What Love Means- Short Story

What Love Means

07- February 2005

"I thought love meant never having to say you're sorry."

Madison stopped at the words. "No, Kyra, that's infallibilty," she said, and resumed her trip to the wardrobe. "And that's something neither of us is."

Madison removed the last of her clothing from the hangers, and shoved them in the duffel bag that sat, overflowing, on the end of the bed. "Unless, maybe, you're God, and just forgot to tell me," she added, zipping the bag shut for emphasis. She knew she was being cruel to Kyra, but she also knew that if she wasn't, she'd give in to the tears that were now streaming down the younger girl's face, and stay. Again. It was a pattern she was tired of.

"You...you know...I...wouldn't...do anything...to hurt you," Kyra managed to get out through her sobs. The "not intentionally" which followed was mumbled, but Madison heard it. Just as she'd heard it numerous times before.

"That's not going to cut it this time, Kyra. It's the same old tune you always have, and somehow, no matter how you swear it will never happen agian, it always does. And I'm the one that gets screwed, Kyra. Me. I'm not about to stick around and let it happen again."

Madison picked up the duffel bag in one hand and flung her backpack over her other shoulder, grabbing her purse in her free hand. "I'll send Davie or Tracy over for the rest," she said and moved for the door.

Kyra got there first and stood in front of the door, her arms outstretched. Madison kept her eyes focused on the door. "Move."

"Just let me explain, Madison. I'm sorry, I really am. But nothing happened, not like you think. Peter's the one who approached me, not vice versa, and besides-"

"I said move," Madison said through clenched teeth. The duffel bag was heavy in her hand, but she would not set it down. It was the only thing keeping her from lashing out and punching. At Kyra, at the door, she didn't know, and didn't care, which one she migh hit.

"Just look at me, goddammit. I know I've done things that have royally screwed you before, and I know it was more than I deserved each time you forgave me. How could I not? Everyone was always telling me you were too good for me. Everyone told me I should just leave, since I caused you so much pain - I know I did, and I'm sorry. And I know I don't deserve another chance, not after all I've done. But you always trusted me. You always believed I could be better. And I tried to be better, because you knew I could be. But I'm not that goood, and I kept failing. But you always caught me and set me back on track. You made me better than I ever dreamed I could be, and I love you for that."

"If you love me," Madison said, meeting the younger girl's eyes momentarily, "let me go." She focused on the weight of the backpack on her shoulder and the nylon handles digging into her hand to get her mind off the pleading voice. She stared at the door, picking out individual grains to override the image of Kyra's tear streaked face and pouty lips.

"I will, I just... I swear nothing happened this time. Not like the other times. Not with Peter. He came to me, upset, and we talked. I swear that's all. But you don't believe me. Of course you don't," Kyra said miserably. "When have I ever given you reason to trust me."

Kyra stepped aside, opening the door.

"Thank you," Madison said, carefully controlling her voice to keep it steady. She looked out the door, but didn't move.

"Madi?" Kyra's voice was tentative. Madison could hear the hope in it.

"Good bye," Madison said, and walked out the door.