There’s no words in the world to describe how much Rory Miller adored the ground you walked on, how much he thanked any higher being for putting him on the Earth the same time as you.

Okay. Well, maybe he’s being dramatic. But, c’mon, he’s Rory Miller so drama is just his middle name.

All jokes aside Rory really did like you. He’s been your best friend since nappies, helped you up when you scrapped a knee, fought the big kids for picking on you bought you sweets from the shop even when neither of you had any money.

Back then it was just childhood innocence. Your mums would pray you two would end up together, teacher’s used to call you double trouble. And when he promised to marry you at his mother’s funeral it was childish naivety.

Puberty came knocking about and Rory soon discovered the art of a pretty smile and the right words to the right girl who would give him proper attention. He had a couple of girlfriends in his early teens but decided commit wasn’t for him. You were the only girl he really wanted but he couldn’t come to terms with that. You guys were best friends.

You were too pretty for him, Too smart. You had a real future outside of this shitty council estate.

You’d been avoiding him all week, even in classes were you literally sat next to each other. Rory could easily tell something was eating at you.

Afterschool, Rory caught up to you—all bright blue eyes and grins, his blonde hair flopping like the golden retriever persona he displayed two the world. He threw an arm around your shoulder and smacked an obnoxious kiss on your forehead, “Hey, girlie. You’ve been off with me all day. What’s the matter with you?”

Then you said it. You’d received a scholarship to finish up secondary school abroad. What. The. Fuck.

A million thoughts ran through his head. When did you apply? Why didn’t he find out sooner? Is this a prank? Can you still reject it? Is he being selfish? Who was the being wanker who accepted you?

He scoffed and tightened his arm around your shoulders, keeping you close like you were about to get on the plane right now.

“You’re leaving? Honest?” He asked, suddenly serious and looking an awful lot like a kicked puppy.