Avery

I was getting suspicious.

Linda had said that she was going to go get something for me, but it couldn't take this long, could it. Maybe I should follow her.

I walked in the direction my friend had gone. I hadn't walked far when I heard people talking.

"Uh, yeah." It was Preston's voice! I peeked around the tree blocking my view, and came face-to-face with a horrible sight.

Linda and Preston. I watched as they kissed. Linda brought Preston closer, running her hands over his chest. He grabbed her and lifted her up like he had done to me.

I couldn't watch anymore. Tears were threatening to overwhelm me. I let them fall, stepping out into the open. Preston gasped, pushing Linda away. She fell backwards and hit the grass with her rump.

"Avery," Preston reached out like he wanted to hug me, hold me tight. I wanted a hug too, but not from Preston.

I was done.

I ran, my heart aching. "Avery, wait!" Preston followed me.

Arms went around my waist, lifting me off the ground. I fought, kicking out. "Let me go!!"

"Please, Avery. Listen. Hear me out, please." I thrashed out.

"No! You chose her! You chose her over me!" I could barely speak. My surroundings blurred.

"I would never do that! You know I love you!"

"I don't believe you! You kissed her!"

Preston spun me around so that I faced him. "She kissed me." His strong hands clasped my elbows. I wiggled from side to side so I wouldn't have to look him in the eye.

"Avery, please." Preston's voice broke. "You're everything to me."

Tears choked me. "I can't do this anymore." I finally thought to push him away.

"I'm done."