Member-only story
You Belong With Me
A Short Story Inspired by the Songs of Taylor Swift (Part the Third)
“I don’t need a picture to burn.”
The words fell easily from Amelia’s lips as her boyfriend (ex, she told herself, ex-boyfriend) rifled through the rest of his scattered belongings around the apartment. When he looked up at her, he actually had the audacity to look hurt.
But she would not be moved. Not now. Not after he had been the one to slam the door on their relationship first. Had he even taken the time to think how this whole week had blindsided her? No. No, she guessed not.
“Take all your country CDs too,” she added. “I don’t listen to Tim McGraw.”
Seeing his face crumple further was better than revenge.
When he finally had his belongings and ephemera collected, he turned towards her, a watery expression on his face, as they stood framed in her doorway.
“Stay beautiful,” he said, the words he always left her with when they were parting. But this time the phrase felt final — like a closing to a chapter. Any other time, she might even have cried a little. But her tears? He had no right to them. Not anymore.
The last kiss — a mere brush of lips against her skin — made her feel cold inside.
