Page 120 of Deliverance

Bridgette sneers down at it like the device personally offends her.

“Good luck with that.”

“Gee, thanks.”

I watch Bridgette slip out of my room before I grab my phone, answering on the last ring.

“Hello?”

“Oh my god! I thought you were dead or something. Why haven’t you been answering me?” Maryia demands.

I can’t repress my eyeroll. “I’ve been busy. What’s up?”

“What’s up? Seriously? We need to talk!”

Heaving out a sigh, I sit up in bed and nod.

“Yeah, we do. Where are you?”

“In my dorm, why?”

“I’m coming to you. Be there in a few.”

With that, I hang up the phone and slip on my sandals. I’m trying to prepare myself for the worst, but hope for the best. Maybe she’s as sick of this back and forth as I am. Maybe we can be friends. Or maybe she will flip the fuck out. Only one way to find out, I guess.

* * *

The walk to Maryia’s was quick. She was waiting at her door for me and I promptly shut it behind me, choosing to stand as I rip the band aid off.

“I think we should break up.”

Shock reverberates across her face as she stares at me, wide eyed, mouth agape. Absolutely shook. Alright, looks like we aren’t on the same page.

“What?” she asks, her mouth opening and closing before she shakes her head. “Excuse me?”

I sigh, shaking my head as I cross my arms over my chest.

“I’m tired, Maryia. I’m tired of the fighting, the jealousy, the clinginess. We aren’t a good fit, and it’s putting a strain on both of us pretending like we are.”

I wait for the anger, the objects getting thrown at my head, and the curse words. Instead, something worse happens. Tears. Fat, hot, rolling tears pour down her face as her lip quivers.

“I…I’m sorry. I-I know that I’ve b-been needy. I’m so-orry. I just. I love you. I love you so much. Please don’t break up with me. Please, I can change.”

Shaking my head, I do my best to push down my sympathy, but it’s hard when someone you care about is hurting, and you know you’re the one causing that hurt.

“It’s not up to you to change, Maryia. You need to be able to be yourself, and so do I. This just isn’t the type of relationship I want.”

“So, that’s it? I don’t get a say? You say we’re done and…poof?” she chokes out.

I stay quiet, and she shakes her head as she begins to spiral.

“No! No, no, no, no. I can’t lose you! I can’t let this happen. Please! Please, I’m begging you!”

“Maryia, you’ll be okay,” I say softly. “You’ll meet someone else and?—”

“I can’t!” she shouts. “It’s you, Maggie. You’re the one!” she screams as she begins to hyperventilate.

“Take a breath, Maryia. Deep breaths.”