Bridget
Denny’s been sitting at our lunch table now for a couple weeks. We message almost daily on AIM but our friendship has morphed. We spent hours getting to know every insignificant detail about one another, flirting but nothing serious or defining. Now I’ve somehow gotten myself into matchmaking, acting as the spokesperson for Denny to Rachel. I shove all the excitement I feel when we speak, when he looks at me with those eyes that are a mix of green and brown into a category I call “Oh he’s one of my best guy friends!”
It’s really made it easier for me to continue pursuing conversation with him claiming I’m team Denny and Rachel.
“So do you not like Denny anymore?” Mallory asks like she heard my inner monologue.
“Of course I like him. He’s awesome. I just don’t LIKE like him.”
Mallory shifts her weight on the couch to face me. We’re watching Lizzie McGuire.
“Ooookay.” Mallory doesn’t buy it but she’s not one to push the subject.
I try to regain control, “Rachel is so pumped her and Denny are becoming a thing.”
“Rachel would be glad to lock in anybody.” Harsh but true. “And don’t deny it.” I stifle a laugh at the claim, knowing she’s spot on.
“Uggggh I wish I didn’t have to go to my dad’s.” I heave a sigh off my chest. Despite my efforts to pour all of my attention and energy into Denny and Rachel, sadness pulls her seat up to the table.
“It TOTALLY sucks but you’ll only be there two days. We can have our Christmas either right when you come home or Christmas night.”
“Thanks Mal. I’m so grateful for you ... seriously.”
“I know. You deserve me though, don’t forget that.”
Tears pool in my eyes so I look down to avoid dragging her with me.
“Hey… you don’t deserve this: the divorce, the two homes. I’m sorry.”
“My life would suck without you. You’re my Jack.” I giggle.
“So what you’re saying is I drown because of you?”
“No, I'm saying you keep me afloat.”
I confess, sniffing back the emotions threatening to explode.
“No.” She states matter-of-fact, “You keep yourself afloat. I’m just over here with reinforcements.” She nudges me resting her head on my shoulder. The gesture is big for her. We sit silent, needing no words.
“Thank you.”
“You are always welcome. I don’t usually have advice but you know I'm a mediocre listener.” This humble admission brings a smile to my face. “But, listen. Should you feel a certain way for Denny regardless of what you admit, chances are I already know and I’m a steel trap.”
I side eye her, “Okay” is all I offer.
That night, I open Instant Messenger.
DennyBoy44188: Guess what?
SunnyBK510: Chicken butt?
DennyBoy44188: Close. Lol I asked out Rachel.
My heart jumps into my throat, goosebumps spread as regret stings my eyes.
SunnyBK510: And???
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
DennyBoy44188: She said yes.
SunnyBK510: That’s great. Congrats!
DennyBoy44188: Thanks to your coaching.
SunnyBK510: Well I’m an expert, so
DennyBoy44188: You didn’t have to help me.
SunnyBK510: Why wouldn’t I?
I freeze. Hopefully that comes out more ‘I love helping’ and less ‘I’d do anything for you’.
DennyBoy44188: Have a Merry Christmas, Bigfoot.
SunnyBK510: Thanks, you too Denny.
A prickling sensation coats my skin, a glaze forming over my eyes.
SunnyBK510: I have to go to my dad’s. This is the first Christmas since my dad left.
DennyBoy44188: I’m sorry. That sucks. :(
SunnyBK510: Me too. At least I only have to go for two days.
DennyBoy44188: Will you be at Tori’s?
SunnyBK510: I wouldn’t miss the grand debut of Rachenny.
DennyBoy44188: You’re funny.
SunnyBK510: I know. Comes with the clown feet.
DennyBoy44188: Ohhhh makes sense.
New Message
hisTORIc777: Hey girl!
SunnyBK510: Hey Tori.
hisTORIc777: What’s up? You okay?
SunnyBK510: Yeah. I’m okay, why?
hisTORIc777: Well Denny is with Rachel
SunnyBK510: He told me.
hisTORIc777: I thought you liked him.
SunnyBK510: Correction: I liked his neck. He’s become one of my best guy friends.
hisTORIc777: If you say you’re okay. I’m glad you two are friends.
SunnyBK510: I’m not really in a good place to be pursuing anything. I’m a mess.
Mascara laced dew streaks my cheeks.
hisTORIc777: Just because life dealt you a crap hand this year doesn’t mean you’re a mess.
SunnyBK510: Well I feel like one.
hisTORIc777: Listen, you are one of the kindest people I know. Just don’t forget to be kind to yourself. <3
The front door unlocks and open. In comes Casey. “Hey Bridge. How’s it going. I try to disguise the clog in my throat by clearing it, “Good. Were you with Seth?”
“Yep. We went to Ben’s.” He’s a mutual friend of theirs from school, cute in an awkward way.
She walks next to the computer screen so she can look at me, then stops. Her tone softens, “Hey. What’s going on?”
“Nothing.” is my lame attempt at deflection.
“I don’t buy it. I know you better than you, beyotch.”
That renders a watery smile. “I feel so alone.”
“Are you kidding me? You have Me, Alex, Mom, Mallory, all of your other school friends and Dad. Is Denny still talking to you?” Well that didn’t take long for her to deduce.
“I…” my chin strains toward my chest and I break the dam of denial.
“Do I need to kick someone’s ass? What happened?” Casey is fiercely protective of anyone in her corner. The racks in my chest are rigid, quick. I try to regain control. “You could start with me. I had a crush on Denny and turned myself into some kind of wingwoman who gets to hear all of his thoughts, which was all I wanted- to know him. And then I set him up with Rachel and-” She jerks her head back “What, your friend? Why would you?” “Because she liked him and by helping I made him happy but ultimately screwed myself.” She gives me that look that says Why are you so nice but could also be read as Dumbass.
“Dude your screen is blowing up.” The sounds of doors opening, closing, alerts, windows littering the screen. *Click Click*
New Away Message “BRB”
“There.” I offer, fulfilling my duties.
“Hold up. Denny was on there! If you want to talk, do it. But don't kid yourself or me.” The sigh expands my chest then leaves heavily.
“Ugh. Just please help me endure these two days at Dad’s for Christmas.”
“We will be there together through this first. Nobody is asking you to keep it together.”
A satirical epiphany widens my eyes, “Oh! Well in that case. That really helps!” False gratitude drips from my comment. She pushes her palm into my shoulder, “Wise guy, eh?” She does her best Joe Pesci impersonation. “Listen, I need to go to sleep and maybe you should also try.”
“Point made. Let me satisfy my fans with warm regards then I’ll sign off.” I exit the away message, tell everyone ‘Goodbye’ and ‘Merry Christmas’ then sign off.
