He stood on the sidewalk in the poring rain. He couldn't believe what had just happened. He made his way to his car and reflected over everything….
It occurred less than thirty minutes ago. He asked for her to meet him at the park. He sat on the swings until she got there. He noticed the familiar red car and stood up. She entered the park and stood in front of him.
"Hey."
She wasted no time getting to the point. "What do you want?"
Shocked by her tone, he immediately relented. "I just wanted to see if there was another chance for us."
"Are you serious? You expect me to conveniently forget what you did? You have the nerve and audacity to stand here, look me in the eye and beg for me to take you back? Have you lost all of your good sense?"
"But that was last year. I've changed. I'm a better person now and I really miss you."
At this point, she began to scream. "Really? And how many times have I heard that? You cheated on me, I forgave you. You lied to me, several times, and I forgave you. You put all your hope and dreams ahead of mine, telling me they were transparent fantasies, and I forgave you. But this time? No, for you see, I've learned that a leopard never changes its spots. What you have done is simply unforgivable. There is no more chance of you and me ever again."
"So you run to her huh? Miss perfect, miss can-do-no-wrong? She cheated on you too, if I am not mistaken. What was his name…Jonathan, right? And she has lied to you too right? She said she wouldn't visit him, but that is where you found her, right? And your dreams? Apparently you didn't matter that much if she just left you here and went to Connecticut. So why her? Why is she so much better than me?!"
"First of all, Jonathan is gay. Second, she was there because she volunteered to take him to the hospital after he was severely beaten. Third, she went to Connecticut for me, not in spite of me. Because of her, I have a full ride at Yale."
Suddenly uncontrollable tears began to flow and the skies crack open with sympathy. "And lastly, she didn't rape me!"
The silence hung heavy in the air and she was gulping air to subside her crying. When she was able to speak again she only had this to say. "I never want to see, hear from or about you again. Stop calling, texting, and messaging me. I've moved on in my life. I suggest you do the same.
And this is how he ended up in his car. Just as the girl's tears flowed, so now did his. He reached into the glove compartment and grabbed the gun, noting how the coolness of the steel contrasted with the warmth of his hand. As he readied himself for the world of eternal slumber, only one word passed his lips before he pulled the trigger.
"Rachel…"