Road to Nirvana

I tried to tell you

1978, Lenora High. Sammy stood on the edge, waiting for Annie to come skip with her, maybe even take a few smokes. Her foot was an inch away from making her slip, which probably meant for her to get away from it now. But she wasn't afraid of that. Falling was one of the few things she didn't mind. She was thickheaded to the core, so what could frighten her? Soon, Annie started making her way up the steps to the rooftop. You could hear her loafers clacking against the concrete steps. Sammy turned her head at the noise, a small smile on her face as she takes out her Marlboros.

"You're late again. It's like you don't even wanna see me." Sammy said with a teasing tone, and in response, the brunette flushed in annoyed embarrassment. It was just a sight she loved to get out of her dear friend. Annie puts her hands on her hips, a slight twinge of irritation. Sammy watched the way her lips slightly twisted into a small pout.

The girl jumped down from the ledge, hitting the ground with a soft thump, taking a seat instead. She would take out one of her lovely cigarettes, light it and take a puff. Sammy then patted the space next to her, gesturing for Annie to sit by her. Even like that, she could feel her warmth embracing her in the November cold.

After a bit of blowing her cigarette, Sammy sighed, rubbing the brunette's knee. Her best friend knew all too well that she was upset.

"Talk to me, Sam." Annie would say, leaning forward towards Sammy. Surprisingly, Sammy moved back, running a hand through her messy hair, almost as if she was guilty.

It took a bit of pleading and convincing for Sammy to finally speak. "It's just.. my parents. When we get into those arguments, they always act like they care. And then they start poking and prodding me like I'm someone they despise with all the hate in their heart." She rants, her voice so upset and agitated before she paused, as if hesitating to say more. Annie put her hand on Sam's.

"Hey. You can tell me anything. You know that?" Annie reassured, so much sympathy in her gaze that it hurts Sam's heart.

Hesitantly, she spoke. "I'm leaving... For good."

Sammy's heart dropped as she watched Annie's reaction. Her face contorted into disappointment and distress, the realization of the fact that her best friend was leaving finally hit her. Why couldn't she just stay with the brunette and her family? She didn't have to leave, she had a choice. A good choice. Sammy pulled her into a hug, the biggest hug she'd ever given her. Annie broke down completely. The sobbing shattered Sammy's heart as she melted into the embrace.

Annie hyperventilated. Just a bit. Because this was absolutely ridiculous. Leaving? Because of her deadbeat parents? She could just stay with her. Annie's parents wouldn't care if she smoked or drank, they adore her. They loved her. And she did too. Unless Sammy found someone else to attach herself too. Annie knows how distant she's been, and this has to be the reason.

The brunette looked up at her, eyes glossy and heartbroken. Sam shrunk by the second. Is this really what she wanted? What if she's doing the wrong thing? She's supposed to make her happy. And she's crying like a kid without Christmas presents. Sammy gently stroked her hair, taking a puff out of her cigarette. She knows she's gonna come back after Annie finishes high school. She's not leaving her for good.

"Why can't you just stay with me...?" "I already called-" "Someone else? You're leaving me for someone else?" Annabeth gritted her teeth, her face now distant. Sammy panicked, holding her hands. Her breath stuttered, palms sweaty. How could she let her think like this? Why would she think like this? She knows she's her only friend besides Marcus, and she'd never leave her for a stupid reason.

"Annabeth, you know I'm not like that. It's not true. It's not, I swear, please believe me." Sammy gripped her shoulders, a nervous smile and furrowed eyebrows stretched on her face. But Annie didn't believe her, shown as she pulled away and stood up. The black haired girl stuttered, trying to convince her to stay a little longer.

"Wait, don't-" "Get off me." The brunette pushed away the girl, and opened the door to the staircase. Sammy only watched with wide eyes and shaky hands as Annie walked down the stairs, her glare making her feel as guilty as a kicked dog.

Annie's steps grew quieter every step down she took. "I'll come back for you, sugar! Do you hear me?! I promise I will! May the Lord drag me down to meet the devil in the eye if I lie!" Sammy yelled. No comment. No response. Annie walked and never looked back.