Medusa tried to find love even if her curse never allowed her to. For anyone that made eye contact with Medusa would turn to stone, in result Medusa would keep to herself only harming others when it was necessary. On a stroll Medusa noticed a woman by the river she looked like she was struggling, Medusa approached her carful not to look at her. The woman turned to face Medusa hearing her approach. Medusa was quick to close her eyes but made eye contact before she could, Medusa accepted the fate of the gorgeous woman and waited for the inevitable but nothing happened. The woman simply asked if anyone was around, “hello?” She spoke. Medusa was taken aback when she noticed it the woman’s cloudy eyes. Medusa finally got words out “I’m Medusa do you need help?” the woman kindly smiled and out her hand out for Medusa to take. Medusa carefully grabbed her hand and kneeled down to her. “Can you see?” Medusa asked, “no sadly I cannot.” Medusa smiled knowing she couldn’t see her glee. Medusa guided her hand helping her clean her cloths and when they were finally done they rose and carried the clothes away talking the whole way. Medusa had fallen for this woman so quickly, when arriving to the house the two have each other with warm embrace. A light has formed where their two hearts touched slowly floating in between them and going into the world. The world felt warmer as the god observed people all over the world fall in love. True love had formed and flourished among the couples of the world Hera smiled at what Medusa created.

Somethings so graceful yet horrifying happened.

Something that made my eyes lock on it.

Something with brown hair and gorgeous eyes.

Something so perfect my heart stopped and the world slowed down.

I was scared of to say if you saw me and said "Hi."

Even if I was exaggerating it scared me how perfect you are.

I left my dignity when I meet you, I fell for you charm only being so young and not knowing many things. If only I knew what you did I would never have to earn my dignity back, only to take longer to grow as a person. My dignity sits in a big cluster next to my regret that I'll clean up soon, but not now. My dignity shrinks while my regret grow to an uneven mess because of you. I'll earn what I desire while you sit like a king.

My dignity.

Too many years go by, and my body has only grown colder as if it has given up

Life has seemed to pass so fast. How long has it been?

Too long.

Too long since I've gotten out of bed.

More birthdays pass and my wrinkles only grow.

My eyes finally fade.

Peace at last.

Everything was a lot.

.

I was frozen in place when Gavin said that. "Why do you wanna bring that up? " I couldn't face him when I felt my eyes drop and look dead inside, my face sweating. I felt Gavin look at me and not turn away the whole time, that's when the memories flooded back.

Gavin was my closest friend of 7 years we cared so much for each other to the point no person or teacher could separate us. Most people would be really annoying saying things such as "Are you two dating? " or "stop flirting with each other! " when we really were not. At some point, we decided to start dating on the exact anniversary of our being friends. August 1, 2013, is when we started and here we were on August 1, 2021.

His words were so smooth when he spoke them, "Bug I want to go out with you. I want us to be together. " the words at the time sounded so sweet.

Soon things changed. It started so great and exciting that we would have such fuzzy moments where he held me the same way he held me the night before. Then there were our late nights where we touched each other, unlike anything either of us had felt. It was magical. But something changed Gavin became distant and we argued on about everything, even the little things.

"Bug? I know you don't want to hear anything about what happened. " Gavin speaking snapped me back to reality where I and him sat on a blue couch where we sat was closer than the situation wanted.

'Bug. I'm sorry."

"What? Your sorry?"

"Yes," his voice is as smooth as the day he asked me out. "The things I said were horrible to you, I said them with the pure intention of hurting you. " Gavin's eyes only teared up, I knew what I did wrong as well and I wouldn't let that go unknown. "I'm sorry too" I apologized as my eyes teared up as well "I'm sorry that I didn't talk to you or all the times I was mean to you. I should have never said the things I said. " as we talked both of us were sobbing as the space that was in between us closed into a warm embrace. I dried my tears and was finally able to speak, "Look I can tell you're sorry.. " my voice was shaking "but I need you to prove to me that you're sorry. " Gavin looked at me differently a look I can't describe perfectly but it was a mix of something so puzzled yet so understanding. A moment of silence was cut short when he pulled me into another embrace and whispered "I'll do anything I can to prove to you just how sorry I am. "

I only cried harder squeezing Gavin and pulling him closer.

_________________________________

After a tender moment with Gavin, I packed my things and said goodbye but everything felt so awkward the whole time I grabbed my things and left.

I wanted to hug him goodbye but it just didn't feel like the moment to do so. I started to walk home hoping my parents weren't home, I passed the broken sidewalk and tree which made it known I was almost there.

I unlocked the door and checked the driveway only to see no one was there, I thought to myself "perfect. Some time to think." I entered the house and made my way to the fridge. Opening it to reveal a six-pack of some beer I bought not too long ago, I gripped one and got to drinking. Hours passed even if those hours felt like nothing and the once full six-pack was gone and my body was shaking. I stumbled to my bed trying to be careful not to fall down the stairs and opened the door so fast it hit the wall, I fumbled over the covers trying to get under. I was finally able to get under and I checked my phone, the battery was incredibly low but it was enough time to see there were no notifications. Again. I was thinking about all the things Gavin said but something simply didn't feel right what if he didn't mean what he said so sweetly to me, twice even?

"I need more beer."

I scavenged the house for more only to find a half drank six-pack, so I drank the last few at that point I was way out of it and it was night once again. Time seemed to be passing too fast lately but I suppose it was because of my habits, it didn't matter though because Gavin appeared to be the only thing on my mind "Fuck fuck fuck fuck." I couldn't think of anything else.

I was so unsure of what to do, the conversation had gone so horribly. At least to me, it did.

Am I sure I want to do this?

After an extra hour of sleep I woke up again and carefully moved Gavin away from my chest, he was in some deep sleep I smiled slightly and went downstairs. I was familiar with the house and decided I would make breakfast for the two of us, I opened the fridge and took out some eggs and bacon. I began to cook.

The bacon was sizzling quiet loud I was getting annoyed by it so I lowered the heat and went to go check on Gavin. He wasn't in the bed so I looked around the room for him only to be spooked by him being right behind me "JESUS GAVIN! " I was shaking a little, I get scared easy. Gavin was giggling a little, through his laughter he spoke "sorry Bug it was just to easy~" I was in a playful mood so I responded "I guess I'll have to throw away the breakfast I made.. "  I trailed off while Gavin followed me.

"Now wait a minute! You made breakfast? " he was surprised but a years worth of distance I learned to cook. "Yes I can, I'm quite good at it too! " I was excited to talk about my wonderful cooking skills.

Gavin looked deep into my eyes and I didn't know what to say so I muttered the words "what's wrong? " Gavin snapped back to reality and softly speaks "oh uh I was just think about your cooking I'm excited to try it... " I was glad that he was excited to I took his hand and lead him to the kitchen, it was lucky I turned down the heat because the food was almost burned. I swiftly took the food off the pan and served everything, I handed the plate over to Gavin where he began to eat fast, through his chewing he mumbled "it- really good Bug-" he refused to finish chewing before speaking, I took it as a complement.

We finished eating and pondered what we would do next for the day, "what if we went to the park" I suggested. Gavin went only silent I was confused why he was so quiet when most time Gavin is the most talkative person I know. Then he breaks the silence "what if we stayed.. " there was a pause "here. Together. " my face went so red I was wondering so deeply why he wanted to stay here. I finally spoke "uh sure but why? " I saw Gavin's face get flush "I want to talk to you about what happened about everything, you know? " so many things went through my head, we had such a great moment just last night I can't relive that, then finally one thought took a firm seat in my head. "What a fucking plot twist. "

We made our way to Gavin's bedroom, his parents were out of town so there was no need to be quiet. Not that we needed to there was a dead silence both of use a bit embarrassed about what just happened, "Since when is he this bold" I thought to myself. We made it to his door of which he opened up to show a surprisingly clean room I walked in keeping my hands to myself even if I wanted to look around "You can sleep in here, I'll take the couch." Gavin finally spoke. I grew flustered at the offer "It's fine, it is your bed after all I wouldn't want to take it. I'll just sleep on the couch!" It was in fact not fine as, fun fact, I have a fear of the dark. After some insisting Gavin helped me get some blankets to the couch we wished each other good night and went to our beds, if you could call mine that. After some time of being stressed out on the couch to afraid to look around, even if I could look around it was pitch black. I checked my phone it was 1 AM, has it really been that long? An idea popped into my head what if I went to Gavin's room, I'm sure he wouldn't mind.. NO I can't do that it's a stupid idea. But I really need to get to sleep. I finally mustered the courage to get up and make my way to him, I kept bumping into things it was annoying, and painful. After a good few minutes of trial and error I'm at his door, I slowly opened it trying not to wake him up, I open the door wide enough to see Gavin still wasn't asleep yet. I said his name not too loud "Gavin.." He turned to me, He looked worried "Are you ok?" Gavin cleared his throat I wonder what was going through his head when I saw his eyes slowly look me up and down. I felt my face get warm looking at him, he was shirtless I didn't let my eyes wonder "I couldn't sleep can I stay here?" I looked down so embarrassed why did I think this was a good idea?  My hair despite being short draped over my face, I was so hesitant but when I looked back up Gavin was right in front of me he had his hands right in front of me. Slowly I took his hand Gavin guided me to his bed, I felt like I shaking similar to a earthquake since when am I this nervous I was only ever this nervous with Gavin, it's stupid. I sat on the bed while Gavin started to walk away to go to the couch a impulse kicked in I grabbed his arm, Gavin turned to me the light of the post outside shinning in his eyes I muttered the words "Please stay.." I feel as if someone else took over, what if that was clingy it's been a year since you last talked why are you saying this to him. What's wrong with you? So many horrible things flushed my head but Gavin leaned towards me I could barely see him but I felt how close he was I usually hate when people get this close, yet this felt ok. What was about to happen? It's like Gavin read my mind when he said "Mind scooting over Bug?" he chuckled "Oh sorry.." I was still a bit tired "Don't be." I was suddenly less tired. I was facing the wall while Gavin faced the opposite way I could hear my heart beating I wonder if he could hear it too. "Hey Bug? Does this mean were friends again?" His voice felt so hypnotizing, is this even a good idea? Before the thought was finished my mouth spoke with a mind of its own "Yes. It does." I miss him how could I not say yes, it felt almost clear he misses me just as much. I felt how warm he was I had the need to turn and face him, so I did. To my surprise Gavin was looking right back "Oh I'm sorry!" I began to turn back but something stopped me it was Gavin's hand on my waist "It's fine, don't worry." Someone got bold since I last saw him, Gavin's hand didn't leave my waist. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for what I said and for anything I did and I want to prove that to you." I didn't know what to say but something finally came into my head, I brought my hand to his cheek and spoke softly yet stern "Then prove it to me." Gavin pulled me closer his body against mine the skin that was reveled from my lifted shirt made contact with his shirtless body, he hugged me and whispered into my ear "I promise I'll make everything ok." I hugged Gavin so tightly it felt so nice to be held like this.  We fell asleep in each others arms the hours passed so quickly only sweet dreams played in my head. The next morning came and the sun came through the window on a sweet Saturday morning, I felt something on my chest it was Gavin who was fast asleep with soft breaths hitting me gently making my heart flutter I sighed in relieve happy to know it wasn't a dream. I couldn't help but admire how he looked, I drifted back to sleep being so comfortable with his arms arounds me and mine around him I whispered three words before drifting to sleep "This feels nice." I snuggled closer.

I was waiting outside the school for Gavin, he truly is late to everything. Its so cold out I'll leave if he doesn't sh-, I was cutoff in my thoughts by someone tackling me. Gavin. Of course. "Hey there bug, ready to go?" Again spoken with pure excitement, since when is he so excited. "Yes. Just get off of me." Gavin removes his hands from my shoulders apologizing profusely for getting over excited, we start are way to the coffee shop trying to make conversation with each other. "So how has life been?" I asked with a sure coyness, "Its been different without you around if I'm being honest." In my mind I couldn't believe it, Gavin missing me what a weird event in my life. Rare even. "Really?" I asked. "I thought you were living your best life." We chuckled at the sentiment, I felt comfortable with him. "What about you Bug? How's life treating you?" I hesitated to respond because in truth it has not been great, I would never tell him that though. The list goes on of lovers who didn't waste time to love and leave, but I'll always appreciate all of them. Then there's Gavin who did both yet came back, my head rushed with thoughts so I responded "Life has been ok, I guess pretty busy though." Gavin looked deep into my eyes, as if he knew I lied. I felt my face get flushed, so I quickly looked away from him. Gavin finally spoke "Well I'm glad!" Bullet dodged. Finally we reached the coffee shop it looked so pretty, as we entered the small bell on the door rang followed by the barista welcoming us "Take a seat wherever you like we'll be here when your ready!" Gavin and I placed our bags at a table in the corner, after we were all settled we made our way to the counter. "Hello! Can I get an iced caramel coffee." I quality asked while Gavin broadly asked for the same, just liked I remember, he would always steal my coffee in the morning as I showed up to school He wouldn't even take it from my hands more of lean down and sip from the straw, what nice memories. I found my self coming back from my thoughts with Gavin dragging me by my arm back to the table he had the coffees in his hands, was I spaced out for that long? We made it to the table as I take a seat and Gavin gives me my drink, for awhile we sit in silence while I admire our surroundings. There were plants surrounding us with vines hanging down from the ceiling and small book shelfs leaning against brick walls. My thoughts were stopped as per usual by Gavin speaking to me, he had a bright smile on his face raving about how good the coffee was I smiled back and agreed with him. Gavin was so happy to be there it was infectious I couldn't help but smile at him a genuine smile in fact, we made jokes for so long laughing till our stomachs hurt. For a second I saw Gavin look at me so sweetly it made me blush a bit, it felt nice to feel so calm and happy I guess this was worth it. "Wow its been too long since I laughed like this, I almost forgot how funny you are." I chuckled, Gavin smiled his cheeks turning a rose color it took me by surprise. I would admire his brown curly hair, black glasses, and freckles it felt weird to have such a nice time after all the arguing and jealousy. We talked for some more time before Gavin peaked at his phone looking at the time "We should get going, I'll walk you home!" I accepted and we left the empty coffee shop. It was a long walk, a very a long walk but we did stop in front of Gavin's house while it was on the way I found it weird. "Are you ok?" I asked, Gavin looked towards the floor and whispered something I couldn't hear "What did you say?" did something happen to him? Gavin finally spoke a bit higher "Want to stay at my house..." he sounded so quiet my face going bright red, "I just know your house is really far away, I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked." I quickly corrected him "No its fine. Your right its really late I'll stay." Gavin's face was glowing suddenly, I followed him inside face still bright red simply thinking to myself, "How hard could it be?"

Damn, I thought to myself while my teacher passed out the tests. I will be honest I'm not a straight-A student, not even close to one a matter of fact, I try my best. According to the current 50% on my paper is not hard enough my dear teacher leans in to whisper, "You should try harder next time." She walks away, leaving me to sit in my rage. I hate it when people tell me things like that it's not their business. I start to daydream for a while writing monologues of passages in my head, " Wow. This class is so long. I wish she would stop talking Jesus Christ shut up. I wonder what Gavin is doing why did he choose today to talk to me even after all was said and done." I continue to melt into my thoughts when until I hear the bell ring, I get up to leave into a loud, busy hallway, focused on my feet as I walk and bump into a tall person speaking in a familiar voice. "Not again." I thought to myself. " Oh. Bug is just the person I was looking for!" Gavin spoke so excitedly he was happy to see me " I wanted to ask if maybe after school we go to the coffee place you like?" Gavin remembered my favorite coffee place, Midnight Lilac, on the nose for a name that's not the point. I like a free cup of coffee, I give my response " Yeah, sure." Gavin looked quite happy with this answer, we smiled at each other once again going our separate ways. The day flew by fast I was sort of excited to get a free cup of coffee, well I hope it's free.