I skip the greetings and formalities.
"About time you picked up," I mutter, trying my hardest to mask my bitterness.
"Sorry, Aqua, I've been busy," he responds apathetically.
"So I've heard. You know, it only takes five seconds to say a simple 'Hi!' or 'How's your day going?' You were so good at it three months ago. I get that you have a lot on your plate; we both do, it's college, after all. But a little more effort would be appreciated."
"Look, you got this all wrong," he sighs.
It takes every fiber of my being to sound cool and under control."Oh? Then enlighten me. Because I'll be the first to admit, I'm confused as hell. One day, we're on an amazing date, and all you can tell me is how beautiful and wonderful I am, how there's no one else like me. You'd give me every second of that minute, miniscule attention span of yours. But then the next day, you turn around and stop responding to any of my calls or texts. You even unfollowed me on all my social media. What's been with you these past couple of weeks? I don't get it." Or, with all my heart, I don't want to get it.
"Hey, I was just in it to have a little fun, alright? Nothing beyond that. If you want a long-term deal, then I'm not your guy." Pause. "I think that's really all there is to say."
I swallow the lump that has formed in my throat and blink back the sudden wetness that's clouded my vision. I know he can't see me, but I fake a smile anyway.
"That's all I needed to hear," I lie, both to myself and to him. "I just…needed some closure." Truth. "Good luck with everything. See you around."
"Yeah." He hangs up.
Not even a minute goes by before I curl up into a pathetic heap onto my cold, springy, cheap dormitory mattress.
Countdown to finals exams period: seven days.