Curiosity grabbed me when I spotted a folded note in my locker because I had rushed home after school yesterday. My boyfriend, Kent, must have left a note for me early today when he arrived for band practice. I was glad I had told him my locker opening combination. My name on the folded paper was in Kent’s curvy handwriting. We had a serious phone chat last evening. Now a note?
Worry bit as I unfolded Kent’s message. He had been a bit tense during our talk. Was he changing his mind about our deep love?
We planned to drive to Las Vegas to be married after our high school graduation in June. We knew we were meant for each other!
Shock slammed at me as I read Kent’s scrawled words. “I’m sorry to break up, Marilyn. But Marnie, my girlfriend before you, phoned last night. She wants us to get back together. I feel like a rotten jerk to you, but I have to break-up, Marilyn. I didn’t realize that I still love Marnie until she asked us to get back together. Her phone call blew my mind. I’m sorry but I know for sure that I still love her, Marilyn.”
As I tossed Kent’s note back in my locker, I told none of my nearby classmates that I felt like screaming. I hid my shock. If Kent could not break up in person, I wouldn’t talk to him either.
I would write him a long letter about his breaking his forever love promises for me.
I felt so rejected I may not want to talk to him. I might cry and I refused to display my heartbreak!
Later, during my classes, I felt numb. My heartache felt like a coiled snake ready to strangle me!
At noon, I wanted to rush at Kent seated alone in the cafeteria corner. I felt like telling him he should have spoken to me, not sneak a note into my locker!
My parents had taught me to not make scenes in public places. So I would not disrupt the peaceful school cafeteria
I felt rejected but I would not display that I am a loser in love! I somehow would ease my anguish. I resented Kent’s cheating on me. I felt chilled until my shock bordered on smoldering fury. If only Kent had told me in person. Why had I foolishly told him how to get into my locker? I felt numb! It was so near our graduation ceremony, too.
After school, I tried to smile and have fun when we girlfriends talked a mile a minute. Not once did I mention Kent’s and my breakup although they had asked why I had not mentioned him, as usual. They had noticed he had not stopped to chat with me by my locker.
Kelly chuckled in her good-natured way. “Has Kent suddenly become shy? That would be a surprise in his outgoing ways, right?”
I shrugged and flicked a fake smile.
On Friday night, my friends Kelly, Deanna and I went to a movie. I had not expected to see Kent there with his buddy, Rob Newton.
I stood at the concession stand with its displayed treats to order a bubbly drink to counteract my churning emotions. Kent stood beside me and gave me a playful nudge like he had while we were dating. I saw his grin reflected in the mirror behind the concession displays, but I ignored him.
After the movie, I saw Kent by the exit door. It was too soon to chat with him. I would wait to heal so I could hold back tears.
I learned a lesson. I had been way too easy-going while we dated. I had let Kent break dates without knowing why. I could have asked why. I later learned Marnie had baked brownies and invited him to her home for each sweet treat.
If Kent had told me, in an honest, kindly way I would have let him go! It was humiliating being dumped.
After several sleepless nights, I felt pleased when handsome and personable Levi asked me for a date.
I felt so much better when Levi told me he had longed to date me for weeks.
I felt relieved when I soon enjoyed romantic feelings for Levi. If he should break a date, I would lightheartedly ask him what led to the sudden plan change.
I later learned that Kent had often been seen going to or from Marnie’s home.
Kent finally came to our home. Mom answered the doorbell and Kent asked Mom if he could talk to me. She led him to the sofa. We exchanged smiles and I heard his apology. It was easy to forgive Kent. Levi was my sincere new love.
Kent asked if we could still be friends. I said, “We may see each other at class reunions.” DSS
Audrey Carli, widowed mother of four, lives in Iron River, Michigan where she teaches creative writing and speaks on adapting to widowhood. She is the author of three books and many published articles and stories.