"well, yes, brandon! you're acting like it's wrong for me to want to know where I stand with you." the words slipped out sharper than she intended, frustration causing her to throw her arms up in exasperation. a deep sigh escaped her lips as she shook her head, reflecting on how everything had spiraled out of control between them. sure, she had left brandon, abandoning what they had for what seemed like a promising relationship. was she to stay in what felt like a one-sided relationship or go for the guy giving her attention and attempting to court her. what was then a no brainer, had came to live up to its words as she quickly came to realize how much he meant to her. "you act like you’re without flaws, and we both know that’s not the case. i made a mistake, brandon. i chose him over you,” she said, nodding with her gaze locked onto his. “but don’t pretend like you didn’t prioritize everything else over me long before I walked away—especially football.”

she scoffed, rolling her eyes at his casual mention of anyone, as if she were just another face in the crowd. the cold, unyielding concrete beneath her felt like a stark contrast to the simmering rage churning inside, anchoring her to a reality she had fought so hard to escape. it was a reality that felt increasingly chaotic and out of control. perhaps if she had been warned, if she had seen it unfold in a different setting, on a different night—then again, it wouldn’t have mattered. because it wasn’t her that drew that smile on his face, and it certainly wasn’t her he had wrapped his arms around. “then don’t,” she shot back, her response quick and sharp. her gaze flitted around the space before locking onto his, a forced smile creeping back as they remained in the presence of his companion. she held his gaze, frustration flickering in her eyes as she pulled away, shaking her head in disbelief. her brows rose and fell in a quick, involuntary motion as he offered her shelter from their storm. crossing her arms tightly across her chest, her heels dangled aimlessly at her side. “what does it matter what I want? we don’t get the things we want, right?” his words from earlier in the evening now parting her duo, and her hard stare returned to him. “just don’t dare use me as some… prop to impress her.” her head gestured in the direction of the venue. “like you’re some true gentleman who actually cares about me being alone in the cold. because we both know you don’t.”

open to: m