Endless

A Lot of Distance

SAGE'S POV

I practically disappeared after lunch with Angel. Two weeks went by where I was skipping my classes and only leaving my bed to use the bathroom, shower and brush my teeth. I'd even gone as far as to tell my boss I had the flu to avoid going into work. Ben and Leo were worried about me, I knew, but everything just felt heavier than I could handle. Angel had even come by a couple times to see me, but I didn't want to see him. It was too much.

It was a Saturday morning, and Ben and Leo slunk into my room. I assumed they were there to try giving me breakfast like they had every morning. Out of pity for their concerns, I usually ate it, but I just wasn't in the mood this specific morning, so I didn't bother acknowledging them.

"Sage," Ben began softly. The sheets rustled behind me. I hesitated but turned around so that I was now facing them. Ben lay beside me, hands beneath his cheek. Leo was between us, seated with his knees pulled up to his chest. His brown eyes were tired, his short brown hair messy, like he'd just woken up. Ben's eyes were tired, as well, blue and sunken, but his dark hair was contained, as if he'd combed it down.

"Talk to us," Leo spoke. My eyes fell, focusing on Ben's chest where his dog tags from his dad's military days sat.

"I really like Angel," I spoke quietly, nearly inaudibly.

"That's okay," Ben encouraged softly. I shook my head and pulled myself up, frustrated.

"I like a guy," I whined, my eyes welling up with tears.

"That's still okay," Leo attempted, eyeing Ben for a moment.

"Sage, you know we love you, no matter who you want." I nodded.

"I know... But it's not just about that. My parents — they're so conservative." As I said the words, my mind got stuck on them. On that whole topic. My parents were going to hate me. The thought made me nauseous.

"Sage, it'll be fine—" Ben was saying. I shook my head.

"I need some space." They blinked.

"Sage—"

"Now," I snapped. The look on their faces, complete helplessness, twisted the guilt in my gut. "Please." Hesitantly, they both nodded and crawled out of the bed. Ben closed the door behind them and as soon as I heard it click shut, I dropped my forehead onto my knees, bursting into tears. I cried until I couldn't breathe, and then I cried more. I cried until I felt like I was going to pass out.

After a while, I was so drained, and so tired. I just wanted to sleep. Instead, I stood cautiously, holding on to the bed as I did. I needed to speak to Angel.

I grabbed my phone and wallet, pulled on a pair of grey sweatpants and a matching grey sweatshirt and rushed out the front door. I headed straight for Angel's dorm, my heart in my throat as I knocked on his door. Carlos answered and smiled at me.

"Hey, Sage, what's up?"

"Is Angel here?" As I asked, I rose to the tips of my toes, attempting to peer behind him.

"He's out with Terry getting food." I deflated. "They should be back any minute. You can wait here if you want." I shook my head softly, sighing.

"No, that's okay. Just... tell him I stopped by?"

"Of course." I bid Carlos goodbye and left the dorm building, ramming into someone as soon as my foot hit the pavement.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, I wasn't—" My words caught in my throat as I looked at the girl in front of me, my eyes widening. "Skylar? What are you doing here?"