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The morning sun that cracked through the motel window began to wake the young man from his slumber. He remembered the night before, how she had insisted they meet at the Rondayveiw Motel off Route Six for a night he would never forget. He had not noticed that she was crying when he got there, nor had he considered why she wanted to meet him there instead of them going together. That night had indeed been the best they had ever shared he thought as he opened his eyes to greet the new day.

He didn't know what was going on, but he knew something was off. He looked to his side and saw no one next to him. He couldn't smell her perfume, suggesting she had been gone for awhile. He looked around for any sign of her, but knew that it was in vain.

He had never been a particular bright man or even a loyal boyfriend. He remembered telling himself she would stay with him forever, that they where perfect for each other. He had noticed tiny things that hinted she was tiring of him, but he brushed them off easily.

Certainly neither could do better than each other. Certainly they needed each other. Certainly they loved each other.

He froze at that thought, had he loved her? Yes he knew he did. He wasn't the best boyfriend, but damn if he didn't love her. Still had she loved him?

He finally spoke. "Maybe she just went home because she couldn't sleep here." He walked over to the phone where he found the note that confirmed his fears.

"Dear Kevin,

I was afraid of this day, but I had to do this before I left.

We've changed or to be correct I've changed.

I can't say if I'm smarter then I was before, but I feel that it is over.

I knew it since before graduation, but was to afraid.

I had never meant to string you along this summer

it's just scary to say goodbye to something comfortable.

I am leaving for Great Prairie State in less then a week and to continue this

charade would only end in pain for both of us.

I find it funny that I know what charade means.

Anyway I've decided to really try in collage.

I'm going to end this letter since I know it rambling,

but I want you to know that I did love you...for awhile.

People just kind of grow apart you know....

~Brittany Taylor

He looked at the note for a long time. He didn't know how he should react. He knew this day was coming, he knew it wouldn't last forever. As he thought back on their final night he could feel the anger grow inside him. How could she be so selfish as to use him like that!? He had never thought so many things at once, nor had he ever been so angry. He considered calling her or going to her house and breaking down the door. He then realized she was right, they had grown apart.

I really loved her.

He decided to do the only intelligent thing he had ever done and maybe the only intelligent thing he ever will do. He gathered his things and drove home.

Brittany left for college shortly after and Kevin eventually went back to High School only to drop out. He knew there was no hope for him, the only reason he could even play football with his grades was Ms. Li was pulling strings. He saw Brittany once or twice when she visited her family, but he never attempted to reconcile their relationship. He knew she was doing better in school from what he had heard around town and while she certainly wasn't like that one girl Daria, she had really improved. He found her sincerely wished her well.

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He would eventually find himself less concerned about Brittany. He fell in love with another, got a job, got married, and went on to have two children.