Chapter 2
River was hanging all over him, still goofing around:]
“One case of beer? Please. I could go another three rounds easy. Bryce, you giving up?”
Bryce was laughing until he spotted me, froze up, and quietly peeled River off him.[
He probably expected me to throw a jealous fit like usual–cry and make a scene for half an hour.]]
But this time, I just walked past with my box.[]
Zero reaction.
Bryce looked amused, stepping in front of me:[]
“Yo, princess. You can toss everything else, but keep the little wood carving. I spent a whole month on that thing–my hand would be DONE if I had to make another one.
I stared at him blankly: “You’re delusional. I don’t ask exes for gifts back.“]
Bryce grinned and nodded.]
“Alright. Just don’t come crying later.“]]
I turned to leave, but River grabbed my arm.]
“Maddison, don’t get the wrong idea.”
“I had too much to drink tonight, that’s why I asked Bryce to walk me back. We’re just buddies, nothing else. Just… think of me as one of the guys, okay?”
“One of the guys?” I snapped.[]
“Guys ask him to buy tampons? Guys play couple heroes with him in games? Guys make him fetch boba all day? You got some serious identity issues? Get help, and quit making me sick!”
River looked stunned.]
She laughed awkwardly, her face showing this mix of embarrassment and hurt.
“I didn’t know you’d care about stupid stuff like that.”
“Look, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean–to-”
Bryce pressed his lips together and pulled her back.]
“Don’t apologize to her.”
“We’re in college now, not kindergarten. She’s acting like a spoiled brat.“[]
“Throw it or don’t. I’m not replacing anything.“]
I didn’t waste another second, just walked straight to the dumpster and SLAMMED the box in.]
Back in my dorm, I face–planted into bed and passed out from pure exhaustion.]
That night I had a bunch of scattered dreams–all about Bryce.[]
Age five–some adult made a comment about me being “chubby.“]]
Vain little me started bawling.
Bryce jumped down from his chair and ran over to hug me:]
“It’s okay, Maddie’s super cute! I love Maddie the most!“]
With that, he planted a big kiss on my cheek.]
While the adults were laughing, I just stared at him and stopped crying.[]
From innocent childhood to first crushes, Bryce and I grew up together.
He always said: “Crybaby, crybaby–who else would put up with all your tears?“]
I really thought he was my forever.[]
Until sophomore year when clase
got reshuffled and River showed up.
Completely different from me, River was everyone’s bad girl–wild, rebellious.]
Short hair half–braided, sucking on lollipops ‘cause she was “quitting smoking.“]
I lost count of how many rules Bryce broke for her.
I just remember him saying:
“Don’t let River’s tough act fool you. She cries alone all the time.“]
“Her family’s messed up. Her dad beats her.”
“I feel like her and I are the same type of person.“]
“Both desperate to break free, you know?“]
Like they just clicked instantly.]
They started riding motorcycles together, skateboarding, trying all kinds of extreme sports.]]
And when Bryce tutored me, he’d bring her along to help with her grades too.
Every time Bryce and I had a date, she’d call him away for some “emergency.“]
M
લા
I finally got fed up: “Can you stop hanging out with her? I don’t like her.“]
Bryce looked confused:
“The stuff we do, you can’t handle anyway. I don’t want you getting hurt, that’s why I don’t bring you along. Don’t be mad–I promise I’ll spend time with you later.“]
Eventually, whenever I cried, he’d get annoyed.[]
He’d go play with River first, then lazily come back with cake to cheer me up.]]
“Crybaby, you done yet?“]]
Nobody knew that breaking up with Bryce wasn’t just about one water bottle.
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