Page 89 of Drew
“I know it’s not easy, but you’ll find a way, I’m sure.”
“Oh, come on, Syd. You and I both know long distance equals doom. We have four more years of school… and that doesn’t even cover residency or if either of us specialize in anything.”
Sydney shrugs as she whispers, “True.”
“Even if we do manage to get into the same school, we’ll still have to balance our schedules.” I can’t even begin to fathom what our schedules will look like then.
“How have you managed to date him so far?” Sydney asks quietly.
I shrug. “I don’t know… we just make it work. But we’re in the same city, not across a freaking continent.”
This causes Sydney to sigh heavily as she shakes her head, clearly disgusted with my negative-nelly antics. “So, what are your options? You can continue to enjoy being with Drew, or you can cut him loose.”
“What. The. Hell?” Caught completely off guard, my jaw hangs open.
As I process her words, my gut clenches, and my chest aches.Why is it so hard to breathe?
“Why… why would you say that?” I sputter in disbelief.
Sydney points a finger to my face. “This… right there… Just gave you all the answer you need.”
I open my mouth to say something, but words don’t come out.
Sydney abruptly stands. “I’d give you a hug, but I’m gonna hop in the shower. Some drunk dude spilled a drink all over me, and I feel sticky as the floor in a frat house. I’ll be out in a few minutes if you want to talk some more.”
As I look her over, I finally take notice that her once pink shirt is stained reddish brown. “What the hell was he drinking?” I ask as I inspect her further. The entire drink must’ve landed in her bra because that’s where it’s concentrated.
Sydney just shakes her head. “Red Rooster.”
I have no clue what it is, but from the looks of her shirt, it sure is colorful.
As she walks away, her comment about Drew hits home. I’m not so sure I want to talk about him anymore tonight. I know, I have a major decision to make.
Standing, I stretch to the ceiling in hopes that the weight around my shoulder and back will loosen. No such use. “I think I’m just gonna head to bed. We can talk more tomorrow.”
“I’m here for you, Abs.” Sydney’s voice is filled with sincerity. Until she tacks on, “I just need a shower desperately.”
This earns her a chuckle from me. “Go. Shower. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
As soon as Sydney leaves the room, I grab my Kindle and head to my bedroom.
After brushing my teeth and getting ready for bed, all the while, I weigh my options back and forth. Should I break things off with Drew?
Instantly, my gut clenches, and my stomach feels like lead weights sinking to the bottom of the ocean.
Fuucccck… How can I even think like that?
If I feel this strong after knowing him for such a short time, what will it be like when I’m even more invested?
I could just let things go as they are… and let distance and time let things fizzle out naturally? Let’s face it—four years being without him will likely pull us apart on its own. We’ll be broke med students who can’t afford to traipse across the country on random spare moments of time. Though if I’m being honest with myself, losing him in any way, shape, or form is painful.
Going through my nightly routine, I set my alarm and make sure I have everything ready for class tomorrow. As I’m making sure my phone’s on the charger, a text comes through.
Drew: Night, Angel. Sweet dreams.
That’s the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
Tears pool on my lashes to the point I can’t even see the screen. My heart aches at the thought of my worst fear being inevitable. God, I miss him so much.
