Prelude:
The floral scent of roses mixes with the smoke of the city air, lingering around my nose. In one hand, I hold the bouquet of yellow roses, tied with a purple ribbon. And in the other, a small red box with a golden bow. These are April's Valentine's Days gifts that I spent weeks preparing, and I'm on my way to deliver them. 'Tonight's the night. I'm going to ask her out.'
Excitement runs through my veins, and courage radiates through my chest. After all, we've gotten so close. 'We're almost always together, and I just...I can't keep backing out from doing this…'
My lips stretch to a bright smile as I land right outside her window. Inhaling deeply, I lift my hand to knock, but I cease all movements. My breath catches in my lungs.
Her window's open. A small sliver of light shines through the cracks, and sounds of soft laughter seeps out from within. April's beautiful voice. But she's not alone...An all too familiar voice murmurs over hers, and I swallow hard, then exhale.
Gathering up my courage, I nudge the panel open some more and peek inside. My stomach flops as the bile rises. The yellow roses drop to the metal flooring as I cover my mouth to stifle a gasp. Right before my eyes is April's bare back and Casey's hands press against her curves. She steps on her toes as he lowers his head, and I know what's next. I know, but I can't bring myself to move.
Her lips meet his, and that's when I squeeze my eyes shut. Right there, my heart shatters. My mind, blank.
I turn away from the window and jump down into the shadows. As I run within the darkness, my hand clutches the box, refusing to let it go, but also crumpling it in the process.
'She's made her choice and it isn't me…'