The Coast Between Us

On graduation night, I gave my first time to Leonardo.

The pain was real, but so was my joy, believing my devotion had finally been seen.

But I never imagined that at the bonfire party the next day, I would hear his teammates joking with him.

That night after graduation, Leonardo took everything from me.

"Nice work, man, you finally sealed the deal with your little shadow."

And Leonardo, who had been so gentle the night before, replied with a lazy drawl.

"Jessica is the real prize. I’m just getting in some practice with Kira, don't want to fumble in front of the queen."

I said nothing, just turned and walked away.

Then, before the final deadline, I changed my college choice from Seattle to Los Angeles.

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1

Leonardo's words hit me like a physical blow, knocking the air from my lungs.

My thoughts shattered into a million pieces.

The bonfire party and summer night were warm, but a deep chill spread through my veins.

The chatter from the party continued. His friends paused for a beat, then laughed.

"Classic Leo, even Kira is just a warm-up for him."

"So, does that make her, like, the designated training partner for the team captain?"

Leonardo just laughed it off. "Don't be dramatic. It's not like she didn't get what she wanted."

Someone else chimed in quickly.

"True, Kira’s been following him around forever. Compared to Jessica, her... everything is..."

Leonardo irritably threw a beer can at him, cutting him off.

"It was a one-time thing. The moment was right, and she was more than willing..."

The others exchanged knowing smirks and teased him. "Who knew the quiet girl was so eager."

"Man, that's the Leo effect. Can't blame him for taking what's offered on a platter."

"Kira's been obsessed with Leo for years. Guess she finally got her dream. Probably wanted to pounce on him for ages."

The laughter around the fire grew louder, more pointed.

I bit down on my lip, my nails digging into my palms.

It took every ounce of my strength not to collapse right there on the lawn.

Footsteps crunched on the gravel behind me.

I snapped out of my stupor and fled into the night.

In a daze, I found a deserted corner of the campus.

Tears of humiliation and hurt streamed down my face.

Leonardo’s voice echoed in my mind, dismantling every piece of my self-worth.

If I hadn't heard it with my own ears, I would never believe this was the boy who held me so close just hours ago.

So, you could share that kind of intimacy without a shred of love.

Even in the most heated, mindless moments, you could still be telling lies.

What I thought was the start of our story was just a punchline to everyone else.

The more I cried, the more hollow I felt.

But I couldn't make a sound. My body trembled uncontrollably.

After what felt like an eternity, my phone buzzed.

It was a text from Leonardo.

[Grab an Uber home. Party's going all night, can't give you a ride.]

I didn't reply.

He sent another.

[Don't forget to take the pills. I’m swamped. Take care of it, be good.]

I stared at the two messages for a long time, speechless.

Last night, from dusk until dawn, Leonardo had worn me out completely.

Before we fell asleep, he had whispered, "I wasn't prepared for our first time. I’ll make sure you're okay tomorrow."

He even lectured me about girls needing to protect themselves, that taking the pills was crucial to avoid long-term harm.

Back then, I thought he was so responsible. I thought I had finally found my forever.

But now...

In a flash, I was brutally sober.

I pinched the back of my hand, hard, forcing the tears to stop.

I wiped my face, pulled myself together, and left the campus grounds.

Too ashamed to go to a local pharmacy, I found a clinic on the other side of town.

After the appointment was over, I waited in the parking lot for a long time before I dared to drive away.

After dealing with the aftermath with shaking hands, I felt my strength drain away. I sat numbly on my bedroom floor, staring into space.

Ever since Leonardo’s family moved in next door ten years ago, I had orbited his life like a loyal moon.

I never considered a world that didn't revolve around him.

I didn't dare.

But from now on, I had to walk alone.

Outside my window, the city lights flickered on, then slowly went dark.

I don't know how long I sat there before my best friend Sophie sent me a link.

"Kira, why aren't you at the bonfire party with Leo?

"Jessica, the cheer captain, is here instead. She's been all over him since you left.

The two of them are making me sick."

Sophie attached a link to Jessica's Instagram Story.