ANYA. Yeah, it was his last year. And Yana was still in the tenth.
MARK. I’m feeling less and less attracted to you.
YANA. Yes, I’ve noticed. We talk less on the phone. You haven’t been texting. Or giving me flowers. And…
MARK. And what if…
YANA. …you no longer need me?
ANYA. Yana was in tears. Her entire world was collapsing. She was so used to texting “Goodnight, bun” every night before bed. That was their word, that’s what they called each other. What was she gonna do? She didn’t even notice him leaving. She sat there alone. Crying. Shivering in the cold. Someone passed by, laughing, saying that…
SOMEONE. Emo’s not cool anymore.
ANYA. It was getting dark. She out out of the park somehow. She was shaking. It was late. She walked home. What was she gonna tell her folks? That they were right and a relationship was impossible at her age? By the doorway was Mark and he was yelling.
MARK. Where have you been?!
ANYA. Yana didn’t understand.
YANA. I don’t understand.
MARK. I’ve been waiting for you for an hour! You couldn’t pick up your phone?
ANYA. Yana shook her head.
YANA. What?
MARK. Look at your phone!
ANYA. Yana pulled out her phone. A bunch of missed calls.
YANA. What?
MARK. You believed me, you fool?
ANYA. Yana stared at him, shocked. Mark hugged her, laughing, giving her a light slap on the butt.
MARK. It was a joke. Come on. It’s alright. I was just kidding. You hear me, we’re alright! Now I know that you need me.
ANYA. And Yana’s like…
YANA. Oh really…
ANYA. Was she supposed to be mad or happy?
YANA. I don’t even know…
ANYA. She smiled through the tears, hugging Mark. Nuzzled against his neck. He caressed her back and hair. She took in his smell, so dear and familiar. And thought…
YANA. It’s all my fault. He didn’t see how much I loved him, I made him doubt it. His parents let him down, and I’m no better. I haven’t found a way to make him happy. I should try harder. So it’s all right now.