Nate’s head pops up. His sweaty hair sticks to his forehead. “Packing. What does it look like?”
“No kidding, Nate.” I step into the room, my heart pounding. “I’m asking because I thought we said we’d do that together after graduation, when we have a few days alone.”
He turns from me, but I don’t miss how he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.
Like he’s bracing himself.
My pulse kicks up, and I know at this moment, I should have trusted my gut; something is very wrong.
“What’s the matter, Nate?” I whisper.
He turns and meets my gaze. Without any words at all, it feels like my insides are about to shatter. Because I know that look.
It’s empty.
The only other time I’ve seen it before was when he spoke to his biological parents—the two people he despises most in this world.
And then he says the four dreaded words.“We need to talk.”
“Nate…”
He audibly swallows as he sits on the edge of the bed, hands clasped between his knees. “You need to understand, this isn’t permanent?—”
“What are you talking about?” My voice breaks and I take a step back as if I’ve been physically shoved. “What’s not permanent?”
Nate flinches at the hurt in my voice, but he continues, “I love you so much, but I think we both need to spend some time apart before we start the next chapter in our lives together.”
What?
The room spins as the word whirls through my head. The tears are instant, streaking down my face.
Time apart?
“You can’t be serious. Did something happen?” I cry. “Talk to me, please. Where in the world is this coming from?”
Nate screws up his face, holding back his own emotions.
“It’s not like that, Mads. I…” His eyes won’t catch mine. He frantically looks around the room, looking for the answers. “I just can’t do this anymore. I need space in New York.”
“You need space?” I don’t realize I’ve stepped right in front of him. “Look me in the eye,” I yell, causing him to snap his face up to mine.
His blue eyes are darkened with sadness. I can feel his misery, like it’s a living thing, staring me in the eyes, so dang it, why is he doing this to us?
“I think it’s for the best…for both of us. Then, when you come to New York?—”
I push him with all my might, and he falls into his headboard. “Don’t you dare say that. Don’t. Don’t do it.”
“I love?—”
“No!” I sob. “Don’t you dare say those words. If you’re leaving me, those words are lies.”
Nate sits up in a rush, eyes wild, finally looking at me. “They are not a lie. I love you with all my heart.”
“Then why are you doing this? I don’t understand?” I cry.
None of this makes sense.
He runs his hands down his face. “It’s for the best.”
