2009
You only got released from hospital last week and you're still not exactly mobile yet, so you're lying on the couch in your too-formal living room, legs propped up, trying not to itch at your bandages. You glance down at the paper clutched in your good hand, scanning over its contents again for a lack of anything better to do.
Blaine,
I'm sorry about what happened and I'm sorry they got you worse than me and I'm sorry I ran and, oh god, I'm so sorry. They discharged me in time for Christmas and I saw you there on that hospital bed, all broken and bruised, and I just couldn't … My parents aren't exactly happy about, you know, me being gay and all, but they don't want me to end up like you so … we're moving out of state. I'm sorry – I wish I could've told you face to face. I'm sorry I ran. I'm sorry I wasn't as brave as you. Never lose that courage, Blaine, never. But maybe, next time, try not to get beat up so bad, eh?
I just wanted to tell you that I had a great time with you at the dance before, well, you know … and if Cooper followed my instructions, it should be Valentine's Day when you get this, and I know we said we were only going as friends and stuff, but … happy Valentine's Day, Blaine.
Don't ever hesitate to call me if things get bad, ok? You've got my number, so, don't be a stranger
Simon
And you scrunch it up in your hand because he was a coward, he ran, he left you there … but he's sorry, he had a good time with you and … and you can't, you just can't.
Later that day, Cooper comes home with his girlfriend, so you smile and you be polite, even though you can't stand how sappy they're being. Cooper isn't oblivious to the tension in your tone, the way you grit your teeth when you try to smile, but you brush off his concern like you brushed off your tears when you heard his key in the door – hurriedly, aggressively, not quite able to remove it all.
Later that week, when you're back at school, limping but triumphant, things get bad again. Things get worse. And you think of Simon.
Later that month, you lose his number.