I lay in bed while playing on my phone. I'm slightly nervous for college tomorrow so I look up funny college pins on Pinterest. When I'm about to put my phone on charge and go to sleep, my phone rings. Ty's name pops up on the screen and I hesitate to answer it, but I do answer it.

Why God

Do people fall apart?

A promise and a ring

Becomes a broken thing

A road that got too hard?

"Hello," I greet.

"Hey, baby!" I can tell he is smiling and slightly laughing. I can hear whispering in the background and more laughing.

I don't understand

But I understand

"What are you doing?"

"Just hanging with the guys. How's my girl?" He is still smiling and whispers to the guys he is with.

"I'm okay. It sounds like you are having a good time."

"Yeah, of course. I always have fun with the guys." He pauses. "Will you do me a favor?"

Why God, I need You

It's, why God, I run to Your arms

Over and over again

It's, why God, I cling to Your love

And hold on for dear life

And I find, You are right by my side

I narrow my eyes. "What is it?"

"Will you send me a picture of you? I'd really like to show you off to the guys."

Why God

Do we feel so alone?

Every single day

Fighting through the pain

Hoping there is hope?

"No, I'm about to go to sleep."

"Please, babe."

I don't understand

But I understand

"No, Tyrone." I hear shuffling and the background noise gets quieter.

"What's going on? You just embarrassed me in front of the guys. It's just one sexy picture. You never text me anymore." Anger is laced in his voice.

Why God, I need You

It's, why God, I run to Your arms

Over and over again

It's why God, I cling to Your love

And hold on for dear life

And I find, You are right by my side

My mouth opens in shock. "Me? You are acting like a jerk and you hardly call me because you are always with the guys. You know that I don't send sexy crap like that so why do you suddenly want me to now?" I pause. "I think you are changing because of your teammates and it is not for the better."

"I'm not changing!"

Give me a faith stronger than I have

I need to know when it hurts this bad

That You hold my heart when it breaks

And I'm not alone in this place

I roll my eyes. "Not that you care, but I'm tired and start college tomorrow. Goodbye." I end the call and plug my phone up.

I'm losing my best friend again. We aren't going to live happily ever after.

That's why God, I need You

Why God, I run to Your arms

Over and over again

It's, why God, I cling to Your love

And hold on for dear life

And I find, You are right by my side

Always right by my side

Even here in the why... God

(Why God by Austin French)

8 HOURS LATER

I sit in a seat close to the front. Nerves are running through me and my head pounds. If I wouldn't have cried myself to sleep, then I wouldn't have a headache, but Tyrone can be thanked for that. I glance out the classroom door and make eye contact with Blaze. He smiles at me and slows his walk. I barely move my lips to make a smile and turn my head so I don't start to cry. A few seconds pass and I feel a presence beside me. I turn my head and Blaze is squatting next to the desk I'm sitting in.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He questions.

I shake my head and clinch my jaw so I won't cry.

"I don't really know how the whole college thing is supposed to work, but I'm pretty sure it's not a very happy place and you need a whole lot of happiness right now." He pauses and leans slightly closer. "What do you say about skipping out on this joint? I've heard that classes only go over the syllabus on the first day any way."

"That would make things worse if Tyrone found out," I answer softly.

"Oof. You didn't use his nickname. He must be in bigger trouble than I thought." I nod and tears start to fall down my cheeks. Terror crosses Blaze's face. "Crap. I'm sorry. I didn't want you to cry."

"Will you take me home?" I ask softly and hold my books to my chest.

"Of course, come on."

Blaze carries my backpack for me to his car. It doesn't even help that he is driving his mustang today. Once we get in his car, I call my mom.

"Harper?"

"Mom," I say and start sobbing.

"What's wrong, honey? Take deep breaths."

"Tyrone and I are going to break up! He is being a jerk and I know this is our first major fight, but I know that we aren't going to get past this. I'm losing my best friend again, mom. It hurts so much, mom. It's like he doesn't even care about me anymore. He is changing because of his basketball buddies. I'm worried about him and I know I shouldn't, but I'm scared he won't have the right people in his life to stick with Jesus." The tears flow harder and I keep wiping them away. I try to control my breathing too.

"Harper, you have to do what's best for you. Maybe this is God's way of saying that you and him aren't meant to be together in the long hall. I know you don't want to hear that, but it's better to happen now rather than later. Are you coming home?"

"Yes, Blaze is taking me home. I can't drive right now. I'm a mess."

"Blaze?"

"Yeah, the one Tyrone doesn't like. I know if he finds out, he will be mad, but I'm not doing anything wrong."

"I know, honey. Just be careful. I love you. I'll see you in a little bit and there will be ice cream waiting for you."

"Thanks. I love you, mom."

I sigh and roll down the window. Blaze rolls his down too and the fresh air feels nice. "If you feel like going to school tomorrow, I can drive you."

"Thanks, Blaze."

"Any time, Harper." He pauses. "I'm really sorry that you have to go through this."

"It sucks." I shake my head. "And the worst part is yet to come."