Things I Should've Said to My Ex (But Things He Said to Me)

Submitted into Contest #280 in response to: Write a story that solely consists of dialogue. (No dialogue tags, actions, or descriptions. Just pure dialogue!)... view prompt

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Sad Contemporary Drama

“Fuck you.”

“Wow, really? That’s a mature reaction.”

“You don’t get to lecture me on what’s mature and what isn’t. I’m not the one that got us into this mess.”

“Yeah, and I’m trying to fix it.”

“How? How is this fixable?”

“It wasn’t my fault. David wanted me to do it.”

“David wanted you to download a dating app?”

“Yeah.”

“And you did it?”

“Yeah.”

“Signed up for a profile and everything?”

“Yeah, he wanted to meet someone.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Because that’s why I downloaded the app.”

“And made a profile and everything.”

“Right. So he could meet someone.”

“Did he put a gun to your head?”

“Okay, this is ridiculous.”

“No, it isn’t. Did he also tell you to talk to those other women as well? Did he tell you to get involved with her?”

“Okay, no, he didn’t.”

“So explain to me again how this isn’t your fault?”

“Look, I think you need to calm down.”

“Oh, fuck you. Don’t you dare fucking tell me to calm down.”

“Yeah, but we can’t have this discussion when you’re so upset.”

“As I’m allowed to be after discovering that my boyfriend’s been talking to multiple women on a dating app.”

“I know I screwed up.”

“Yep.”

“But I can’t deal with the yelling right now. I’ve been going through a lot.”

“And now you want me to help you deal with your new girlfriend.”

“She’s not my girlfriend.”

“According to these screenshots, she is.”

“Okay but I had to do that. She’s been blackmailing me.”

“Then go to the police.”

“I don’t want to do that.”

“Then what am I supposed to do? Forgive you? Move past all of this to help you? You’re a fucking selfish dick, you know that? And you have no shame, coming to me after all of the shit you put me through.”

“I know what I did was wrong.”

“Then stop trying to fucking avoid accountability.”

“I’m not.”

“Yes you are. You’re blaming David for your actions. I wouldn’t have done this to you. I would’ve told him to do it himself.”

“Okay, well, I guess we can’t all be as perfect as you.”

“I’m not calling myself perfect. It’s called being a decent fucking human being. It’s called being a good boyfriend. A good man.”

“I know.”

“So then tell me again what I’m supposed to do.”

“I just really need your help.”

“Are you crying?”

“Yes.”

“And that’s supposed to make me feel sorry for you?”

“Can you please just calm down? This is stressing me out.”

“Right, because this is all about you. Fuck how I’m feeling.”

“That’s not what I’m saying.”

“No, it’s what you’re doing. You tell me you miss me, but then you don’t plan any time to spend with me. Then you cancel on plans when you actually get around to making them. You don’t text me anymore. You don’t pick up my calls or call me back. You tell me you care so much about me and that you love me so much, then I find out you’ve been having conversations with multiple women, one of which is blackmailing and stalking you. But you’re the one stressed out. You’re the one who’s feelings matter most of all. Fuck the people you’ve hurt, right?”

“Please.”

“Please what?”

“I’m going to be sick.”

“Then go to the bathroom.”

“I am.”

“I’m going to end this call. I have things I need to do.”

“Please don’t.”

“You realize there is no way we can come back from this, right?”

“Yeah.”

“I can’t be with someone I can’t trust.”

“I know.”

“I really loved you. But I’m not putting up with this.”

“I loved you, too.”

“No you didn’t. I see that now.”

“Okay.”

“Okay? That’s all you have to say to me?”

“Nothing I say is going to fix this. You said we can’t come back from this.”

“And we can’t. But you could at least fucking apologize.”

“Can we stop with the swearing?” 

“No, I am not going to acquiesce your request.”

“Wow, okay, can you at least tone down the toxicity?”

“Are you on drugs?”

“No.”

“Really? Didn’t take any edibles?”

“No, not at all.”

“You sure, because you must really be out of it right now if you think I’m the toxic one.”

“I didn’t say you were. I asked you to tone down the toxicity.”

“Again, not going to acquiesce your request. And I’m still waiting for my apology.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Great, thanks.”

“I am.”

“I’m glad you said it. And I wish you all the best, I truly do, but this is over.”

“Alright.”

“That’s it?”

“I don’t know what else to say.”

“You’re right. My bad for expecting anything more. I don’t know why I’m surprised, to be honest. I should’ve known I was never going to be enough for you.”

“You were.”

“No I wasn’t. Otherwise you wouldn’t have gone looking for something better.”

“I wasn’t.”

“Stop lying to yourself.”

“I’m not. I truly did care about you. You’re the only girl I’ve felt this way for.”

“Save that line for the next one.”

“Alright.”

“We done here?”

“You’re not going to help me?”

“Wasn’t planning on it.”

“Then I guess…yeah.”

“Hope you can resolve everything.”

“Yeah, sure.”

“I really do. And I feel sorry that you did this to yourself. You ruined us. And for what? It’s fine. You don’t have to answer. I’m not expecting you to. Just make sure to let your parents know I won’t be coming up this weekend. And tell them why that is. The truth, please.”

“That’s offensive.”

“What is?”

“That you’d think I’d lie to them.”

“Well, you lied to me. Who knows who else you’re keeping secrets from.”

“Yeah, whatever.”

“Anything else you need to get off your chest before I hang up?”

“I guess not.”

“I wish you all the best. I hope you find peace and healing and whatever else you’re searching for. But go fuck yourself. Honestly. And don’t ever contact me again.”

“Alright.”

“Bye.”

“Bye.”

December 13, 2024 19:45

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