Sunken

Shattered. My desperate eyes followed her sultry, uncaring walk to the gate as I treaded water in ten foot end of my parent's swimming pool. My love in her pink one piece and matching heels was leaving for the last time and every step killed me a little. She said not what I had done for her to rip my heart out.

I asked, but she repeated, "You should know."

My mind was a blackboard with random thoughts scratched across. You think I cheated? I had not. I refused you something you desired? I gave what was possible. I was answering each common complaint instantly until they became absurd. You hate my swim trunks? Possibly.

If I had time I'd get a carving knife from the kitchen and stab myself in the heart. She would have to see my red love spread like fire through the chlorine.

I wanted to say something profound or unequivocal. Magic words that would halt her step and endear her to hear my reconciliation.

Once, there was a man who loved a woman so much...too strong. My heart yearns to be near you even when you aren't far...um no. Then it hit me. It was sharp, direct with just a pinch of desperation.

"I'll stay in the pool and drown, so I don't have to watch you leave!"

Without a pause in her stride she replied, "good!"

Shit! Now what?

There was no time to exit the pool and stop her at the gate. Maybe, if I waited. Waited for her anger to subside a couple of days. No, this was the kind that festered and grew into a hard memory. Akin to when Thanos killed Loki in front of Thor.

Granted, I've been immature. I'm nothing like her previous lovers. They were all the strong, learned, and obviously mature. I thought my uniqueness is what drew her in. The first time we met in the crowded room of my peers. I stood out with my scarred forehead and disheveled hair. She said as much, but...

That was ages ago. Soon she would...

"I'm sorry." I blurted.

She stopped and slowly turned.

"I shouldn't have said you could pass for human," I said.

"See you in class tomorrow and don't expect any special treatment when I grade your essay on how to interact with non Earth women."