The next day

The next morning, I wake up. For a few seconds, I lie there staring at the ceiling, trying to remember the night before. Then everything comes rushing back. I sit up slowly, my stomach tightening as I realize this time there is no alcohol to blame. I made the choice sober, and somehow that makes the secret feel heavier than before.

Later that morning, Jeff catches me while I’m getting ready for class. “So, what’d you think of Ariana?” he asks casually. “You guys didn’t really talk much.”

I shrug, trying to keep my expression neutral. “She seems nice.”

Jeff smiles. “Yeah, she’s great. We’ve been together forever.”

I hesitate before asking, “How long?”

He laughs. “Since high school. We started dating senior year and somehow made it all the way through college.” He shakes his head with a grin. “Pretty crazy when you think about it.”

I nod slowly. “Yeah. That’s a long time.”

“Definitely,” Jeff says. “She’s basically been part of my life forever.”

I force a smile and turn back toward my things.