Monday, December 15th Her eyes fluttered heavy with sleep. The teacher kept talking, droning on about triangles. Not a soul listened, half the class was asleep. The boy sitting next to her was on his iPod, the other boy drooling away on the book. Placing her head on one hand, she reached over for a pencil, a thought wanting to escape. She scratched out the thought in the margins of her homework, not caring she had to give the paper up in a few minutes. By the time the story line had been written out, the teacher asked for homework. Sighing, the brunette handed it to the preppy blonde who had been assigned “paper collector.” With nothing left to do, she turn her attention back to the teacher. He had begun his daily lecture on how the class should listen. As much as it pained her to listen, she did. Listening along, she mumbled all the words of his lecture. When it was finally over, she glanced back at the clock. A smile jumped onto her face as she nudged the sleeping kid next to her. He awoke with a jump, right as the bell began to ring. Everyone began picking up their things and heading out the door. She stood up herself, fixed the deep purple dress, gathered her things, and walked out the door. Chatter filled the hallways, gossip and drama at the tip of everyone’s tongue. Searching the crowd of teens, she spotted her boyfriend. Tall, scrawny, golden brown hair, he wasn’t hard to miss. He yelled out to her, as if she hadn’t seen him mixed with the green-haired kids. “Ey! Yo, babe!” “Hey baby doll,” she replied when he got closer. “How you be woman?” He said as he took her hand. “I be dandy. How’s you, Sleepy?” Her laughter rang out. He smiled, “I’m just fantastic, besides me being sleepy.” He yawned again, proving his point. “Hurry up today. I was late to Enneking’s class yesterday cause of you.” Releasing her hand, he opened his locker. Going slower than a sloth, he grabbed his book. Turning, she began to walk away. “Emma, wait!” he called out, slamming the locker closed. “No, you wait. And quit calling me Emma!” frustration seeping out of her. “Baby,” he said when he finally caught up, “you know I love you.” “No, I don’t. And obviously, you love my twin sister more than me,” she said. The boy began laughing, so loud that everyone started to give him looks. “Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah, there’s no way in hell I’ll ever love Emma more than you! I just like pushing your buttons.” “Whatever,” she replied, smiling widely. “True story!” he said. She laughed, waved him off, and went into the classroom. “Hello?” “Ey, yo, Grace, it be me.” “Duh it’s you. I have caller I.D. you know.” “Just making sure you know it’s me. So what’s up baby?” “Waiting on your lazy ass. What about you?” “Getting off my lazy ass.” Grace laughed. “Be there in five, kay?” “Kay, see you then.” The phone clicked, ending the call. Placing his phone in his pocket, the boy finished getting ready. He slid on the first shirt he saw, smoothing any wrinkles with his hands. He grabbed his shoes and headed up the stairs. Not seeing his mom, he yelled out, “Momma! I’m leaving!” “All right, have fun! Be good!” Her voice floated down from upstairs. Quickly putting his shoes on, he snatched a skateboard and walked out the front door. Yelling goodbye to the adorable puppy in the backyard, he hopped on the board. Riding down the hill, he saw a kid putting things into the trunk of a mustang. Even with the kid’s back to him, he knew it was Evan Randall. Evan was a straight up punk, popular, did meth every Tuesday, the star baseball player, and had a GPA of 4.7. Evan was also Grace’s best friend. The two had a relationship so deep, it drove the boy mad. With the feeling of regret flowing throughout his heart, he stopped his board and called out to Evan. “Hey Evan.” Without even looking back, Evan replied, “Hey Rickey.” “What’s up?” “Packing,” Evan said as he loaded another box into the trunk. “That’s tight, for what?” Ricky mumbled, trying to peak into the boxes. “College. I’ve already been accepted and have a dorm. So this weekend I’m driving to Florida to set stuff up.” “Sweet. Emma know?” “Nope. I planned on telling her today. You going over to her place?” “Yeah...” Ricky said slowly. “Well, do you want a ride? She knows I’m coming. Don’t worry though; I’m only staying for a few. Than y’all can have your time together.” “All right, yeah. Cool. Thanks.” Ricky said, already knowing the ride would be awkward. “Kay, let me go grab the last box. The car’s unlocked if you wanna go ahead and get in.” Evan walked through the garage into his house. Ricky, not wanting to feel any more awkward, picked up his board and put it in the backseat. He opened the passenger’s door, waiting. When Evan finally came back outside holding the last box, he got into the car. Evan placed the box into his trunk and slammed it closed. He hopped in the car, starting it with a roar. Music blaring, Evan glanced back and pulled forward. Less than two minutes later, the boys had arrived at Grace’s. Ricky got out, faster than the Flash. He grabbed his board from the backseat, slammed the door close, and began walking up to the front door. Evan walked behind slowly, getting himself ready to spill the news. Ricky rang the doorbell, fixing his hair one last time. Evan swallowed down his fear as Grace answered the door. The doorbell rang, causing Grace to jump. She yelled, saying she’d get it. Emma hardly even looked up, eyes and brain focused on her paper. Peaking out the front window, Grace saw Evan’s car. Surprised, she opened the front door nice and wide, not only seeing Evan but Ricky as well. Surprise was written all over her face as she took them in. Ricky flashed a smile, Evan slightly waved. Opening the screen door, Ricky leaned closer to her, eyes already closed. Quickly kissing him, she beckoned them inside. Both boys came inside, both able to feel the awkwardness. Voice cracking, Grace asked, “Ricky, can you uh, keep my sister occupied? I kind of need to speak with Evan.” Ricky just nodded, already knowing what was coming. Evan reached out, taking her hand in his. Leading her outside, they sat in the chairs that were on the porch. He took a deep breath, steadying himself. Slowly, she asked, “What’s up?” “Grace, there’s something you should know.” A worried look came across her face. “It’s not bad, I swear. But, I’m leaving. Friday. I’ve been accepted to college. I have a dorm and everything. I’m driving to Florida right after school,” tears began to swell up in his eyes, his voice shaking. “I couldn’t just leave without you knowing where I was. I’ll be back, either Sunday or Monday or Tuesday.” “Congrats Evan! I’m proud of you…” her voice trailed off. “Thanks.” She just reached over and held his hand, letting them sit in silence. Each were absorbed in their own thoughts, so neither heard when Ricky stepped outside. He cleared his throat, startling them both. “Hey, your mom said its dinner time.” “Kay, I’ll be right in.” He nodded, hardly looking at their intertwined hands, and walked back inside. The best friends stood, and walked to his car. She smiled bravely, saying, “I’ll miss you. Get me something good, kay?” He laughed, pulling her in tight for a hug. When they let go, a tear ran down her face. Evan brushed it away. She smiled sadly. “All right,” he said, “I’m gonna go now. Don’t worry, I’ll be at school tomorrow and I am coming back. I swear I will. Plus, I don’t even graduate till next semester!” “I know. Now go home, you’re cutting into boyfriend time. Text me kay?” He opened the driver’s door, sat down, and looked back up. “I’ll text you. When I leave, when I stop for gas, when I do anything. I love you best friend.” “I love you more, best friend.” She shut the door for him and walked around his car. She gave a wave and watched until his car had made it all the way down the hill, out of sight. She walked up her driveway, glanced one more time, and went inside. He heard the garage door open and slammed closed. Sighing, he got up from the couch. Grace walked into the kitchen, sitting down to her dinner. Ricky sat next to her, pushing his food away. About three shovels of food later, Grace looked up to see Ricky staring her down. She sighed, swallowed the food currently in her mouth, and moved her plate. When her mouth was clear, she spoke, “What is it, dear?” “We need to talk about you and Evan,” he replied. She laughed heartily until she saw Ricky’s look of seriousness. “What do we have to talk about? You know him, you know our relationship, and you know I won’t choose between you. He’s my best friend and I don’t care what you say, nothing will change that.” “I know. I just don’t like the affection you give each other. Hand holding I guess I can deal with. But long, tight hugs, kisses on the cheek, saying “I love you”. Like, I’m sorry, but that seriously bothers me. You’d be upset if I was holding some other girl’s hand and telling her I love her.” She froze, her heart breaking. She knew what he was going to ask, so she waited a moment. When she felt ready, she spoke softly. “Dear, what are you asking?” His voice was hard, cold, and firm when he said, “Stop giving affection.” Grace turned away, unable to look Ricky in the eye. “I just can’t take it anymore. I wish you’d stop talking to him completely, but I know if I made you pick, you’d pick him. And I can’t bear to lose you. But I feel his presence is ruining our relationship,” his voice cracked as he spoke. A tear trailed down her face. She looked at him, barely nodding. He smiled softly, taking her hand. She squeezed his hand, looking away. Tuesday, December 16th The bell sounded, her heart speeding up. Standing, she gathered her things and headed out the door. “Relax,” she whispered to herself. Taking a deep breath, she then heard his laugh. It rang out over everyone’s voice, nearly knocking the wind right out from her. Smiling, she took her place beside him. “Hey honey,” he said, his hand reaching for hers. “Hey,” her hand moved away. Stopping, he looked down at her. “What’s wrong?” Heart breaking, she whispered, “It’s time we break up.” His hand quit searching for hers, his voice cracking, “I don’t understand… Why? Did I do something?” “I can’t stop loving my best friend. You asking me that is like me asking you to quit loving your mom. It just can’t be done!” He started slowly walking, leaving Grace alone. The bell rang, 3rd hour beginning. Grace was unable to move, her feet nailed to the floor, her eyes glued to Ricky. “So that’s it? You’re picking him? All I asked…” “Was for me to quit giving affections! There isn’t a day where I don’t give Evan a hug! I can’t do it. I’m sorry. But if you’re gonna ask me to do that, then we need to break up.” Ricky strode over quickly, his temper rising. “Fine! If you wanna end this, fine. Just know, I love you. SO much. And when Evan leaves for college, I’m not gonna be the one to hold your hand while you cry! God, I can’t believe you!” “There isn’t a single thing I’ve done wrong! You don’t think this is killing me too?! I’m already regretting this! I just don’t know what else to do, okay?!!” The words flew from her mouth, stunning him as much as her. Slowly, he spoke, “I don’t wanna lose you, I can’t. Who knows what I’ll get myself into… You’re my rock, and I need you… Please…” Looking away, Grace started crying. She fell to the floor, darkness taking over her body. “Grace?! GRACE?!” A frantic look came across Ricky’s face. He started shaking her, yelling out, “Help! Grace! Please!” A tear slipped from her eye, dark was all she could see. All breath in her was gone, as was her willpower. Letting go, she fell to the floor with a thud. Almost immediately, she started dreaming. The man was driving a semi-truck. It was darker than black out, his lights barely cutting through. The Arizona desert made the cab hot, causing the driver to open his windows. The air was thick, his breath hard to catch. A wolf could be heard howling in the distance. Suddenly, something ran in front of the truck. The man swerved, crashing. Grace gasped for air, eyes wide open. People were surrounding her, each saying something different. She wasn’t able to make anything out though. She looked at everyone, not a face familiar. Someone started shaking her. Her head began throbbing. She couldn’t sit up; her legs were being held up. Her hands had a tingly feeling in them. Her arms were numb, no feeling in them. A man bumped into her arm, she screamed from a stabbing pain. Thoughts rushed through her head like people rushed around her. Everyone had something to say, some advice or some worried comment. One voice floated above all others, Evan’s. Grace smiled despite the pain she was suddenly in. She spoke, voice breaking, “Evan?” His face was in her vision at once, it was clear he was concerned. “Yes Grace?” “Hey,” she smiled, “what’s going on? What’s happening? Is my arm broken? Will I go to the hospital?” “Whoa there. One question at a time,” he laughed nervously. “Yes, your arm is broken and yes you’ll be going to the hospital. No one knows what happened though. The only person who saw was…” “Ricky. I know. I was there. I fainted. We were arguing and I got really upset. I didn’t eat breakfast. Nothing’s wrong with me except my arm. Can you get me something to drink? Water, please?” “Sure, anything. I’ll be right back.” He squeezed her hand, and left. She could hear Evan repeating everything she just told him to someone else. The man he told said okay and walked away. “How is she? What happened?” “We don’t know at the moment, he called you because Ricky said you’re best friends with Grace?” “Yes I am,” Evan said sternly. “Evan?” Grace’s voice called out. Evan rushed to her side, leaving the man he was talking with alone. “Yes Grace?” “Hey,” she smiled, “what’s going on? What’s happening? Is my arm broken? Will I go to the hospital?” “Whoa there. One question at a time,” he laughed nervously, trying to cover up how worried he was. “Yes, your arm is broken and yes you’ll be going to the hospital. No one knows what happened though. The only person who saw was…” “Ricky. I know. I was there. I fainted. We were arguing and I got really upset. I didn’t eat breakfast. Nothing’s wrong with me except my arm. Can you get me something to drink? Water, please?” “Sure, anything. I’ll be right back.” He squeezed her hand, and left. Standing, he looked around, trying to find the man he been talking with before. He spotted him and walked over. Repeating everything Grace just told him, the man simply said okay. He walked away, getting Evan the glass of water for Grace. When the water was in his hand, Evan walked back over to his best friend. He handed her the water, his heart screaming for him to ask what happened between Ricky and her. He smiled when Grace finished the water, grabbing her hand. Right as he was about to speak, she beat him to it. “We were arguing about us. I told him we needed to break up. He didn’t wanna. I don’t wanna either. But there isn’t any way I’m losing my best friend.” Evan sighed, “Grace… This isn’t about me and you. This is about you two. I don’t care if I can only text and call you. It’s so worth it, as long as you’re completely happy with him.” “I am completely happy with him…” “Then don’t break up with him,” his voice was firm. “Would you seriously give up our hugs and hand holding and everything, for him?” “Not a chance would I do that! But for you, that’s a different story.” Her face lit up like the Fourth of July, “I’m so glad we’re best friends.” “Me too honey. Me too.” “Well, now what do I do with Ricky?” Unable to answer, he looked away. His eye caught the back of a plaid shirt. The wearer turned around. Quickly kissing Grace on the cheek, Evan stood up. He walked away, towards the person. “Evan.” Ricky’s voice was cold and hard. “Can I help you?” “Yeah. You can actually. What the hell are you doing kissing my girlfriend? You realize that’s my job and not yours, best friend.” “You back the hell off me. I’ll do what I want. And don’t you forget, whatever I tell Grace you said to me, she’ll believe. She’s already on the fritz about dumping your dumbass.” “So what?! Let her dump me!! I don’t even give a sh*t.” “Says the one who was begging.” Evan walked away, leaving Ricky to fume in his own anger. Wednesday, December 17th Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring. Dashing across the room, he snatched up the phone, practically yelling, “Hello?” “Hey,” the voice was soft, kindness flowing throughout. “What’s up baby? It’s been forever. How are you? How’s your arm? I miss you. Can I see you now?” the questions spilled out of his mouth, clearly nervous. “Nothing, I know, I’m fine, it’s fine, okay, no. Ricky, we’re done.” “I…what?” “We’re done. You love, yes I know. You can’t live without me, fine. Blah blah blah. I don’t care anymore. Evan told me you didn’t care, and now I don’t care. It’s over, we’re over. I gotta go now, Evan’s coming. Oh and don’t you dare say anything to him or get into a fight or do anything dumb, all right? I love you, probably always will, and I don’t want anything to happen to you. We just can’t be together anymore, at least not right now. I’m sorry. Bye Ricky.” The phone clicked. Speechless, he closed his phone. Heartbroken tears spilled from her eyes. Everything inside her was kicking and screaming. Her body was shaking, unable to relax. The door bell rang, causing her to jump and scream. Evan threw the door open, frantically looking around. His eyes landed on her and froze. He soaked up her terrible state, determining what he should say or do. He walked over, sitting next to her on the couch. He put his arm around her. Grace took the comfort and tried to relax. Her tears flowed more smoothly, each going into Evan’s grey shirt. His eyes focused on the movie that was playing. His thoughts were racing, his mind freaking out. S he sighed and grabbed his hand. He smiled at her. A small, hurt smile came across Grace’s face. Clearing her throat, she asked him, “Evan? Do you feel I made the right choice?” It took him a moment to reply, him finally saying, “I feel you made the better choice.” “What do you mean?” confusion sinking in. “I mean, of the two options you had to pick from, you picked the better. They were both good and either one would have been okay. But this one is more liberating. You shouldn’t let anyone, and I mean anyone, tell you who to be friends with. Yes, it hurts giving up someone you love, but you know, if he really does love you, he’ll fight for your relationship. And I think he will. Fight you that is.” “Oh… I see…” “Yup,” he squeezed her hand. “Whatever you say Best friend,” she laid her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes, letting loose of the pain she held inside. Suddenly, the door bell rang. Her eyes flew open. Ricky was standing there, flowers in one hand and skateboard in the other. Evan stood, absolutely furious. He strode across the living room to the front door. Pissed, he yelled out, “What the hell?! You know, when people break up, you’re supposed to stay away. Get off her porch and out of her life. She’s extremely upset and you showing up here isn’t gonna help. Now f**k off you ass.” He slammed the door closed. He walked over and into the bathroom, mumbling to himself. Grace threw herself off the couch, rushing to the door. She opened it wide. There Ricky stood, tears streaming down his cheeks. Her heart broke all over again. She pushed the glass door open, speaking softly, “Ricky… What have I done…” “You’ve broke my heart. Please, Grace, take me back. It hasn’t even been five minutes and I’m already lost. I just… I can’t take it.” “Come here,” she whispered quietly. She stepped outside and held her arms wide open. He stepped into them, arms sliding around her too. They hugged, each soaking in the other’s sadness. “I’m sorry, I really am.” He pulled away, dropping his arms, “I am too. I’m letting my jealousy get in the way of our relationship. Please, give me another chance. I won’t do it again.” “Ricky. I refuse to lose you. But I refuse to believe that in only a couple minutes you know that you won’t do it again. We both know it’ll happen again.” ‘It won’t. I know it. Please Grace.” “Let’s just take a day or two to ourselves. We’ll just be on a break. I need a few days to myself. As do you. I need to figure out some personal things and you need to work on your jealousy. All right?” “All right,” he agreed half-heartedly. “Good, now get out of here before Evan kicks your butt,” she smiled at him. He smiled back, gave her a kiss on the cheek, and walked off. She went inside to find Evan standing there, anger steaming off of him. “What the hell was that?” “What do you mean?” She scooted around him, trying to make it back to the couch. “You know what I mean,” he lunged out towards her, grabbing her wrists. “Ow, that hurts!” She tried twisting away, unable to break his hold. “Damn right it does!!” “Evan, stop! You’re hurting me!” Tears began streaming from her eyes. “You break up with Ricky!” His voice rose higher, “Got me?!” “Evan!” She screamed. He let go, surprised by her scream. She rubbed her wrists and went to the couch. Evan just stood there, frozen by his actions. “Evan?” Grace’s voice came out as a whisper. He looked over and saw her patting the seat next to her. Moving like a sloth, the best friend sat down. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I don’t know what came over me. It… It won’t happen again, I promise.” Grace just nodded, her perfect brunette ringlets bouncing. She tenderly grabbed his hand and held it tight. She reached over and delicately placed a kiss on his cheek. She felt warmth rise into the cheek, causing her to kiss it again. He was mumbling something but Grace didn’t bother to listen. Again she kissed his cheek, then his jaw line, next his neck. She went back up, kissing the neck, the jaw line, the cheek, then his chin, his nose, his forehead. Finally, she kissed his lips. They were soft, moving with hers. He reached behind her, pulling her closer. He broke their kiss, smiling at the fact that his best friend was sitting in his lap. Grace smiled too, kissing one more time. “I know,” his voice was hoarse, “that you and Ricky are still togetherish, but isn’t this better? Me and you? We go so well together.” “Nos llevamos bien,” Grace said, pulling away. “Yeah…whatever that means.” She laughed, “We go together well.” “Oh, well then definitely.” “Si, para no puedo. Me gustaria Ricky. Tu estas mi amigo major.” “I have no idea what you just said but I heard Ricky and that’s all I need to hear.” He stood, releasing her hand. “Evan, where are you going?” “Home, I leave in two days and I need to do some, um, you know, meth,” he walked towards the door. Looking back, he asked, “Gonna give me a hug or what?” Grace got up and ran over, jumping into his arms. “Don’t leave. You don’t need to go do meth.” “I do actually,” he placed her down on the ground; “it’s the only way I can get rid of the feelings I have for you.” She stopped, frozen by his words. “I love you,” Evan said with a slight smile, “text me.” He opened the front door and walked out. Grace watched him walk down the driveway, get into his car, and drive away. She continued to watch what was going on outside. Her neighbors were living their lives, some out and about, some playing tag with their kids. Unwilling and unable to cry, Grace managed to let one simple tear stroll down her cheek. Inside that tear were Grace’s biggest fears and worst pains. It ran down her cheek, went under chin, and down her neck. It froze when it got to her collarbone, allowing her to wipe it away. She brushed it off, just like how she was planning on brushing Ricky off. Thursday, December 18th “Hey, are you free?” “Yeah, wanna come over?” “Yup. I’ll be there in a few.” “Kay baby, I love you.” “I know. Bye.” She hit the end button, ending the call. Grabbing her keys, she got into her car and started it. “Bottoms Up” was playing. She turned it up and backed down the driveway. Grace inched the car along, taking her time to gather herself together. By the time the song ended, she was at Ricky’s house. She parked in the driveway, knowing she wouldn’t be long. She climbed out of the car and walked up the stairs to the front door. She rang the doorbell, nervously tapping her fingers on her thigh. A cute little redhead boy answered the door. He let her in, giving Grace a huge hug. He called out for Ricky and sat down on the couch next to Grace. Together they waited for him, each hardly saying anything. “Grace?” Ricky called out, his voice coming from the kitchen. She sighed, that was where they normally met up. “In here,” she replied. He walked into the living room, surprised to see her and his brother together. “Teddy, leave. Grace and I are hanging.” Teddy stood, looking at Grace. She stood as well, giving the boy one last hug. He walked to the basement stairs and went down them. Grace continued to stand, just looking at Ricky. “Well…” he said. “Yeah, well.” “Movie time?” hope was in his voice. “No actually, I just came for one thing.” “Oh,” despair taking over the hope. “All right, the thing is…” She was cut short, his mother walking into the room. “Hey dear! How are you?” “Oh, I’m good, you?” “Just peachy!” “Good to hear.” “Oh yes, I’m glad to see you here. I was beginning to think I’d never see you again.” “Yeah…” “Well, you kids have fun. I’m gonna go play video games with Ted.” “You have fun too.” She walked downstairs, out of sight. “You were saying?” Ricky asked. “We’re done. I’m sorry, I am. But we need to end it.” “Fine,” his voice came out as a whisper, “whatever you say.” “I wish we didn’t have to, but I honestly don’t see any other way.” “All right…” “Hug?” He came closer and wrapped his arms around her for the last time. When they pulled away, tears were rolling down both of their faces. She pulled his face closer to hers, kissing him on the cheek. “I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “I hope one day you’ll be able to forgive me.” With that, she stepped back and walked to the front door. Looking around one last time, she gave a slight wave to Ricky and walked out.