The heart he left behind

Kate walked through the college halls with mixed feelings. She tried to avoid Stephanie- the queen bee. She was feeling tense. Her steps measured as she held her bag close. Different eyes stared fixedly at her . Students laughed around her. Phones flashed. Music echoed. She moved through it but deep down she didn't belong. “Hey, newbie,” the queen bee said. “Think you can walk here?” “I do not want trouble,” Kate said. “Trouble chose you when you stepped in.” She shoved Kate’s books to the floor. “Oops. Did I hurt you?” Students laughed. Kate bent to pick up her books. “Hey. Let her be,” Andy said. He stood by the lockers with his hands shoved in his pockets. “And if I don't?" the queen bee smirked at him. “Are you going to fight me?” “No. But you will regret it if you do not back off,” Andy said. The queen bee hesitated, then walked away. Kate looked at Andy. “Thanks,” she said. “Do not mention it. People should not mess with you,” he said. Kate felt a small warmth. She liked him. Over the next weeks, Andy appeared often. He stopped the queen bee every time she tried to humiliate Kate. “You good?” he asked after lunch one day. “I guess so,” Kate said. “You are stronger than you think. Do not let her get to you,” he said. Kate smiled. She believed he cared. One afternoon, he leaned against her locker. “You are different from the others,” he said. “How?” Kate asked. “You are honest. You are kind. People here play games. You do not,” he said. Kate’s face warmed. “Thanks,” she said. “You’re welcome. Stay like that for me,” he said with a malicious smile. At that instant her pulse quickened. They spent more time together. Lunches, walks home, study sessions. Andy protected her. Kate felt safe. She trusted him. Then suddenly he changed. He became distant. “You have been quiet,” Kate said during lunch. “I have things on my mind,” he said. Weeks later, Kate saw a video online. Andy and the queen bee were kissing. She ran to him. “What is this?” she demanded. “It is nothing,” he said. “We were joking.” “Nothing? You kissed her. Explain,” Kate said. “Calm down. It did not mean anything,” he said. Kate wanted to believe him. She could not. Weeks passed. Kate avoided him. He called and texted until she finally forgave him. “What the hell, Kate?”Julie barged into her room. “Julie, you scared me.” Did I just see you and Andy holding hands in school today? Julie questioned her. “Yes, we are back together,” Kate said as she lay on her bed I hope you don't regret this, she said as she walked out of the room. A road trip came. Andy decided not to go for the trip. She saw no use of going. Come on girl, tag along with me. Julie said as she dragged her from the bed. These are our last days here in college.We need to have all the fun possible. Julie and Kate drove to camp with her dads car blasting their favorite songs. “You are not sitting here crying. Come,” Julie said. Kate agreed. She did not expect to see Andy. He was there with the queen bee. Laughing. Smiling. Kate felt anger and shame. “Why is he here?” Kate muttered. I thought he wasn't interested in the trip “Ignore them. Let’s go,” Julie said. Kate tried. Every glance and laugh hurt her. Prom was just a few days ahead. The quad buzzed with life. Students shouted, hugged, laughed. Phones captured every moment. Kate ignored it all. She focused on Andy. He turned. His smile met hers. Yes, she believed his excuses and forgave him. Prom was in two days, she said looking at him. He did not ask her. She spoke first. “Will you go to prom with me?” He looked at her. “Are you sure?” “Yes. Please,” she said. “You are bold,” he said. “Fine.” Prom came… She was dressed in her knee length light blue gown as her mum styled her hair in a messy bun which suited me. She wore light makeup, her heels and she was set to go Her mum beamed with joy as she looked at her with so much pride. My princess is now a big girl, she said as she gave her a peck. “Minutes passed. Andy was late” He finally arrived in his black tuxedo and his hair styled differently. Her skin suddenly grew warm Did you not notice how good I looked, she asked, expecting a yes You look good I guess, he said nonchalantly. He walked her towards their ride and assisted her into the car. “His coldness lately made her doubt everything. Was she going too far? No. She would show him how much she loved him today. she thought as the car drove off As they danced, it felt forced. Kate wanted the warmth she once felt. I have something to say, she looked towards him “Yes?” “Somewhere private, please,” she said. Andy walked ahead smiling widely, hands in pocket. Kate followed beside him, heart racing, hands interlocked with his. Her breath felt shallow. Every glance from him had tightened her chest. Julie's best friend caught her arm. “Be careful,” she said. “Do not trust him.” Kate shook her head. “I know what I am doing,” she said. “I want him.” Julie studied her. “Are you sure?” Kate nodded. “I have never been more sure.” She had imagined this night for months. She had rehearsed every word. Every look. Every decision. Later, on the balcony, she stopped him. “I need to tell you something,” she said. “What is it?” he asked. Andy leaned against the wall . “You look nervous,” he said. “You always say that,” Kate replied. Her voice trembled slightly. “I mean it,” he said. “You are tense.” Kate looked down. “I am nervous,” she admitted. “I love you,” she said. “I want you. I want us. I want forever.” He said nothing. She felt her chest tighten. “I am giving you myself,” she said. “Everything I have, it is yours. Will you be mine?” His smile faltered. Something in his eyes changed. He went in ready to end things. She shifted the moment before he could speak.He reached for her hand. “Are you sure?” Kate nodded. “I have never been more sure of anything.” They moved to a private room. Silence surrounded them. Her pulse throbbed as she thought of her future with him The night passed in flashes. Pleasure, closeness, warmth. Security felt real. Her hands shook. Morning came differently. Kate woke to silence. Sunlight had hit the walls. Empty sheets. Cold pillow. Andy was gone. Panic rose. She called his name. “Andy?” Voice thin. Weak. No answer. She checked her phone. Nothing. She called his number. Voicemail. Nothing. She texted. Silence. Her chest tightened. The finality hit. He had left.