No One But Us

by Elizabeth O'Roark

“If you’re not doing what you want, then you’ll always disappoint yourself. And if someone’s going to wind up disappointed, make sure it’s not you because you’re the one who has to live with the consequences.”

I think of all this as our eyes lock, and I find myself hoping one day she will find someone who loves her the way she deserves. I know for a fact that person can never be me.

“My point,” Max continues, “is that things don’t bloom because they’re told it’s the correct time. They bloom because the conditions are right.”

“Only you will be stuck with the life you choose, and you only get to choose once. So they don’t get a vote.”

“She may be a keeper if she’s willing to put up with you looking like that.” “So you’d have kicked me to the curb?” he asks. I look over at him, tan and shirtless and unshaven, and before I can pull it back, I just tell him the truth. “No,” I say softly. Our eyes hold, and I swear I see him shudder in response.

I watch her as she dozes on the pillow beside mine. I’m not sure how I will leave her when this summer ends, but there’s no doubt in my mind that I will. If I’ve learned anything from watching my parents, it’s that you should never make life decisions based on infatuation.

“The only girl I’ve ever dated who might end up your sister-in-law is the one you just screwed over. I won’t blame her if she never speaks to you again.”