Ian looked at his phone. Melanie had texted him three more times since his conversation with Anthony.
The last text just said "Call me ASAP."
Ian called her.
The other line rang once before she picked up.
"Ian."
"Melanie," he sighed, clutching his head.
There was an awkward silence that fell upon them.
"How long were you two together?" she suddenly asked.
"It was only a little while."
"How long, Ian?" she repeated more forcefully.
"I don't know! I guess... Four or five months! It was a really long time ago. Look, I'm sorry. Anthony and I liked each other for a long time before we started dating and we broke up. I promise nothing's going on between us now. He doesn't see me as more than a friend, Melanie."
There was a pause while he waited for her to reply.
"Ian..." She sighed. "I still love you. And I know I shouldn't let things like this come between us, especially since it happened before we became a couple..."
Ian knew she was leading up to something and leaned against the bedframe.
"...but I don't think we should be in a relationship if we can't trust each other."
"But Mel, I trust you!"
Melanie started crying.
"You made a mistake then..."
Ian froze. "W-what do you mean?"
"Ian... I'm so sorry." she sniffled. "Last year when I was staying with my parents... I met a guy."
There was a pause while Ian took the news in.
"Oh," was all he could say.
"I've been seeing him on and off while I've been in Jersey."
"...You have?"
"...yes." She started crying harder.
"Ian, I'm so sorry," she sobbed.
Ian didn't respond. He held the phone in his hand and stared at the wall.
"I had a feeling. A really strong feeling, but I never asked. I... knew you weren't happy. You knew I wasn't either..."
He listened to her weep but kept going.
"I'm not mad. I still love you, but for some reason I'm not mad. I think it's because we never saw each other as a couple...We've drifted apart, I guess."
"Ian? Can I ask you a question?"
"...s-sure."
She hesitated.
"Do you... love Anthony?"
Ian was shocked by the question.
"I don't understand…"
"Kalel told me he was the one who broke it off..."
Ian was suddenly lost for an answer. Melanie broke the silence.
"I'll be there this evening to get my things. Goodbye."
Ian heard the line disconnect.