the art of loving you

seventy two.

ACT TWO

something in my chest freezes.

my hand hovers uncertainly over the door handle.

half of me screams escape.

half of me begs stay.

the nervous sound of your nail picking at the cover of your textbook is deafening.

me, around the lump in my throat: why?

you: please tell me.

i gaze out the windshield, in turmoil.

at another car, in another world, she stands.

your eyes are on her too.

me: it doesn't matter now. we've moved past it.

you, stressfully: did you love me or not?

me, exhaling: why do you care so much?

you finally turn to look at me.

blue eyes darker and guiltier than any i've seen before.

you, whispering: you were the girl, did you know? the one i told my mom i fell in love with.

me, abruptly: stop.

you: i fell in love with you and i threw it all away. i broke your heart, watched her fix it, and watched her break it again.

me, opening my door: i said stop. it's over.

you follow me from the car and stop me in the hallway.

your face is scrunched in confusion and pain.

you: why don't you care so much?

CURTAIN CLOSE