

The end of Spring Semester

I would have followed her anywhere.

Its funny isnt it? People claim to know what love is yet the minute theyre given the opportunity to prove it they bail.

I wish I could have bailed. I wish I could have walked away four years ago. Then maybe Id have the strength to walk away now. To look her in the eyes and say, Sorry, but I cant do this again.

People rarely mean what they say. To me, sorry was just another word in the English language that people misused like love.

I love ice cream, I love pancakes, I love the color blue bullshit. Because when I said love I meant I bled for you. When the word love actually leaves my lips Im speaking it into existence. Im empowering my soul Im joining with yours.

Id always heard about crossroads, how people are given choices in their lives, choices that either make or break them. I never realized that Id be given that second chance; I never realized Id fail to take it.

Her eyes pleaded with mine. My heart shattered in my chest, my lips moved to speak to say anything to get her to understand the depth of what I was feeling, but I knew the minute I told her how I felt it would be all over.

My heart, my soul, it couldnt survive anything happening to her. If she wasnt in my world, my heart would stop. I knew it was killing her because it was destroying me.

But going back to that life.

Even for her.

Was out of the question.

Falling in love, jumping out, even knowing full well that shed catch me. It wasnt an option. Because everyone knows, when it comes to love, its not the fall that hurts its the landing. And I knew it was only matter of time before she gave up on me too and allowed me to break.

Because in the end thats all I was broken. A shell of a human.

I dont understand! She beat against my chest with her fists. You promised me! You promised youd never leave! Tears streamed down her face, the face I used to love. I closed my eyes then looked behind me as Saylor clenched the keys in her hand, waiting for my decision.

I was at a crossroads all right. One path led to my future the other to my past and utter self destruction.

I couldnt look at her. I ignored every thread of feeling and relished the pain of my heart breaking into a million pieces as I held out my hand in front of me. Youre right, I promised.

Gabe! Saylor yelled from behind me. It doesnt have to be like this.

Dont you see? I said quietly without turning around. Its always been like this, it will always be like this. I warned you.

But

Enough! I yelled, tears threatening to stream down my face. I said enough. You should go.

Behind me, the door slammed.

Its okay! she said, cupping my face. It will finally be okay!

Alright, Princess. I choked on the word. Alright. I tightened the pink scarf around her neck and put my arm around her.

Thanks. She sighed happily. You always promised youd take care of me. You cant leave, you cant

I wont. I vowed, because it was my fault. Just like everything else.

Can we go play now, Gabe?

Yeah, sweetheart, we can. I folded the blanket around her legs and pushed her wheelchair out of the room, knowing full well that I was choosing the wrong path with every step I took.

Sad moment officially gone, just please, for the love of God, get a room Gabe H

Gabe

Middle of Spring Semester

Focus, Kiersten. I snapped my fingers in front of her face. Stages of mitosis. Go.

Wed been sitting at the local Starbucks all morning. The smell of ground coffee was beginning to make me sick I had nobody to blame but myself. Apparently ground coffee is what a new leaf smelled like. And Id officially turned one over.

Kiertens eyes darted to the textbook. I scooted it away and waited patiently, folding my hands on the table.

Her mouth dropped open to answer, a blank stare followed and then a groan. G-a-a-a-a-be. She smiled. Cant we take a coffee break? Please?

Dont stick out your lower lip.

She stuck it out anyway.

Kiersten I warned.

Please! She gripped my hands in hers and pouted some more.

I gave in with a heavy sigh you know, to show that I wasnt happy about giving in to her demands even though thats how it always was with our friendship. She said jump and I said where, how high, how long, and how fast can I do your bidding? Fine, well take a coffee break.

Yes! She slammed the book shut. My turn to treat. Her ridiculously cute smile made me laugh. Hell, she always made me laugh, and I so needed to laugh at this point in my life. Besides, if I didnt laugh I was pretty sure Id break down sobbing and the last thing the world needed was for me to suddenly make sure everyone was aware that I had feelings.

Damn, I didnt even want to be aware.

Nope. I waved her off then had to physically restrain her from hopping off toward the counter. I got it. Plus, Wes would kill me if he knew I made you pay for your own coffee.

You guys spoil me too much. She sat back against her chair and crossed her arms. Youre going to have to let me go soon, Gabe. Both you and Wolf, she said, using Wess nickname. I cant live in your protective bubble forever. She yawned and accidently hit her hand on the wall beside her.

Aw, little Lamb, I teased, using Wess nickname for her. Get a boo-boo?

Shut it.

Ill just go get your coffee.

Her eyes narrowed. You do that, Turtle.

If she was a dude, I would have flipped her off. Instead, I laughed and walked away.

Id been making fun of her and Wess nicknames for each other Lamb and Wolf and in return had been gifted with one of my own, on account of my idiot cousin, Lisa, deciding to tell them the story about how Id had a pet turtle when I was little and had cried when it died.

But come on! That turtle was bad ass! I had a freaking funeral for the little guy I full on wept.

Not a proud moment.

The usual? I called back.

She folded her hands in front of her like she was praying and shouted, Please!

With a smile I turned around and went to stand in line trying to look casual, easy-going, normal. Ha! Funny how I used to actually practice being normal.

Id looked in the mirror and had to tell myself to visibly relax my lips, shoulders, muscles. I had to own the look because things had been crazy for so long and apparently I had a certain way of walking that made people recognize me. Who knew, right? At any rate, I was a bad ass ninja master of disguise, and it wasnt just my life that depended on it, but hers as well.

Maybe it was my graduation but ever since the start of this last semester Id felt edgy irritated, as if I was some sorry ass sitting outside waiting for a storm cloud. I had no reason to feel that way I just did, and honestly? It freaked me out a bit. I hoped it was just a side effect of not sleeping around with every single girl on campus. Maybe that was what not having sex did to guys made them paranoid and jumpy as hell.

What can I get you? The barista asked, her demeanor cool, aloof.

I leaned forward and smiled brightly. That depends, what are you offering?

Damn. She snapped her fingers. You confused? The sex shop is just down the street. With a wink, she leaned forward and whispered, We serve coffee here.

How I licked my lips slowly, falling easily back into old habits. embarrassing. My heart started to race as I greedily scanned her tight little body, just barely hidden by the green apron. It was my game the only thing I had going for me. The only thing that numbed me to my past to everything. Dont feel sorry for me. I loved every damn minute of it because it was one more minute I wasnt thinking about the past.