"I just want to be friends."
She had said. 2 days after they had met in the practice room. All she needed and wanted was a friend. Why did he have to go and ruin that? Why did he have to go and push a relationship on her? It was too much for her. He had put his wants above her needs, and had been selfish. And now he didn't have a friend or a girlfriend. Now he had no one.
"I love you."
She would just awkwardly smile when he said it. She never said it back. And she did, love him – who wouldn't? She just wouldn't admit it, to herself or anyone else. But she hadn't said it back and now maybe he didn't love her anymore.
Someone had mentioned it on facebook. He found out through facebook. That in itself made Henry feel like a horrible person. Like a horrible friend. He quickly dialed her cell phone number and got her voicemail.
"Nat, it's me, Henry. Look I'm sorry about the hallway the other day I just…I just miss you and look I'm really sorry about your Mom. I know it must be tough, so please call me back. I uh, I miss you and I'll be here for you when you need me so…please just call me back."
She didn't call back.
Not for a week
"Natalie!" Henry exclaimed when he saw her name on the caller I.D.
He could hear her crying. "Nat, what's wrong?" More muffled sobs. "Where are you?" He asked.
"The cliff."
"On Warrenville Road? What are you doing there?" Henry asked, confused.
"I was going to jump off." Natalie whispered.
In 4 and a half minutes Henry pulled up and ran to Natalie, who was standing just a about 3 feet away from the edge. He grabbed her hand and pulled her away, and then held her as she cried. It took everything in him to not let himself cry as well.
"Don't you ever do that to me again." Henry whispered. "Scare me like that."
"I wish she had called my Dad first. Maybe he would have saved her too." Natalie cried.
"I know…I know. Let's get you home."