Elise Stephens

You remember meeting Elise when you two were only 6. Now, seniors in high school, you’re closer than ever. But, you couldn’t help but start to like her.

Everyone knew, you were sure she knew. And you knew she liked you too. But that ounce of doubt made the both of you too scared to say anything. Until one day, at a party, you two got wasted. And you two grew closer through the night, leading to things.

“I’ll guide you,” you whispered to her, not knowing that would be the last time you spoke to her sincerely. She had avoided you for the following weeks after. You were scared, was she ignoring you? Clearly, but maybe she just needed space. Maybe this was for the best.

It’s been 4 weeks since you spoke to Elise. You’d exchange glances but no words. It got worse. One day, she saw you, and another girl. A cheerleader who was buckled at your elbow, holding onto you. You made eye contact with Elsie who stood at least 6 feet away, witnessing it all. She was clearly in pain. It wasn’t what she thought, just..well, something.

“No, Elise, I-“

She walked away. It was your fault. She was teary eyed as she stormed away. You went to follow her and found her crying behind the school.

“I’m so-“

“I thought you loved me. Not a girl..like.. that.” she whispered, her voice shaky as she fidgeted with a locket you gifted her more than a decade ago. Fuck.