Page 57 of Another Love, Another Time
I’ve asked around for information about the guy who hurt her. The last thing everyone saw was me walking her to the bathroom, and then I disappeared. River confirmed to the police that I was not her attacker, but I did have to tell the police who Iwas with. Whoever thought I would need an alibi? Melissa loved that. Let’s hope River doesn’t read the police reports.
~~
Today is graduation, and I don’t feel like going. I’m just going through the motions. I’m only going today for my parents; I couldn't care less at this point, but they deserve to see me walk across that stage.
River should be graduating too, but who knows if she will. She didn’t go to her prom. My mom called and asked if she still wanted to go, but she said no. Not that I figured she would.
Logan is dragging me to an after-graduation party. I’m not in the mood, but it will be the last time I’m able to hang out with all my friends before we head to college.
Speaking of college, River is avoiding me now, but she can’t avoid me forever. We will be going to the same school at the end of August. I’ll get her to talk to me if she starts before then.
I’m sitting on my bed. I grab my bag, still full of my prom clothes. Logan dropped it off last week, but I haven’t really gotten the gumption to unpack everything. I unzip it and see my tux jacket. I pull it out and lay it on my bed. When I do, something falls out of my inner pocket. I look down and see River’s clutch. I had been holding it when she went to the bathroom.
I open her clutch, and both her phone and a piece of paper fall out. My name is written on the piece of paper. I already know that what’s written on it will destroy me. I take a deep breath and face my punishment.
Auggie,
I know I said I wanted to wait until we were older, but I realize that sometimes you know, you know? God, I’m going to sound so cheesy, but who cares? I wish I could say this all out loud, but I thought it would be better if I wrote it down. I’ve written everything I want to say, so I won’t forget anything. I’m guessing you are asking, “Why did you change your mind?”
I recently talked to someone who told me to quit wasting time. “We aren’t promised tomorrow.” That one sentence changed everything for me. She asked me what I would regret if I knew I wouldn’t wake up tomorrow. My answer: I would regret being so scared to have a relationship rather than a friendship with you. I would be scared that I wouldn’t be enough for you for the rest of our lives. That eventually, you would realize that I’m not who you truly want.
So, I’m asking you to be my boyfriend. I was going to write, “Check: yes or no.” Told you this was cheesy, but instead, I made you a boyfriend bracelet. It’s better than a friendship bracelet because it means you get to kiss me anytime you want.
I don’t want to force this on you. If you don’t want the same thing, I will be okay. You are my best friend, and I always want you to be in my life. You may not be ready. That’s okay. I just want you to know I am. When and if you are ready, all you have to do is put the boyfriend bracelet on, and I guess you’ll be my boyfriend. Now, don’t make this awkward.
Love,
your River
When I finish the letter, my heart’s in a thousand pieces.
My phone dings with a text notification. I almost don’t look, but I do. Just when I don’t think my heart is already shattered beyond repair, it breaks further with the two texts I see.
Logan: River knows about Melissa on prom night.
A second later, the last bomb drops.
Logan: Oh shit. Have you looked at her Facebook page?
I can’t think about his first comment, so I skip to his second one. I drop my phone in my haste. I finally manage to open Facebook and search for her name, but nothing comes up. Logan doesn’t have to clarify whose Facebook it is. River must have blocked me.
Auggie: She’s not pulling up for me. Send me a screenshot.
I finally get the screenshot, and standing there in the middle of two soldiers, who I’m assuming are recruiters, is River in her cap and gown. Her eyes are no longer swollen, but you can still see the yellowish bruising around them.
I’m gasping for air. I’m confused. I don’t know what this means.
Logan’s next text takes what was left of my heart.
Logan: Sorry, man. She’s gone. She left for boot camp right after her graduation today.
Chapter 15
Part 2
River
One week ago…
