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Why Are We Still Friends

By Rachel

Copyright 2014

 

Chapter 24

Bella was sitting on the porch, when I returned from Brian’s. She stared at me like a cat that got the canary. Was it written all over my face?  I found a seat and plopped down, not realizing how stiff my body was.

“Was Brian’s couch that uncomfortable?” Bella grinned at me. She knew I did more than sleep on Brian’s couch.

I tried to think of a witty remark, but my brain was frazzled. “Umm….I…umm didn’t exactly…umm sleep on his couch.” My face was feeling hot.

“So where exactly did you sleep?” She started to laugh.

“I didn’t really get that much sleep.” I turned away. I wish she would just get to the point.

“What were you doing all night?”

“Bella, just get to the point.” I sighed. “I slept with him, okay.”

“How was it?” She scooted to the edge of her chair. I knew she wanted all the details. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to share them with anyone.

“In a nutshell, the best I’ve ever had.” I beamed. I couldn’t help it. Thinking of being with Brian made me giddy.

“So he was better than Nick?” Bella giggled. She thought it was funny as hell that he was so bad in bed.

“Oh God, yes.”

“So are you a couple now?” Bella asked as Ian walked out onto the porch.

“Hey Ian.” He crawled onto my lap. “I believe so. Neither of us said the official words, but I don’t see me being with anyone else.”

“So it’s that serious?” Bella asked. I prayed that she wouldn’t give me a lecture about moving too fast.

“Yes. Look how long it took me to realize it was Brian all along. I’ve never loved any man as much as I love him. I don’t want to be with another man. My heart is Brian’s.” Damn, I sound so mushy, but I can’t help it. That’s exactly how I feel about him.

“I’m happy for the both of you. You make a beautiful couple.” She gave me a hug. Ian laughed when he got smooshed between us.

“Thanks. Well, I think it’s time to head home. Thank you for letting me stay. I appreciate it.”

“Anytime, Lexi. You’re welcome here anytime. I hope that Anna is gone and you can move on and enjoy life with Brian.”

I wish things could be that simple. Anna wasn’t one to just forgive and forget. Hopefully she would have her stuff out of my house. Knowing her, she weaseled her way into shacking up with Nick. I was worried about him. He didn’t need Anna manipulating him. I hated that he was falling into her trap. As soon as something better came along, she would be gone, and Nick would be an emotional wreck.

I was also worried what would happen when she found out I was dating her brother. She won’t be too keen on the two of us being together. It was only going to add fuel to her fire.

 

When I pulled into the driveway, Anna and Nick were putting boxes her car. She was really moving out. In one respect I was overjoyed that she would be gone. On the other hand, I was afraid of what it would do to my friendship with Nick. I didn’t want to lose my best friend.

Neither of them looked my way, so I continued toward the house. I sat on the couch and flipped on the television. My mind was on what was going on outside. I didn’t have to wait long because Nick entered the room and sat down beside me.

“Lexi.”

“Stop Nick. This has nothing to do with you.” I knew I was pushing my best friend away, but I couldn’t help it. Anna won, so there was no use trying.

“Come on Lexi, don’t be that way.” He sighed.

“No, I won’t. I was justified in asking Anna to leave. She doesn’t respect boundaries.” I stop and shut my mouth. Nick doesn’t need to hear me bad mouthing his girlfriend. I don’t want to lose his friendship.  

“Anna’s been through a lot. She’s kept a lot of it to herself. Grady wasn’t the man she thought he was.”  Nick explained.

I couldn’t stand to see Nick be manipulated. Anna would say things to make people for sorry for her. She didn’t care if she lied to the people who cared about her. She’s did it to me many times, and I never said anything.  I wasn’t going to let her continue manipulating me. It sickened me that she was doing it to Nick.

“That doesn’t give her the right to treat me like shit. I was nice enough to let her stay in my house. She’s been nothing but rude to me since she came back to Florida.” He just stared at me. “I’ve been more than a good friend to her. If you only knew what I’ve done for her. Don’t judge my anger, Nick.”           

I got up and went to the window. Anna was sitting in the car on her cell phone. She acted like she didn’t have a care in the world. That was her typical attitude.

“Nick, I’m worried about your relationship with her. I don’t want her using you.” I turned around and he was right there.

“Lexi, I’m a big boy. I can take care of myself. I like Anna a lot. She’s fun and a free spirit. Sure, we’re dating, but there’s no commitment.” He said lightly. I didn’t get it.

“You’re such a liar.” I shoved him. “I’d say her living with you makes it a relationship. Are you going to let her bring guys home to fuck in your house? I doubt it since she’ll be sleeping in your bed. Just wait Nick; she’s going to hurt you.”

“And if she does, it’s my choice. You’re my best friend, Alexia. I thought you would be happy for me.” His dark eyes are burning a hole in me.

“Nick, how can I be happy for you? You’re going to get hurt.”

He started walking away. “I guess we should just agree to disagree. I better go. Anna’s waiting for me.” He walked over to me and pressed a kiss to my cheek.

“Bye Nick.” I said solemnly. I knew I was losing him to Anna.

“Love ya, Alexia.” He was out the door before I could respond.

Everything was falling apart. I lost both of my best friends to each other. At least I had Brian in my life.