By the way, French class officially sucks ass. I seriously need a tutor since you left me high and dry. I’m not sure what Mrs. Vail was saying, but her voice was raised so I’m sure she was cussing me out. It’s not the same without you. Who am I supposed to cheat off of now?
I know you are expecting me to ask about what you did, but I won’t. Not today. If it’s all the same to you, I would like to not relive that moment just yet. Someday soon I will want to discuss it. I have so many questions for you, but right now I just wanted to talk to my best friend. I need you to tell me to pull my pants leg out of my boots and pay attention in class. I need you to ask me if I am checking out your hot body. Which by the way, you know I would be. I really needed you to break up the argument that Josh and I had this morning over the greatest song of all time. By the way, Bruno Mars wasn’t on that list. I know that he’s your favorite. And right now I’m writing you this letter during last period, and I need you to tell me to pay attention because my ass needs to graduate . But most of all, I just need you. Get well soon. I miss you.
Love,
Moon
17
Shine
My first night was just as I expected. I asked the nurse if I could have something to help me sleep, but she said that I would have to wait until I met with the doctor the next day. She left me alone all night with the dreaded nightmares. Those same blue eyes stare back at me every time I close my eyes and try to sleep. The bourbon on his hot breath touches my face and gags me. I can still hear his voice telling me that Moon won’t want me anymore. My brain sets itself onto repeat and replays the same dream over and over every night.
This morning was no different than any other. I awoke in a cold sweat with my heart beating erratically. I’m not sure if I screamed or not, but when I peeked into the hall it was still dark, so no one was awake yet. That I could tell. It was still dark outside. I was able to get a shower and read over the day’s itinerary before daylight.
I was braiding my hair when I heard a knock on the door. There was no way of seeing who was on the other side so I just opened the door. It was Ruby, the lady who had checked my bags for murder weapons.
“Mail,” she said holding out a letter.
“Thanks.” I took the envelope and closed the door. I hadn’t even been here two days, who would be writing me?
It wasn’t mailed because there was no stamp, and no address. Only my name was written on the outside in a familiar writing. The moment I saw his name at the bottom of the letter my breath caught in my chest. With every heart breaking sentence, I cried. I read his sweet words and wished that the two of us still had this relationship. I wish that he knew the truth, because this secret was constantly choking me. I could never tell him though, not without losing him forever.
I curled myself into a ball on my bed. I held the letter tight to my chest and cried. I didn’t know that it was possible to miss someone so much. My heart was broken. I reached for the necklace he had given me for my birthday to make sure it was still there.
I was jolted from my memories by a hand on my side. I jerked my head around to see that Bradley was there. He had come to my rescue again. I hadn’t even heard him enter the room. Either he was quiet as a mouse or my sobs were entirely too loud. I scooted away from his touch and wiped my face. I hadn’t meant for anyone to find me this way, especially not him. He had already weaseled his way into my safe zone and I felt more comfortable around him than anyone. It was scary and I wasn’t ready to let him any closer.
“Don’t freak out. I heard you crying and I came in to check on you. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” I answered quickly.
“Uh huh, you can blow that smoke up somebody else’s ass. I’m not buying it for a minute.”
He sure has a way with words. You can’t help but like him. He is brutally honest, but caring. I wondered briefly why someone like him was in a place like this. I handed him the letter to read for himself. I pulled my knees up tightly to my chest and wrapped my arms around them. I rested my head on the top of my knees and waited for him to read it.
“Moon is his name? Seriously…”
“Moon is his nickname. His real name is Ryker.”
“Well isn’t that just the cheekiest thing I have ever heard. Moonshine,” he chuckled.
“This is serious.” I frowned. “I have heard that from everyone my entire life. That joke is old and over-told.”
He laughed again. “Sorry, I just couldn’t help it. So why are you crying? You love him.” It was a statement not a question, and yes I did love him.
“It’s complicated, but yes I do love him. We are best friends and I miss him.”