How Did I Fall In Love With You?

[Kristen07]

Hey everyone,

This is my first long orginal fiction story. I'm really excited about it! So I hope you all enjoy this :)

Feedback makes my day :)

~Chapter 1~ (Britnei’s P.O.V)

It was a cold and blustery December afternoon. I pulled my coat closer to me to keep myself warm. I had a love/hate relationship with winter. I hated the cold wind on my face and the slippery ice. But there was something about snow that made things so magical.

I was a sophomore at Columbia University. At the present moment I was heading to the Columbian. It was the student newspaper, and one of the elite student newspapers in the country. This past semester I had earned a spot as resident pop culture columnist. Sophomores rarely got places on the actual paper; that was reserved for juniors and seniors. So it added a little pressure to perform up the high expectation that had been set for me. And I’ve been trying to keep up with that.

I got in the door, joyful to be in the office at last. I got to my desk and began to read some of the email I had gotten. The column had been pretty much a hit with the students. It had made me some friends around campus. But there were also people who didn’t like it. They accused me of things and bashed me for bashing their favorite celebrity or whatever. It was my column; I had the freedom to express my views in whatever way I wanted. If they didn’t agree with it, it was their problem.
Someone knocked on my door. “Come in” I said.
Will Dotson, the entertainment editor came in. “Hi Will, what can I do for you?”
“Well, I know you, along with everyone else, is busy at this time of year, given that it is finals. But do you think you could try to do a favor for me?”
I nodded, getting out my planner. “What is it?”
“Melissa Sandhorn has backed out of her local band profile story that she was supposed to do this weekend. And I can’t get anyone else to do it. Do you have any free time to do it?”
I looked at my planner. “I’m pretty much booked, except Saturday 7 to whenever I decided to go to bed”
“That’s perfect. Will you do it?”
“I guess I can. But I’m going to have a talk with Melissa and tell her that I am not covering for her again” I told him.
“Thank you Britnei, you are a life saver. If you had sad that you couldn’t do it, I would have had to do it and I have absolutely no time to. And that story NEEDS to be in there.”
“No problem, Will. I need to work on my column now”
“All right. Have that on my desk by Monday, along with your column.”
“I can do that.”

By the time I was done working on my column, it was dark outside. It was done though and that was all that mattered.
My cell phone went off right then.

“Hello?”

“Hey babydoll” It wad my boyfriend, Christian, aka Chris. It was amazing how, as busy as I was with school, I still had time to have a social life and have a boyfriend. We hadn’t been able to see each other much lately because it was finals time.

“Hey. What you doing?” I asked.

“Nothing much. Supposed to be studying, but I can’t concentrate. How about you?”

“Just finished my column at the paper, and I’m about to leave” I was gathering my stuff as I said this.

“I see” We talked as I walked down to the subway to get back to my apartment.

“Are you doing anything Saturday night?” He asked.

“Actually yes. I have to do someone else’s [arse]ignment for the paper” I said.

“Britnei!” I could tell that that statement annoyed Chris. “That’s my only free time!”

I rolled my eyes. “Chris, it’s mine too, but I had too. The paper would have been missed up if I hadn’t.”

“You and that damn paper. It seems liker you spend too much time there”

Chris had a major that was nowhere near as stressful as mine, so he didn’t understand sometimes how busy I was. It annoyed the hell out of me. I know, he missed me. I missed him too. But I also wanted to get the best grades I could and do the best job I could at the paper. It was preparing me for later in life. “You just don’t understand Chris. Why do you give me such a hard time about this?”

“Because I miss you and I feel like we get no time together anymore”

I sighed. We had been through this too many times to count recently. “We’ve been through this a million times already. Do we need to go through it again?”

“Probably not….”

“Look… we’ll get time at Winter break. And that’s only a week away. Please, just be patient” I was trying hard not to lose my temper.

The tone calmed down for a while. We talked all the way home and a little bit after I had gotten into my apartment. Then we exchanged “I love yous” and goodbyes.

I sighed as I hung up. Things weren’t always this way. When we met in the beginning of freshman year, everything was perfect. He was really sweet, caring, romantic, funny, everything I wanted in a boyfriend. We always savored the moments we did have together because we knew they were limited. But lately he had become more selfish and wanting me to spend all my free time with him. I hadn’t said yes every time, which really made him mad. Then he always says he’s sorry and lures me back to him. I always fall for it. But I’m not sure how much longer I can take this. It seems to have become a cycle now that never ends. Maybe someday it would end and things would be ok again. But there was also the possibility that it wouldn’t and things could end. I had no clue what I was going to do at this point.

My thoughts turned to other things. I couldn’t wait to go home. It was always fun, with my big family. It consisted of my three sisters, my twin sister Bonni, who was also 21, my younger twin sisters Kristin and Ali, who were 17, my dad, and his girlfriend, Savannah (my parents divorced years ago) and her three kids, Will, 14, Jonathan, 13, and Kaylee, 13 come over all the time. They have started to become like to family to us.
Hopefully also a lot of my friends from high school would be there too. I was still close to a lot of them. Actually, some of them I had known since kindergarten.
Suddenly this feeling of warmth came over me. After getting through one hell of a finals week and spending time with Chris, I could be home. With all the people that I loved.

[StargateGirl]

It's really good so far. :)

[Kristen07]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v80/Sweetest_Sin1026/Kris1.png
(Made By Jess, (littleprincessj) )

~Chapter 2~

Finals week was absolute hell. I had so much studying, test taking and work to do at the Columbian that I thought I was going to lose my head. I didn’t, but there were several occasions that I was close to it.

Chris and I finally got to spend time together, but it wasn’t till after Winter Break started. Things were the way they always were. It confused me. When we were together, he was the boyfriend I met on that fateful September day. But when we got busy and had to be apart for awhile… he began to be this selfish, controlling time-hog. I had reached the conclusion that I had to leave it alone for now. If things got worse; I would cross that bridge when I came to it. And besides I had no reason to be depressed. It was Christmastime! Everyone was supposed to be joyful during the holiday season.

I landed in the Columbus airport, feeling really good. I had a month of family, friends, free time and good home cooking to look forward to.
Dad and Bonni were meeting me at the airport. This would be an interesting affair, because the bond between them was on the mend. Things between them were severely damaged by things happening a couple years ago. Come to think of it, I haven’t had the best relationship with her all these years. We resented each other in junior high and part of high school because, even though we were exactly alike in looks, we thought we were too different to get along. Now we get along better. I sometimes wish I was as close to her as Kristin and Ali are, but I know that will never be.

I spotted them sitting on a few chairs.
“Hey Brit” Bonni hugged me.
“Hey sis, good to see you” That was Dad’s nickname for me since I was little because I have such a positive outlook on life.
“Hey Daddy.” I hugged him too.
We proceeded towards the baggage claim. “So how was your finals week?” Dad asked.
I playfully rolled my eyes. “do you really have to ask? Let’s just say I wasn’t fun. The last thing I want to think about right now is school.”
“and we have almost a month to forget about it. It is heaven, after going through my schedule. Accounting is such a stressful major” Bonni sighed.
“You’re a math mind, Bonn. You can handle it” Dad re[arse]ured her.
“Who’s at the house now, Dad?” I asked.
He looked at his watch. “Kris and Ali should be getting home here in a few minutes. And Savannah and her kids are coming for dinner tonight”
Savannah had been kind of shy with my sisters and I. She thought that we would resent the fact that Dad was dating someone after he and mom divorced. That was nowhere near true. We loved her and her kids to death.

When we got home, Kristin and Ali were doing their homework in the living room.
I gave them both hugs. “What homework do we got going on here?”
“I’m studying for my Pre-calculus final” Ali said. She is a super smart math and science mind.
“I’m writing my English final We have to write 2, 3-4 page essays” Kristin said.
“You guys are getting off easy. It gets a lot more stressfu7l in college. I have just been through one hall of a finals week”
“ I can imagine” Kristin remarked. “You look tired”
“You would be right, Kris. I’m gonna rest before dinner” I went up to my room.

When I got up there, my phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Hey Brit!” It was Kayla Williams, my best friend. I have known her since childhood.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

“I’m at Nikki’s house. We’re just kind of hanging out right now. What about you?” Nikki Ayers was a part of a circle of friends that we had in elementary school.

“Just got in from New York” I told her.

“Coolness. Nikki wants to have Christmas party for everyone in the old crew”

What she meant by that was our circle of friends that had known each other since kindergarten. It consisted of her, me, Nikki, Kelli Gray, and Josh and James Hamilton. There was a 7th, Garret Densington, but we lost contact with him years ago after he moved. “Am I invited?”

“But of course. Nikki was going to invite you herself, but she called you when you were on the plane. Oh, and Garret will be there”

I gasped. “You’re kidding”

Kayla laughed. “No, I’m not. It was by pure coincidence that Nikki saw him again. She was at this local place while she was at college. She meets Garret, but does realize its him till he told her his last name! She asked him to come and he said he would”

I laughed. “That is so awesome. We haven’t seen him since 9th grade. Well, you since 6th grade since you had moved by then”

“Very true. It shall be interesting.” She said.

“Well, I need to rest before dinner. Love ya and see ya on Saturday” I told her.
“Allrighty, babe. Bye”

~A Few Days Later~

I was trembling with excitement as I drove to Nikki‘s house. This would be the first time that all seven of us would be together in a room since 6th grade. This was going to be an event for the ages.
I noticed a few cars in the driveway and then parked. Nikki’s parents, Wayne and Theresa, were coming out if the house. “Hi. Are you two going somewhere?”
Theresa nodded. “We are going to have dinner and spend the evening with friends. We want you all to have time together by yourselves.”
“Ok” I shut my car door. “Who’s here?”
“Nikki, Kelli and Josh currently. Have a good time” said Wayne.
“I will” I walked in the house.
They were sitting in the living room, munching on snacks.
“Hey Brit, you’re here” Kelli said.
“Hey Kel.” I gave her a hug and then one to Nikki.
I turned to Josh. “Hey! Been awhile since I’ve seen you!”
“Hey, Sugar. It has. I’ve missed you” We hugged. That was a special nickname he had for me.
I had known Josh as long as I had the others. He and I had a special bond, though. I had always considered him a good friend, but in high school we formed a really close brother/sister relationship. We were there for each other during the really hard times, like for me it was my parents divorcing, my best friend from them betraying me, and Kristin battling cancer. It wasn’t as hard as what he had to go through though. His mom died in a car crash in 10th grade and in senior year, his dad died of a heart attack. Both of those losses were really hard on him.
“Where is James?” I asked.
Josh looked at his watch “He’s getting off work right now, so he’ll be here soon”
James is Josh’s identical twin brother.”
“So we’re missing Garret, Kayla and James. Make yourself at home, Brit. Have some food” Nikki said.
“I will” I sat down in the couch next to Josh.
We talked for a bit, until James and Kayla came in at the same time. We all exchanged hellos.
“Now, all we need is the long lost 7th” James said. “Are you sure he’s coming, Nik?”
Nikki nodded. “I gave him the directions to my house and everything. Don’t worry, I’m sure he’s going to come any minute”

10 minutes later, Garret came in the door. He looked a lot like I remembered him, just with older and more defined features.
“Umm… hi everyone” He said in a shy voice.
“Hey! We’re your old friends. Why are you acting so shy?” Kayla came up to him and hugged him.
We all exchanged hellos with him.
“Why did you not try to contact us after you moved?’ Kelli asked him.
“I didn’t think any of you cared about me anymore since I hadn’t talked to any of you in some time. So I left without a goodbye. I wish I didn’t know, but what can you do, it happened” He shrugged.
We all settled in for eating and gabbing for awhile. It reminded me of those old times where we always had our little table that we always had to sit at together. It was good to have that again.

We had started out handing out presents. “Well, I have Christmas cards for everyone. I know it’s not much, but it was the last I could do” Garrett said.
“That’s really sweet of you Garr. You really didn’t have to because it was such short notice” Kelli said.
“Yeah, but I’m a guy that likes to do that kind of thing”

After we opened presents, he said. “I’m go glad I found Nikki again. These last couple hours has made me realize how much I miss everyone’s company. We should do this more often.”
“Absolutely” Josh said. “How about next summer, because that’s the only time that he know we all can make it home to do this”
Everyone agreed on that.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you, do you go to the same college as Nik?” Kayla asked him.
Garrett shook his head. “No, actually. I was visiting someone who did. So it was pure coincidence that we ran into each other.”

About midnight, people started filing out. Josh and I were the last ones to leave.
“Britnei, can I ask you something?”
“Sure” I said.
“Will you go out to lunch with me tomorrow afternoon?”
“Maybe. Why?”
“Well just to catch up because we haven’t talked for awhile” He told me.
I considered this. Josh was simply asking me as a friend. I knew this because I knew we wouldn’t develop romantic feelings for each other. And it was really harmless, we were just going out to lunch. Knowing Chris though, he would freak out over anything I did lately. Josh was my best guy friend and I wanted to spend more time with him. “You’re right, we haven’t. You just want to meet somewhere?”
“Sounds like a winner to me” Josh said. “I’ll call you tomorrow and tell you where we are eating”
“Ok” We hugged quickly. “Good night, Josh”
“Goodnight, Brit.” As he walked to his car, my heart skipped a couple beats. “Wow, he really is cute” I thought, smiling.
“What are you doing?” I asked myself. “You’re not supposed to be thinking this! He’s your best friend that that’s the brother that you never had. And you have a boyfriend that loves you even though he doesn’t always show it the way he’s supposed to”
I had to admit, that thought had surprised me. I had never in my life seen Josh in that light. And I didn’t intend to start now. Because if it did…. My life could get pretty messed up. And I really didn’t want that to happen.

[nickfan67]

very nice

[Kristen07]

~Chapter 3~

I was really excited as I waited for Josh to show up. This was the first time that we had gotten to spend together in awhile.
I heard the doorbell ring. “I’ll get it,” I said, running down the stairs.
Josh was standing on the other side. “Hey”
“Hey” We hugged. “Ready to go?”
“All set. Let’s go.”

We arrived at the local Ruby Tuesdays and got a table. “That was pretty cool to see Garrett last night, wasn’t it?” He asked.
I nodded. “Very. I didn’t know he was coming till Kayla told me. Do you think he’s changed any?”
“He’s the same person, just older. I thought he had pretty much forgotten about us, since the last time any of us talked to him was in junior high. I’m surprised he talked to me, because my last encounters with him weren’t so pleasant”
“Why was that?” I asked him.
“My friends at the time made fun of him and I was forced to join in. I didn’t want to. I’m not proud of those years”
“Everyone was an idiot in junior high, don’t feel bad!” I said, laughing.
He laughed as well. “I guess you’re right”
We sat back and caught up on each other’s lives. During this time, I noticed little things about him, like the way he laughed at my remarks, or the way he smiled. I hadn’t really noticed those details before. Also I was noticing more how hot he really was.
“Come on, Britnei” I told myself “You’re just friends. It has been that way for 16 years and it’ll always stay that way”. I had no idea how these feelings had come about.
“So, how’s your dating life?” I asked him.
“It’s been so-so. I’ve been dating girls, but it never gets very serious” He sighed. Something about the look on his face made he feel extra sorry for him.
“You seem sad about that. That’s what a guy your age is supposed to do, experience dating before they get tied down later in life. I’m sure most 21 year olds are even thinking about long-term commitment right now,” I said, sipping my soda.
“I don’t know. I’m not ready for marriage either. Still… I’m tired of being with a girl for a few months… and then have it not go anywhere. I want to be in a relationship that I know will last awhile. Someone that will make me happy… and make me experince what love feels like. I haven’t met a girl that meets that criteria yet”
“You will Josh. You’ve got all the qualities that any girl would prize in a boyfriend” I knew this was subtle flirting, but I didn’t care.
“Sure…. You’re just saying that because I’m your best friend.” He said sarcastically.
“I mean it! Don’t be so down on yourself, J-Boog!”
He playfully rolled his eyes. “That’s such a 7th grade nickname, Brit”
“That’s because what earned that name happened in 7th grade, doofus!”
We both burst out laughing. “But really, if you don’t want me to call you that again, I won’t” I offered.
He shook his head. “Naw, it’s ok”
We talked for a little while longer.

After lunch was over, we walked to the front of the restaurant. “So, how long are you in town?” He asked.
“Until the week after New Year’s” I said. “Why?”
“Just wondering, incase we want to get together again”
I smiled. “I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time. “ We hugged. “Call me, ok?”
“I will. See you later, Brit”
“Bye”
I was tingling from that hug as I walked to my car. It was a feeling that was usually reserved for Chris. Why had this time been so different? Was I falling in love with him? “That thought is totally crazy,” I told myself. “You have Chris”
I shook my head. I had to push these feelings away. Josh and I had seen each other as friends from the day we met. Why should that change now? He would find someone that would make him happy; I knew it.

I arrived back at the house. Bonni was the only one there. She was lying on the couch, reading a science fiction novel, one of her p[arse]ions.
“Why are you here alone?” I asked her.
She sighed, “Dad is at work and Kristin and Ali have gone off to be with friends. I just don’t want to be social right now” She put a bookmark in her book and shut it. “So, how was lunch with Pretty Boy Hamilton?”
I smiled. That was her nickname for Josh and James because they fit her definition of a ‘pretty boy’. “It was great. We caught up on each other’s lives and had a couple laughs”. That’s it” I decided not to tell her about what I had felt because it wasn’t strong enough to tell anyone about.
“Are you sure?” She teased. “You look a little happier than usual.”
I nodded. “I’m sure”
“Ok” She went back to her book.
I was glad that Bonni and I were starting to get closer. Most of our lives we despised each other because we thought we were too different to get along. Then she moved out when my parents divorced in 11th grade. I thought we would never speak again. But then she called me last year, and the wounds have been slowly healing ever since.

That night, I got a call from Chris.

“Hello?”

“Hey baby doll”

“Hey hunny, what’s up?”

“Not too much. Hey, do you want to spend New Years together?”

“Sure” I thought it would be a great idea. “What do you want to do?”

“Why don’t you come up to my parents house for a few days?” Chris’s parents lived about 20 minutes from New York City.

Since it had been my schedule that had been keeping us apart recently, I decided to do what he wanted to do. “I’ll come for a long weekend, how’s that?”

If he felt any disappointment in my choice number of days, he hid it well. “Sounds great to me”

We made plans and then talked about other things. I was reminded about what I already had. Life was too good right now. Nothing needed to be changed.

[Kristen07]

~Chapter 4~

Christmas was absolutely wonderful. Most years we travel to a relative’s house, but this year it was not to be. So in the morning, my dad, my sisters and I exchanged gifts for each other. Then in the evening Savannah and her kids came over dinner and more presents.

Josh and I spent a lot of time together that week after. We had a blast. Those little feelings grew little by little, too. As hard as it was, I had to push them away. We would never be lovers. I had a boyfriend who I was happy with and the close friendship we already had was good enough. Why risk losing both while going for a romantic relationship?

Finally it was time for me to head to New York.
Dad and I were at the airport.
“Are you all packed, Sunshine?”
I nodded “Yes Daddy”
“Do you have your ticket and your money?” He asked.
I laughed. “Yes, I have everything I need! Don’t worry about me”
He laughed too. “It’s a father’s job to worry, Britnei” He kissed my cheek. “Have a safe trip, ok?”
“I will” I said, giving him a hug. “See you on Sunday night”
“Ok. Bye”
I walked into the airport.

The flight was uneventful. By the time I got into LaGuardia Airport, it was 9:30. I was completely exhausted.

I arrived in my hotel room a half hour later. Chris had suggested that I stay at his parents’ house, but I had opted against it. He seemed kind of disappointed, but hid it quite well. My reasoning was that we would be too tempted to spend the night together, which I was not ready for.
I decided I needed to call him and tell him I was in town.
Surprisingly I got his voicemail.

Hey honey, I just wanted to let you know that I’m in New York right now. I’ll call you in the morning and we’ll discuss plans. Love you, bye.

~The next morning~

Chris and I had agreed to meet for lunch at Ivy’s, a hip little New York eatery to decide what we were going to do tonight.
I was the first one there, so I sat down in the front of the restaurant and waited. He arrived 5 minutes later. “Hey baby doll”
“Hey” We kissed sweetly.
“I’m sorry I didn’t answer your call last night. My cell phone was on the charger” He said.
“It’s ok” I told him.
The greeter called my name, so then we headed back to our table.

“So what do you want to do tonight?” I asked him.
“Actually I have a surprise regarding that. You know how Anna was supposed to go to MTV’s New Years party?”
I nodded. She had been pretty excited about those tickets.
“Well, something came up and now she can’t go. So she gave them to me. She said she thought we would have fun there”
“Wow, that’s great. These are in-studio tickets too. She was so excited that she got those. I bet it was hard for her to give them up.”
“I could tell it was. But she didn’t want to waste them, so she wanted someone to have fun for her.”
“When do we have to be there?”
Chris thought for a moment. “They go on air at 9:00, but the doors open at 6:30. The line is probably going to be long, so we probably need to get there earlier than that”
“Are you going to go back to your parents house to get ready and stuff?”
He nodded. “Then we need to figure that into the time we can spend together now”
We figured that we had only till 2:30; if we wanted to get everything done that we needed to. “That leaves time for quick stroll down 5th Avenue,” I said.
“You took those words right out of my mouth missy. None of my clothes that I have are suitable for this occasion,” Chris said.
“Me either. Well, let’s go”
We stood up and left the restaurant.

Back in the freezing cold, we decided that it would be best to walk. 5th Avenue was only a few blocks away and we didn’t want to have to wait for the taxis.
“So how was your week?” Chris asked.
I thought about this. There was no way I was going to tell him about how much time Josh and I spent together. He would freak out. “Just fine. I spent all of it at home with my old friends and family. How about yours?”
“Basically the same thing. I spent almost every day in New York with friends. I missed you though. I wished you were here more”
“ I missed you too” I did miss him while I was in Columbus. But it wasn’t what it could have been. So I wasn’t lying to him.
We linked hands, although it was harder since we both were wearing gloves.
We walked in silence for a few minutes, taking in the bustle around us. It seemed as if the city was zooming p[arse]ing us. We saw several types of people, like an executive talking stiffly to client on his cell phone, an irritated mother trying to keep up with her three young children and camera-snapping tourists.
I shivered slightly. The wind was really blustery today and making my face feel like it had just been splashed by arctic ice water.
“Are you ok, babe?” Chris asked me.
I nodded. “I’m fine. It’s just extremely cold today”
“Here, take my scarf” Chris took the scarf off his neck and handed it to me.
I reluctantly took it from him “Are you sure? Now you’ll be cold”
He shrugged. “I can tolerate a little cold”
“Ok” I wrapped it around my neck and tucked the rest of it into my jacket.

A few minutes later we reached Macy’s. We agreed to meet at the front an hour after shopping in our respective departments
I arrived at the women’s section. This was going to be a difficult task. I wanted to find something that would look super hot but wouldn’t make me freeze on the way over there. “If an outfit is sexy enough, I don’t care if it’s –30 degrees outside! I’m going to wear it!” I thought. New Years was one of those times where you could sacrifice a little bit for fashion.
I aimlessly looked at things for several minutes, picking up pieces that I liked. I figured that I could put together outfits in the dressing room.
When it seemed like my arms were acing with al the clothes I was carrying, I went to the dressing room. After what seemed like a million trial and errors, I finally put together something I liked. It was a black halter slinky mini dress that hugged me in all the right places. With the right pair of boots, this outfit could be killer.
I went to the shoe section. I immediately saw the cutest pair of pointed toe boots with a sliver star chain around them. The heel wasn’t the flattest in the world either. I didn’t care what they cost; I had to have them.
I tried on a pair in my size and they fit perfectly. “We are done.” I looked at my watch. An hour had almost p[arse]ed. Hopefully Chris hadn’t been waiting too long. Shopping wasn’t his favorite thing to do in the world.
I walked back to the entrance, bags in tow. Chris was waiting with a bag of his own. “Did enough damage to your credit card?” He teased.
I gave him a kiss. “Yeah, I suppose so.”
He looked at his watch. “We need to be heading towards the train station”
I nodded. “Ok. Let’s go”

We got to the station 10 minutes later. “Well, I’m going to head home. I’ll see you back at your hotel at… 5:30?”
“Yes. I love you”
“I love you too” We kissed.

I went back to my hotel and collapsed. My feet were so sore from all that walking. I could afford to rest a little bit before I had to glam myself up for tonight’s festivities.
I turned on the TV, and found an episode of Real World after a few channels.
My cell phone went off again.

“Hello?”

“Hey Britters” It was Josh. I could not help but smile.

“Hey J-Boog. What are you doing?”

“Nothing much. How about you?”

“Resting before Chris and I go par-tay!”

He laughed. “Where did that come from? You never party that much”

I told him about the MTV tickets.

“Wow, that’s pretty awesome. I know you’ll have a blast”

“I’m sure I will. So what are you going to do tonight?” I asked.

‘Nothing compared to what you’re doing. James and I are just going to a friends houses for food, beer, poker, and maybe watch some of the New York festivities”

“That sounds fun too” I said. “Don’t drink too much”

“Hey, I won’t! It’s you I’ll worry about” He told me.

“Josh, I was drunk once in my life. It’s an experience that I would not like to repeat anytime soon” I playfully snapped back.

“I know you won’t. You’re a good girl”

“And proud of it” We both laughed.

“Well I need to rest a little so I can save all my energy for tonight” I said.

“Ok. I’ll let you go. Talk to you soon, girl.”

“I’m sure we will. Bye Joshie”

He snorted. I was one of the few people that could get away with calling him that. “Bye Britters”
I couldn’t help but shake my head. My feelings for him were growing, little by little. I couldn’t let them get to the point where I couldn’t control them. I would lose Chris.

I was all set to take a nap when my phone went off again.

“Hello?”

“Hey Crisby” It was Kayla.

“Hey Brook. What are you doing?”

“Trying to arrange plans for tonight. I think I’m going to the Sky Club with a couple friends”

My face lit up. I loved to go to that place on occasion. “I love that place! We need to go together sometime”

“Ok. We will. It’s so weird how we live in the same city but don’t get to see each other that often” She said.

“Well a), it’s humongous, and b) we both are very busy people”

“Very true” I heard a beep on her end. “Someone is calling. Lovens”

“Lovens to you too. Bye”

I managed to take a 20 minute nap before I had to get ready. I applied my make up and did my hair. I slipped my outfit on and checked myself out in the mirror.
“Looking hot Britnei” I told my reflection.
I heard a knock on my hotel room door. It was 5:30 on the dot. Chris liked to be on time. I strutted to the door and opened it. Chris was standing there in a stripped button down shirt and leather pants.
His eyes widened in amazement. “Look at you sexy mama”
I grinned a sexy grin “Thank you handsome lover. Ready to go?”
“Yes, if you are”
“Let me grab my coat” I got it and we headed out.

20 minutes later we were at the MTV studios. The line to wait was there, but too long. There a lot more people. The roads in Time Square were shut down.
After a long, freezing, boring wait, the doors were open at 6:30. People lead us all in and sat us in places in the studio. Chris and I got good seats near the performing stage. We had NO idea who was going to be there, but hopefully we might meet some good celebrities.
Chris and I talked to people sitting next us, Frank and Hannah. They were very nice. We all even exchanged numbers.
The show went on the air at 9:00 sharp. Carson Daly was hosting. He talked the camera, some of the other VJs and guests. He even talked to some of the people in the audience. I got a little nervous when he came up to me.
“Hey, what’s your name?”
“Britnei” I said.
“Where are you from?”
“Columbus, Ohio, but I live here in New York for college”
“Very cool. Are you spending your New Years with anyone special?”
“My honey Chris, who’s right here.” I put my hand on his.
“How long have you been together?”
“A year and a half” Chris said.
“Are you going to kiss when that midnight hour comes”
“Heck yeah, it’s one of the best things of New Years” Chris said smiling.
“Give it up for Britnei and Chris everyone” Everyone cheered.

The rest of the night was a blast. We saw some good performances including Nick Lachey, Good Charlotte and Simple Plan.
Simple Plan was out when the midnight hour hit. Confetti was all around and Chris and I planted a big smooch on each other.
“So did you have fun this new year?” Chris asked.
I nodded “Definitely so. I love you”
“I love you too” We kissed again.

[Kristen07]

~Chapter 5~

After New Years, I came back to Columbus for the rest of the break. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to see anymore of Josh because he and James had gone to visit a friend elsewhere. I was sad about that, but then also glad in a way. It meant that there weren’t any opportunities for my feelings for him to build in any way… or so I thought. There were a few occasions where I caught myself thinking about him. I even got zoned out once while talking to Chris on the phone. Luckily, I was able to shield it. Still, I was embarr[arse]ed. This could not happen again. I knew if Chris figured out that I had feelings for Josh, he’d leave me in the blink of an eye.

It was the last night before I had to go back to New York. Bonni and I were sitting in my old room, talking about random things.
I suddenly sighed. ‘Something bothering you, Britnei?” Bonni asked.
“Not really. I’m just not excited for going back to school” Which was halfway the truth. I didn’t want to go back to work and my stressful college life.
“I’m not either. It’ll be back to work, work, and work all the time. Absolutely no time to play” She said.
I nodded. “Or very slim. Chris doesn’t seem to understand that”
”Why do you say that?” She asked, moving in closer to listen to what I had to say.
“Well… he goes to NYU, as you know. And his major is in history, something that is nowhere near as stressful or time-consuming as mine. So he has a lot more free time than I do. He gets really upset when I say that I can’t spend time with him, as much as want to. He doesn’t get it. My life doesn’t revolve around him, as much as he thinks it should sometimes. In the beginning...we savored our time together because we knew it was so limited. Now, it’s like part of me almost doesn’t want to use my free time with him with him because he gets so jealous”
“Have you told him this?”
I shook my head. “We’ve talked about it, but not in extensive detail”
“I think you should. It seems to be hurting your relationship a lot,” Bonni said.
“I know… but knowing him, he’ll get mad and defend himself”
“If you love him and want to be with him, you’d want to make your feelings known to him. If he really loves you, he’d listen to what you have to say and take a hint.” She explained.
I nodded. “You’re right. I do need to do that. I’ll talk to him when I get back. Hopefully the talk will be beneficial to the relationship” I sighed.
“I think it will. Is there something else on your mind?”
“Can you keep a secret?”
She nodded. “My lips will be super glued together”
I laughed. “Ok. Well, I think I’m starting to develop feelings for Josh”
She raised her eyebrow. “Why now? He’s been your best friends for years”
I told her about how the feelings had popped out of nowhere after the Christmas party and how they had been slowly growing through break.
“Hmmm sounds like something is developing there. It’s a serious crush, but I don’t think you’re in love with him yet”
“It definitely is. It feels so weird because we’ve just been best friends for years. I had never looked at him that way before.”
“Was there any thing that triggered it specifically?” Bonni asked me.
I shook my head. “Not really. It just popped out like a daisy in springtime. I’m scared to see what happens, because if Chris figures out that I have feelings for Josh… he’ll walk right out of my life. Do you think I should tell him?”
“I would, because there is supposed be no secrets between lovers. It’s up to you, though, Glitter. Do you think the feelings are strong enough it’ll interfere?”
“They aren’t right now. But what should I do if they are get so strong that I can’t ignore them?”
“Then you’ll HAVE to tell him. He might dump you, but that’s life. You gotta get hurt sometimes”
“I really love Chris, though. I want this relationship to work. I will make sure we get through this little snag we are going through right now.”
Bonni paused. “Wait a minute, though. You are leaving out the fact that you could fall in love with Josh”
“I know. I’m going to not let myself do that. We have been brother and sister for so long and it should stay that way. Besides, Josh will never see me in that light any way.” I said.
She looked at me doubtfully. “What that’s look for?” I asked.
“I still think you’re going to fall in love with him”
I shook my head “You’re dead wrong sis. I am not going to let that happen”
“Oh, I doubt it. You watch”

Two days later, it was back to reality. I’d had about a month to chill and goof off. Now it was back to the world of constant deadlines, column writing, getting the story straight from the source and boatloads of homework.
I was in the break room at the Columbian, when Melissa, the junior I had covered for before finals, came in. Melissa isn’t one of my favorite people in the world, but I can get along with her.
“Hello Britnei” she said pleasantly.
“Hi Melissa” I answered. “Did Will lecture you about backing out of that story that I so nicely did for you? You know he hates that.”
She rolled her eyes. “Not you too, please. I’ve already heard it all from him.”
“Why did you back out anyway?”
She waved it off. “I had a family problem”
I took that saying with a grain of salt, because I had learned that she could be a pretty devious liar. “Well, I think I’ll go back to writing my column.”
“Ok bye” Melissa said. I dashed out of the room.

Back in the safety of my office, I thought about Chris. Ever since my conversation with Bonni, I had been thinking about talking to him about how unhappy I was with him. Part of me wanted to talk to him about it, because I knew how much this was hurting us. If I didn’t say anything, it would probably drive us apart. Then again, Chris might get really mad and accuse me of things that were not true. I really was in love in Chris and we were going to make things work. And the starting point would be me getting up the courage to talk to him.
I looked at the clock. 1:33. Chris would be going between two cl[arse]es right now. I took a deep breath and dialed his number.

He answered after two rings. “Hello?”

“Hey Chris”

“Oh hey, baby doll” He seemed happy to hear my voice. “What’s going on with you?”

“Not too much. You?”

“I’m just walking to cl[arse]. I’m surprised you called, what’s up?”

“I need to talk to you about something. I mean, really sit down and talk about it.” I told him. “What’s your schedule look like for the rest of the day?”

He paused. “Well, I’m done with cl[arse]es at 7. How about I come over to your dorm after that and we can talk?”

I looked over my schedule. “Sounds good to me. Well, I need to get back to work. See you then”

“Yeah, I need to get cl[arse], too. Love you”

“Love you too, bye” I hung up.

I was really surprised. That had gone reasonably well. Chris wasn’t suspecting anything. Hopefully the talk tonight would lead the way for our relationship to recover.

[Kristen07]

Not sure if anyone is still reading this story, but I'll go ahead and post ch. 6 anyway. Hope y'all enjoy :D

~Chapter 6~

Nerves built up for the rest of the afternoon. I dwelt on what Chris could possibly say and the outcomes resulting from that. He could be very understanding, we’d kiss and make up and everything would be like it was at the beginning of the relationship; he could be a little defensive at first, but then eventually let up and make up; or he could totally throw a diva fit, not listen to me for even a moment and walk out of the room in tiff .“Why are you so worried about this?” I pondered. “He’sâ€⠄¢ your boyfriend, if he really does love you, he’ll understand and listen”
“But knowing how defensive he can get when it comes to himself… I’m not so sure” I sighed. There was only one way to find out. I had to gather up all my courage and talk to him.

A few minutes past seven, Chris arrived. “What’s wrong? You look upset” He observed.
“Well, if you sit down on the couch with me, I’ll tell you.” I replied.
“Ok” He followed me to my living room and we placed ourselves on my living room couch.
“So what do you want to talk about?” He took my hand and began to caress it.
“Our relationship. What I am about to say may irritate you a little bit and cause you to want to defend yourself. But, please, allow me to let me say what I need to say then I’ll let you talk”
He nodded. “Ok, babydoll.”
“I’m really unhappy with you right now. I feel that you are getting more possessive and jealous. Whenever you ask whether we can get together and I can’t, you get completely mad at me. That didn’t used to happen. It’s not that I don’t want to spend time together; it’s just that I have other obligations at the moment. It’s gotten to the point where I almost don’t want to give you that time when I do have it. Why should I reward you with I do have when you get so angry when I don’t have it?”
He remained silent for several minutes. “I’ve been doing that because I feel as if I don’t have a girlfriend anymore. Your behavior says to me that you don’t want us to be together. I’m not expecting to spend every second of your life with me; that’s being controlling and smothering. I have my limits and it’s testing them right now. It seemed like we had a little more time at the beginning, and I truly looked forward to seeing you every time. Now I don’t want to call you because I almost know that you are going to say that you are too busy.”
“Chris, it’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just that I can’t. Trust me, there are times where I miss you so much it hurts. It’s just hard to balance everything at the same time. I really do love you and I want us to stay together. We just need to get over this time issue. It would be nice if we could try to go back to where it was. I know it’s going to be hard. Our relationship would be so much better if we could do that. Which you would rather have “Oh, I can’t wait to see you this weekend, honey?” or “argh, you mean you can’t hang out now?”
“The first one, definitely. You’re right; it hasn’t gotten under my skin this much before. I don’t know why I get so jealous. A guy who expects their girlfriend to spend all their free time with him is abusive. I wouldn’t even think about treating you like that for even a second. I know some guys who are like that and I do not have an ounce of respect for them. And it doesn’t give us anything to talk about when we are together and eventually we’d get sick of each other.” He paused “I promise we’ll work on it. I’m in love with you more than anyone I have ever been in my life and I want to make it work.”
“And it will, Chris. I promise. We both just need to be a little more understanding of the other’s feelings.”
He smiled “I’m glad we had this talk, babe”
“I am, too, sweetie.” We hugged for a few moments. Then we exchanged a kiss.
After we walked down, he asked “Do you want to run down to the Starbuck’s on the corner and get some coffee?”
“That sounds lovely.” I said, smiling. “Let’s go”
We walked out of my apartment, hand in hand.

The sidewalk was covered in slushy snow. The crowd murmured as they paced on with their business. Still, as Chris and I walked, I felt like we were the only people in the world. The feelings that I felt for him when we first began dating came flowing back. “Everything is going to be ok now” I re[arse]ured myself. “Nothing will come between us. Not this time issue and not my growing feelings for Josh.”
“I wouldn’t be so confident about that second note, Brit” A nagging voice inside my head stated. “Your crush has been growing and it’ll get even bigger.”
I shook my head rapidly. “No, no, that is not true! And even if I were to be in love with him, there’s no chance in hell he would share those same feelings. Why do you keep telling me this?”
“Are you ok, babe?”
“Not really, I’m trying to shoot down my feelings for my best friend” I thought sarcastically. “Yes, I’m fine” I told him, smiling.
“Are you sure? The way you shook your head kind of surprised me”
“Yes, I’m positive. I just needed to shake off the stress I have been feeling lately” I felt terrible for lying straight to Chris’s face. Still, I could not tell him about my feelings for Josh unless they got to a point where I could not deny I was in love with him anymore.
He bought it. “Ok. If you’re sure”

About a week p[arse]ed on. Our relationship improved dramatically. We were able to talk without getting mad and made plans to see each other a couple times. It was going in the right direction and I liked it that way. I hoped it could only continue in that direction.

One night, I decided I needed a night out with my New York City girls. Life had gotten me completely stressed out and I had to have a night where I could let myself go. I didn’t do that very often.
I walked down the street with my friends Serena and C[arse]ie. “I can’t believe you are actually out here Brit! You usually never party!” C[arse]ie quipped.
I shrugged “Tonight’s a rare exception. I need to let off steam with my two girls here. Life has been WAY too stressful lately”
“Well, then we’ve asked the right people. You aren’t going to do anything too naughty behind Chris’s back, are you?” C[arse]ie kidded.
I rolled my eyes “Not at all. We trust each other” We opened the club door.

I danced the night with a random guy and had one only one drink. Even when I did party, I was conservative. I usually don’t like it because you get yourself totally sick and hung over for only a temporary high. Not my idea of fun. However, tonight I kind of enjoyed it. I got to forget about my life and have some fun for once.

I walked into my apartment, exhausted form the club. I picked up my cell hone, since I had left it there tonight. I noticed I had two voicemail messages.

“Hey baby, it’s me. I just wanted to call you and see what you were doing. I hope to talk to you soon. Oh, and I miss you and love you. Goodnight.”

I smiled brightly. It was completely Chris to do that. He always did sweet little things like that in the beginning.
I listened to the second one.

Hey Brit. I was really hoping to be able to talk to you since I’m really depressed tonight. But seeing as if you are not available right now, I guess I can’t. I’ll tlak to you later, bye”

Poor Josh. I could tell by the tone of his voice that he was really depressed. I looked over at the clock. 1:00 in the morning. It was getting late, but I was worried about him. I decided that he wouldn’t mind if I called him this late. I punched in his number and waited for him to pick up.

He answered after three rings “Hello?” His voice seemed really groggy.

“Hey, Josh. I got your message. You sounded really upset, so I thought I’d check up on you” I said sweetly.

He sighed. “I am.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Are you willing to listen?” He asked.

“I got all night, hun. Talk to me”

[Kristen07]

Ok here's Chapter 7. Please leave me nice feedback!

~Chapter 7~

“Today is the anniversary of the day my mom was killed in the car crash” He said. “I always get really upset around this time”

Of course it was! How can I have forgotten? “Oh my gosh, I totally forgot. I’m sorry, Josh”

“It’s ok. It’s been four years… but the pain still remains as if it happened yesterday”

“Do you still think about her a lot?”

He took a deep breath, as if to hold his composure. “I think about her and dad sometimes. I wonder why God had to take them away from this world when it wasn’t their time to go. How James and I had to be slammed with both tragedies in a short amount of time. How I think I was a failure of a son to my mom”

I gasped “Joshua Shawn! Do not say such things about yourself. You are anything but that”

I could imagine him shaking his head “You don’t understand, Brit. You didn’t know me in junior high. I hit my rebellious phase. I wasn’t what I could be academically, I was never home because I was always out with friends getting drunk, and when I was home, I fought with both my parents, her especially. I know she was trying to get the best for me… but I pushed her away and treated her like she was the scum of the earth. “

Josh was right. We grew apart in junior high because Josh cared too much about fitting in. I didn’t say anything.

“Then when the accident happened, as you know, I grew up A LOT. I didn’t cry that much just thought about it and realized who my true friends were, you being one of them.” He sniffled.

“Do you wish you could take all that back now?”

“You have absolutely no idea. I wish I could take back all the hateful words I said to her, all the fights we had…. Everything. I feel that because of that, I really didn’t get to know her as a person and bond with her. That is my biggest regret in life.” He paused “I just wish I could see her again and tell her how much I have changed for the better and how I’m sorry for everything I did and said.” He let out a louder sniffle.

My heart broke for him. I wished so bad that I could give him a big hug. “Josh, I’m sure she’s in heaven smiling down on you right now because of the wonderful young man you have become”

“You’re just saying that to make me feel better” He snorted.

“”No, I’m not! You’re one of my best friends and I trust you more than almost anyone else. You’ve got qualities that any mother would be proud of. Honestly, God probably took her away because he wanted to teach you a lesson”

“I know. It’s best thing that ever happened to me in that respect. Who knows if I would have changed if the accident hadn’t happened? It still hurts like hell though. The pain will never go away for as long as I live.”

“I can’t imagine what it must be like.”

“It’s not anything I would wish on anyone to go through. The depression and loneliness knowing you don’t have the guidance and love of your parents isn’t there anymore that you have taken for granted for so long” I could imagine more tears coming down his cheeks. “That’s what stings the most. The fact that I took for granted that they would always be there. When my friends complain about how much they hate their parents and they don’t understand, I think “Well, at least you have parents that are looking out for you and care. I don’t have that”
“Do you miss your dad, too?”

“Absolutely. You know we became closer after Mom died, because that he could be gone within a blink of an eye as she was. But the loss became too much for him. Mom and Dad were best friends, even though I wasn’t really around to witness it. Things happen for a reason, even though I’m not sure I’ll ever understand why” He sighed. “I’ll always miss them. I can only hope they are proud of who I am now”

“I’m sure they are, honey.” I said. “If I could, I’d go down to Atlanta and give you a bear hug right now”

“It’s ok. Thank you for letting me get all that off my chest.”

“Your welcome. That’s what friends are here for. Are you feeling better?”

He sighed. “Good enough that I can sleep now.”

“Good.” I looked over at the clock. It was nearing 2:00 am. “It’s late you know”

“I’m exhausted, so I’m going to bed.”

“Do you think you’ll be able to get through today?” I asked.

“Yes, I think so, Brit. Again thank you so much for listening. It means a lot”

“Your welcome. Keep your head up, ok?”

“I’ll try. Talk to you soon, sis”

“Bye, bro” I hung up, sighing heavily. My feelings grew significantly during that phone call. I knew it was only around this time that he got depressed, but still, I wished I was by his side, comforting him instead of just listening. “I wish I could be by his side all the time” I thought.
“Oh my god, Britnei, you ARE NOT falling in love with him. You can’t let that happen”
“Then why do I think like this all the time? It’s stronger than an emotion to feel towards a friend.” I groaned, crawling into bed and pulling the covers over my head, trying to block thoughts of Josh out of my head.

Unfortunately, the feelings didn’t subside the next day. I kept worrying about him and how he was doing considering what day it was. I tried to shoot the feelings down, but it became harder and harder. Still, I refused to accept the fact that I was falling in love with the brother I never had. “Well, you might have to get over it and accept it because what might happen if Chris catches you thinking about him? Would you be able to keep lying to his face if he catches you doing that on numerous occasions?”
That was a good point. If this went on much longer, I was going to have to tell Chris. Granted, he might dump me for it, but I wasn’t sure how I was going to keep them a secret from him or Josh much longer.

[Luv_98_Degrees]

I love your story, Kris!! You're an awesome writer!! :clapping: Britnei really needs to tell Chris & Josh how she feels!! Please add soon!!!! :D :D

[Kristen07]

Hey y'all guess what!!!! :Big Grin: I have inspiration in for this story!!! I'm going to maybe start on the chapter a slight bit and hopefully have it out by this weekend some time. keep on the lookout! :)

[Forever_Lost]

Yay! :D I can't wait to read it. :)

[Kristen07]

Here's chapter 8, y'all! It's got a section of strong language in it just so you are forwarned. I hope y'all enjoy! :)

~Chapter 8~

Chris and I were walking through the New York streets a few nights later. It was early March, and it seemed the atmosphere was in transition between winter and spring. Snow still graced the ground, but it felt slushier and melted faster. The air had a crispness about it; it wasn’t too cold but not too warm. There was still a little bit of quietness about the city that only winter could bring
“Winter is getting closer to being over, you know” Chris told me.
I nodded “I know it is. I’m happy… winter isn’t exactly my favorite season. I can’t wait for the warmer weather, the love that always seems to blossom around spring… it’ll just get better”
“ Just as our relationship will blossom” He said, smiling.
I smiled back. “Absolutely” Chris made happier than anyone ever had. Ever since our talk, our relationship had been getting stronger. I never wanted to lose him. Our lips met for a few moments.
We reached my apartment building. “Do you want to come up to my apartment for a few minutes?” I asked.
“Sure, I’m in no hurry to go home. And besides, the more time I get to spend with you, the better.”
“Aww, thanks honey” We walked into the building.

We arrived in my apartment. I walked ahead into my bedroom, and noticed that the new message light was flashing on my home phone. I pushed play to see who it was.

Hey Brit it’s me. I know, you’re probably wondering why in the world I’m calling you here. Even though I don’t call you on here much, I still have this number memorized for some reason. Anyway, my cell phone broke and I had to get a new one. Still, I need your cell phone number again because I do not remember what it is. Call me sometime soon. Here’s my number” He gave me his new number “Love ya, Sugar Brits. Bye”
I chuckled and smiled. Josh came up with that name for me when we started getting closer again in sophomore year of high school after a friendship hiatus in junior high. I took a piece of paper and wrote down the number. I’d call him after Chris left.
“Who was that?” Chris’s tone of voice was very annoyed.
Oh crap. I was in trouble now. Josh had immersed my thoughts for only a split second, but it was enough to make me forget that Chris was present in the apartment. “My friend, Josh” I said calmly.
Chris stepped further into the room “Oh really? How do you know him?”
I sighed. “He’s my best guy friend from high school. I’ve known him almost all my life. It’s nothing more than that, I promise”
“Are you sure?” It doesn’t sound like it from the way he’s talking”
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Why was Chris getting so jealous? This was nothing out of the ordinary. Josh and I always acted this way. He only wanted my number so he could program it into his new phone and we could keep in touch with each other. This issue was about to be blown out of proportion. I could feel it. “I mean it, Chris. I actually talk to guys besides you, but it doesn’t mean I don’t love you any less.”
“It’s not the fact that he left a message, it’s the content of the message. He’s asking for your number. Other guys aren’t supposed to do that”
“So, what’s your point? He only asked for it because we are friends and like to keep in contact every once and awhile. What do you think it means, huh?” I gave Chris an evil glare and didn’t intend to back down.
“That you and him are maybe doing something behind my back?” Chris’s eyebrow was raised.
That allegation was preposterous. Sure, I might be falling in love with Josh, but it didn’t mean I would go and make out with him behind Chris’s back. Cheating on someone meant that a person didn’t have the heart to tell their significant other that their heart wasn’t in the relationship anymore. “You think I would stoop to that level? Some people don’t have that decency, but I do. Why are you blowing this out of proportion?”
“I’m not, DAMMITT!!” Fire filled his eyes. “I just want to you to answer the question, are you cheating or not?’
“NO! Are you happy now?” I screamed. “I STILL don’t understand why you and I are even HAVING this conversation.” I was so fired up that I wanted to throw a punch right into his pretty boy face.
“DON’T SPEAK TO ME IN THAT FASHION. IF YOU WANT TO BE THAT WAY, GO AHEAD AND TAKE THIS” Chris slapped me right across the face.
“OW!!!!! HOW YOU [freak]ING DARE TO RAISE A FINGER TO ME WHEN I HAVEN’T EVEN DONE A THING TO YOU!!!!” I paused, almost unable to speak. “YOU KNOW WHAT, GET THE [freak] OUT OF MY APARTMENT!!! I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!!!”
“FINE, GODDAMITT!!! I DON’T WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN EITHER!” Chris turned on his heel, walked out of the apartment and slammed the door so hard I could feel the walls shake.
“WHY DO YOU GET SO DAMN JEALOUS?!” I screamed after him. I angrily proceeded to punch the pillow on the bed and realized that would not work if I wanted to get all my emotions out. I needed someone to vent to that was close in location. I decided on Kayla. She was one of my best friends; I’d known here for as long as I’d known Josh. A late night coffee shop talk with her would be all I needed.

“Hello?”

“Kayla, are you busy?”

“Not really, why?” She asked.

“I really need someone to vent to. Can we meet at the Corner Café in a half hour?”

“Absolutely. See ya then”

I tore off my current attire and threw on sweatpants, boots, and a white shirt and my jacket. It was nearing midnight, and I really felt bad for making Kayla make this trip. But I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep until I lifted all this emotion from my chest.

As I journeyed over to the coffee shop, I could feel my anger null into pure numbness, depression and confusion. Why had this fight happened? I couldn’t believe Chris made such a big a deal out of nothing. Maybe it was time to leave him; his jealousy had been too much of a factor lately. “Now, now Brit you do still ove him, you just are extremely irritated with him at the moment”

Kayla was sitting at a back table with two cappuccinos when I got there. “You look upset, sweetie” She stated.
“I’m very upset…need to get everything off my chest. I’m sorry I made you make this trip” I sat down.
“It’s ok. Even if it was 3 am I would have come. Now talk to me Crisby, what’s wrong?” Her eyes showed sympathy.
“Well, as you many have guessed… Chris and I got into another fight”
“It looks like he hit you”
I nodded and sighed. “He did. And I didn’t do anything to deserve it, not a woman usually deserves getting hit by a man.”
“What in the…. Why? Let me find him and hit him for you” Kayla rose in her seat, looking determined and irritated.
“No Brooker, please don’t. I don’t want to involve anyone else. I’ll tell you the story”
She sat back down and took a deep breath. “Ok. Tell me what happened.”
I recounted the whole fight Josh’s innocent message and what he said on it; Chris’s jealousy and how it caused our tempers to flare up; and how he hit me.
Kayla shook her head. “You shouldn’t have let him do that to you, Brit.”
“I had no idea he was going to it, or I would have reacted quicker. I love him… but I’m just not sure there is anything between us anymore. He told me he would quit being jealous about our time issue, and then he lets his jealousy get in the way in this. He’s being a hypocrite, too.” I sipped the warm coffee, letting the sensation fill my body.
“What makes you say that?” Kayla inquired, pushing her dirty blonde hair away from her face.
“Well, the other night when we were talking about the time issue, he said something about a guy controlling wanting to make his girlfriend spend all her time with him is abusive. He told me he would never think about acting that way. Yet, don’t you think what he did tonight was symptoms of being abusive?”
“It’s starting symptoms. But you should dump him anyway, he’s a jerk” Kayla despised Chris; she had for almost the whole time Chris and I had been together. She didn’t like the way he treated me some times.
“He can be at times… I’ll admit it,” I said.
“Then how can you say that you still love him?”
I thought about that question for several moments. Why did I still love Chris? He was jealous and possessive at times, yes. But the rest of the time, he was a sweetie pie who treated me like the most important woman in the world. He was very loving, caring and funny. The bad side of him had almost dominated our relationship the past few months, but I believed it wasn’t his main side. “Because I think his good qualities outweigh the bad ones.” I finally answered timidly.
“Why? Because he showers you with sweet lies? I tell you, Britnei, he’s going to burn you one of these days”
“And are you saying that just because you hate him, Kayla Brooke?” I inquired, raising an eyebrow.
She shook her head. “No. I’ve seen the type of guy that he is before, and usually the results aren’t good. I’m not telling you not to love him: I’m just saying you need to be careful. Some of my friends’ hearts have gotten broken by guys like him before and I don’t want that heartache to happen to you. I’m trying to watch for your best interest, Brit, even though you might not think so”
“I appreciate the concern, Kayla. But, I’m not ready to let go of him just yet. If something like what happened tonight happens again, I’ll walk away.” I sipped my coffee again. “But this situation is probably going to get even more complicated”
“Why do you say that?”
I was indirectly referring to my growing feelings for Josh. The only person that I had confided in so far about them was Bonni. I decided to reveal them to her. “Because I’m falling in love with my best friend”
Kayla gasped. “You mean Josh?”
I nodded. “Yes”
“Ooo…. This is news. Tell me, how did it happen?” She leaned in closer to listen.
I told her about how the feelings just popped up during Christmas break, and how I’d been battling them off ever since. “But one recent night is making me almost feel like I can’t deny my feelings for him anymore”
“Why, what happened?”
“Well, you know that his mom died in the car accident in 10th grade. It was the anniversary of that day. He was almost crying, so I sat there and comforted him over the phone but I secretly wished I was by his side comforting him. The next day, all I could think about was him and how he was coping through the day. And even when I’m with Chris, I catch myself thinking about him. I daydream about what maybe we could be. But then I keep reminding myself that I shouldn’t be thinking about him and we’ll never be together.”
“And why do you say that?”
“Because he is only my best friend. I would say something if I picked up a sign that maybe he feels the same emotions I do… but so far I haven’t so I’m not going to say anything to him... not yet. I’m not going to ruin a perfect friendship just because I’m in love with him and tied down to another person”
“Then why don’t you dump Mr. Jealous and Conceited because it’s obvious you are not completely happy with him and tell Josh how you feel? He may be feeling the same thing.”
“I wouldn’t see any reason why, though. We have been friends for so long…what would cause him to think differently?” I argued.
“Well, what made you look at him differently?”
Kayla had a point. “You know what… I really don’t know. I remember leaving Nikki’s Christmas party thinking about how cute he was and my heart skipping a couple beats… nothing real special.”
“Well, maybe it happened to him as well. You never know unless you ask.”
“I know, but I’m going to try to work things out with Chris first, even though I’m probably stupid for doing it. I still think there is something worth saving between us.”
“Well Brit, I hope you know what you are doing. I think you are making yourself very vulnerable to being hurt right now. I’m not going to tell you to not love someone because I hate him and think he’s not right for you.
I just hope you are careful and do what’s right for you”
“I will, Kayla. I know you’re looking out for my best interests. I paused. “If you reveal any aspect of this conversation to Josh, I swear you will be punished.”
“I wasn’t planning to. You can reveal your love for him when you are ready”
“I don’t know about that” I thought. “Thank you so much for coming to meet me here… it means a lot.”
“You’re more than welcome, hun. Are you feeling better now that you kind of spilled out your heart here?”
I nodded “Yes. Well, I think I’m gonna go back to my apartment and crash.”
“Ok, I am too” We stood up and walked out the front of the coffeehouse.
We hugged. “Take care of yourself, sweets. We’ll be in contact soon”
“Yes, we will, Brooker” We broke away and headed our separate ways into the New York night.

[Kristen07]

No feedback........ :( :( :( :( :( :( Y'all make me sad....

[Forever_Lost]

I didn't even know you added.. sorry. :)

Great add!

[Kristen07]

I have started working on this story again :) Hopefully an update will come soon enough...