Just One Chance : Chapter Six

Chapter Six.
Michael watched Nicole’s face change expressions as he said the words, “Listen, I called you here because we need to talk.”
Nicole’s face fell. “Oh. I’m pretty sure I know why. If you’re breaking up with me-“ She paused to take a breath. “Then I get it. That’s okay.”
Michael felt terrible. “Nicole… I’m so sorry. You’re sweet, and you’re beautiful. You’re prefect for some guy out there. But that guy’s not me. Can we still be friends? It would mean everything to me.”
Nicole swallowed hard. “Yeah. Thanks.” Then she smiled. “Will you come to church this weekend?”
Michael felt relieved. “Yeah. For sure. I will.”
***
Brad talked quietly into Katya’s room. He sat in the char next to the bed. He took one of her hands in his.
“Hey. I’m not sure why I even came here… Uh… I just felt like I should come here and tell you something when you’re not awake to hear it. It’s stupid I know, but it’s easier. When you wake up, you won’t remember a word I’ve said. But that’s okay.” He shifted slightly in the chair. “I wrote it down because I’m not too good with words. Here goes. Dear Katya. I guess I’m just going to say this to get it off my chest. I’m sure hundreds of guys would jump at the chance to date you. Hundreds of guys that think you’re beautiful and amazing. I’m one of them. You probably would never guess that I can’t stop thinking about you. If you don’t make it, a part of me will die with you. I can’t tell you this when you wake up, ‘cause I guess I’m too much of a coward. And I know that you like Michael. I see the way you look at him. It’s not obvious, but I can tell that you’re in love with him. He may deny it, but I’m pretty sure that he likes you too. And as long as you’re happy, I will be too.
You hang in there, I’ll be praying for you. I love you Kay.”
He slowly folded the paper and closed his eyes, taking a breath. He stood and shoved the crumpled paper into his back pocket. He bent down and lightly kissed her forehead. He stood holding her hand until a nurse entered and told him that they needed to run a few tests, and could he please leave.
While he had been inside, it had started to rain. He walked to his car with his hands in his pockets and his shoulders hunched. Somehow, he didn’t feel any better. He unlocked his car and slid into the seat. He sat watching the rain, thinking about Katya, and how he had probably missed his chance.
***
“You’re what?” Shelly Smith turned to look at her son Michael.
“I’m leaving.” He gritted his teeth as he spoke.
“You’re leaving New Jersey?” Where are you going?”
“Yeah. And I’d like to go to California. I’m going to move for a while.”
Shelly frowned and sat on a barstool next to Michael. “For how long?”
“As long as need be. I’ve been looking online for an apartment, and I think I found one. I’m leaving as soon as possible.”
“What about your job?”
“Mr. Bennet understands, and he said the job will still be available when I get back.”
“Well…” Shelly looked overwhelmed. “What about Katya?”
A pained expression crossed his face. “Mom. That’s the reason I’m leaving. I hate seeing her like this. I have to get out of here for a while.”
She smiled sadly. “I understand.”
She stood, her composed self returning. “But…” She pursed her lips. “You can’t just leave. We’re gonna have a going away party. Deal?”
“Fine. But soon, please.”
“Don’t rush me. It’ll be soon enough.”
Michael smiled. Moving just sounded right. At least that’s what he told himself.
***
Approximately 7,000 people had hugged him, kissed him, shook hands with him, or clapped him on the back, saying things varying from “We’ll miss ya man.” To, “Oh my goodness! I canNOT believe you’re leaving! That’s sooo sad!”
They treated him like they would never see him again.
Once he got some breathing space, he surveyed the room packed with people.
Family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, soccer buddies, everyone he loved was there.
Everyone but Katya Bennet.

xoxox**

Just One Chance : Chapter Five

Chapter Five.
“Hey you!” Michael stands as I enter the quiet little coffee shop. He’s always been the perfect gentleman. That’s one of the reasons I love him.
He wraps me in a hug and I put my arms around him, inhaling his scent.
I’ve missed you so much.
My mind repeats this over and over.
“Hey yourself.” I smile up at him.
We sit and talk for the first time in ages, he tells me how much he likes Nicole, but how he misses hanging out with me.
“So, when will I get to meet Nicole?” I pretend interest in his love life.
He shrugs and changes the subject. We exchange funny work stories for a while until we grow silent, both lost in our own thoughts.
“Katya?”
“Yeah?” I glance up at his face and notice that he looks completely serious. “What’s up?”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.” I smile.
He takes a deep breath. “..Have you ever-“
“Michael!”
I snap my head toward the happy voice. Nicole bounces up to our table and Michael stands to kiss her cheek. She smiles at me. “Katya, right?”
I bite my lip. “Uh yeah.” Why had my mood just taken a nosedive?
“Nice to meet you! Michael’s talked about you.”
She sounds like she’s just trying to be polite. It’s impressive though, she doesn’t seem the least bit jealous. If I found my boyfriend having coffee with another girl, I think I might be just a bit jealous. Especially if that guy was Michael.
“Nice to meet you too. Yeah? Good stuff, right?” I force a laugh and look at Michael. He looks just as uncomfortable as I feel.
Strange.
We talk for what seems like hours, the three of us. Nicole’s actually not so bad. It seems like she does most of the talking, about her family, her church, her job.
I’ve never been much of a believer in anything or anyone, but her faith in this Jesus seems unbreakable.
After a particularly deep conversation about how her God sacrificed his son for everyone’s sins, something I so did not get, I pull out my phone to check the time. I let out a little gasp and stand up. “It’s 9:43! I really should go.”
Nicole stands and pulls me into a hug.
“Don’t forget what I’ve said!”
Michael stands and raises a hand in goodbye. I wait for a hug, and when none comes, I feel inexpressible sadness. I wave back and walk out the door into the pouring rain. I stand under the awning for a couple minutes, hoping the rain will let up. I hear the door open and back into the shadows.
Michael’s voice brings my head up. “Don’t worry babe, she could never ever replace you.”
Nicole’s chirpy voice cuts over to me. “Good. She seems nice I guess. Not much of a threat.” Her laughter rings in my ears. “Want an umbrella?”
Their voices fade into the roar of rain and wind.
Tears fall down my cheeks in hot torrents as I run to my Lexus. I slide into my heated leather seat and turn up the radio and the heat to full blast. I grip the steering wheel as sobs shake my body. I sit like that for who knows how long.
Finally, with tears still streaming down my cheeks, I start my car and pull onto the busy road. My mind feels overwhelmed by a million different things.
The radio pounds.
The hypnotic rain drums on my windshield.
Bright lights from passing cars blind me.
A honking semi horn deafens me.
I hear the crunch of metal before I even see the truck. I feel my body burst with pain. I open my eyes, not even conscious that I had closed them. I scream as I see blood everywhere. Is it mine?
I feel the car spinning out of control.
The airbag hits my face, sending excruciating pain spiraling through my head.
And that’s the last thing I remember before I black out.
***
Michael felt as though he couldn’t breathe. The past hour of his life had seemed like one big sickening dream.
The smell of the hospital nauseated him. The sound of hushed whispers from the other waiting people echoed in his mind. He worked hard to push away the doubt and fear, but the Doctor’s words haunted him.
“She’s in a coma. She’s stable for now, but we don’t know if she’ll make it.”
Everything he said sounded clipped. Monotone. Unreal.
He couldn’t lose her! Not now!
Sudden anger surged through him, and he stood, pacing like a caged lion. How could this have happened? It was all his fault, for wanting to meet her in the first place.
If she didn’t make it, he would never forgive himself.
Ever.
***
In the next couple weeks, going to the hospital became a routine.
Michael would get up, go to the gym, work out, go home and shower, drive to work, and after work he would go to the hospital.
The nurses grew to expect him.
Some days the news was good “She has a little more brain activity today…”
Some days the news was bad “She sank a little further into a coma last night.”
But mostly, she stayed the same. Michael talked to her as if she could hear him.
“You look good today, Kay. I miss you. When are you going to pop open those beautiful green eyes?” Every day that he saw her, lifeless and unmoving on the bed, he grew a little more despondent.
He missed her laugh, her cute dimples, the way she bit her lip when she was nervous or uncomfortable. He wanted his best friend back.
Her not being around made him realize how much he’d taken her for granted.
And the longer she was gone, the more he missed her.
Nicole came occasionally too, telling him that she’d pull through, and talking with him. He didn’t want to socialize though. He’d rather just sit with his best friend.
Alone.

xoxox**

Just One Chance : Chapter Four

Chapter Four.
“How could I be so stupid? I was almost starting to believe he liked me back.”
My best girlfriend, Emily Kline twists her lips in a wry smile. “That's how girls are programmed to think dear. As much as it sucks.”
I abruptly stop pacing and furiously wipe a tear off my nose. “I know, and I hate it. With a passion.”
Emily nods and stands to look at me. “I know. But girl, you should have told him while you had the chance.”
I sink to the bed and look at my feet, my throat tight with unshed tears. “I couldn't.”
She sighs and sits beside me. “Why?”
I shrug “I was afraid of what he'd say I guess.”
“Life's all about risks.”
Emily's casual tone bugs me. “Ugh you don't get it. He would freaked, and things would have gotten weird. He's like, my best friend. I can't lose him.”
“Technically, you already have. Not only did you lose your chance to date him, but he'll start hanging out with Nicole more and you less.”
“I hate how honest you are!” I glare at Emily.
She puts and arm around my shoulders. “I'm sorry, but I promised myself that I'd never life to a friend to make them feel better.”
“I wish I had that nerve. I totally lied to Michael today. I told him I was more than okay with him dating Nicole.”
Emily raises an eyebrow. “That's not good. Now he'll for sure think you'll never like him. Maybe that was a test and now he'll just give up hope.”
“Emily, he wasn't testing me!”
“How do you know?”
“I just do. He could never like me.”
Emily buffs a hand across her forehead. “Why not?”
“He knows everything about me. He’s seen me at my absolute worst.”
“So, what you’re saying is, when you get married, your husband’s not going to know everything about you?”
“That’s not what I-“ I feel my cheeks go red.
“He’s not going to see you at your worst? How’s that going to work? Katya Grace Bennet, stop making excuses. That’s how the best relationships work. Duh.”
I twist my hair around my finger. “I know.”
“I mean, you probably know most, if not everything, about him too, and you like him, right?”
“yeah. I mean… Yeah. I guess..” I stutter.
“And you’ve seen pretty bad sides of him, yes?”
“Yeah. So?”
“So! You still like him. A lot. So it could be mutual. Seriously, what’s not to love about you? You’re gorgeous. And I would kill for your hair.”
I smile. “Shut up. I’m surprised he doesn’t like you.”
“Yeah, me too.” She winks. “Kidding! Hon, don’t compare yourself. That gets you nowhere.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m not. I just don’t think he views me as anything more than a really really close friend. We’re both only childs, so I’m probably like a sister to him.”
Emily takes a breath. “Think what you will. I don’t think it’ll last between him and Nicole.”
We talk for a while until Emily falls asleep. I leave her snoring quietly on my zebra bedspread, grab my phone and walk to my window.
I push it open and inhale the fresh air. I shove my phone in my pocket and pull myself out into my favorite tree. I settle my butt in a crook formed by two branches. I move around until I’m comfortable, then I lean my head back and close my eyes.
My mind goes crazy yelling at me until I can barely take it.
I jump as my phone vibrates. I pick it up, trying to calm my pounding heart. I squint to read the bright screen; one new message from: Michael:))
I touch the screen to read it.
‘Hey Kay. You’re probly sleeping, but sometime I wanna talk to you. In person or ph. Call? Love ya.’
I feel my pulse quicken as I type a quick reply.
‘Hey:) Nah, I’m still awake. What’s up? Love you too.”
His reply hits my phone almost instantly. ‘Wanna meet tomo? Lunch? Subway? 12:15 sharp.’
Plans for lunch aren’t unusual, so I accept. ‘Sure thing. See you then. Goodnight. Sleep well!’
‘Thanks!:) Sweet dreams.’ A smile touches my lips as I read his simple reply, then shut off my phone. I sit in the tree until my legs fall asleep, then I crawl back through the window, shut it, and lay on my bed until sleep overtakes me.
***
Nicole watches as Michael pulls into the Denny’s parking lot. He climbs out of his Mustang and removes his sun glasses.
She smiles and bites her lip. He had been her boyfriend for 4 weeks, and she still wasn’t used to his utter hotness.
She watches him walk with purposeful strides to the door and throw it open.
She grins as he kisses her cheek in greeting then sits down in the booth opposite hers.
“Did you wait long?” Michael dark brown eyes leave her breathless.
“Uh nope. I just got here a couple minutes ago.”
“Good!” His smile made his eyes twinkle.
He was perfect.

“Jason! I said don’t touch that!” I flip the 3-year-old’s hands as they try to grasp a cord hanging off a nearby table.
His pudgy face crumples and he bursts into tears. I sigh and pick him up. Being a nanny never bores me.
“Tay?”
“What, baby?”
“I sorry.” His lower lip trembles and a tear falls into my hair.
“It’s okay. Please obey me though, when I tell you no.”
He nods, his solemn eyes wide.
“Hey, it’s about time to pick up your sister from her piano lessons! Sound fun?” I load him into my car and drive to pick up Allison.
I turn to look at Jason. “Sit tight and Kay will be right back. I’m gonna go get Alli.”
“Otay.”
***
“How was work?” My mom looks up from the paper as I slam the front door and fling my purse onto the kitchen table. I kick off my flats and flop into a recliner.
“Stressful. Jason puked on the carpet because I made him eat his peas. I don’t blame the kid. And Alli asked me why I didn’t have a boyfriend. Then she proceeded to tell me that Michael should ‘be nice and kiss me.’ She never holds back.”
Mom smiles “What girl her age does?”
“Well, it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to hear right now. Especially coming from a 6-year-old.”
“Honey, you need to stop avoiding him. After all, you told him that asking out Nicole was totally okay. And you’re not acting like it’s okay.”
“That’s because it’s not!”
“Then why did you tell him that? While you were in love with him? Not that you ever stopped.”
“Just because. And I’m not in love with him. You sound like Emily. Do you guys plot against me?”
“Just want what’s best for you dear.”
I mumble a response and head up the stairs to take a shower.
After my shower, I try to distract myself by cleaning my room. While in the middle of dusting my bookshelf, my phone pings with the sound of an unread text. I jump onto my bed and grab my phone, rolling onto my back to read it. I see that it’s from Michael and my heart immediately speeds up.
‘Hey. It’s been forever. Wanna hang out today?’
I accept the invitation and launch myself off my bed and run to my walk in closet. I have to look perfect. Not that he will care, or even notice. I just have to look perfect for him.

xoxox**

Just One Chance : Chapter Three

Chapter Three.
I smile up at the hot waiter as he sets down my order. I see a faint flicker of emotion in Michael's eyes that I can't seem to put my finger on. I take my cinnamon latte and move it toward me, picking up my straw and pushing off the paper.
"How's Lily today?" I casually blow on my hot drink.
Michael glances up from his phone. "Huh?…Oh, she's fine, I guess. Why?"
"Just curious." My eyes flicker to the door behind him and I stiffen as my ex boyfriend Jared swaggers in the door in that annoying way of his. Michael frowns and twists in his chair, then turns back to me. "Hey. You deserve better. That's why you ended it. Remember?"
"I know why I ended it, but I'm sick and tired of him thinking he can win me back. Crap. Here he comes."
Michael takes my hand and squeezes it. "I'll take care of it."
"Hey darlin', you ready to make up?" Jared snaps his gum loudly and winks. I frown and shudder.
"Never." Ew.
Michael, in all his tanned glory stands up in a whiff of cologne.
"Dude, buzz off. She wants nothing to do with you, got it?" My. Hero.
Jared sneers at me, but backs off. "Whatever man. Chill. I was just joking." And he turns on his heel and walks to the counter, checking me out as he goes. I jump up and grab my cup. "Can we go to the park or something?"
"Sure thing Kay." He puts a hand on the small of my back, giving me chills, and we walk out into the mid morning sun.
Michael pulls my car into a parking space and climbs out. I grab my purse, my keys and my latte. We make our way to a park bench and I plant my butt firmly onto the seat. Nothing else will disrupt my guzzling of cinnamon goodness in liquid form.
I take a sip of the steaming coffee and close my eyes. Much better. I pivot my body towards Michael but keep my gaze focused on the foamy brown liquid in my cup. After sitting awkwardly in silence for what seems like ten minutes, I set down my cup and pull out my iPhone, checking for messages. I bite my lip and slip it back in purse.
"Katya…?" Michael's voice sounds hesitant. Strained. He rarely uses my real name. Usually he calls me Kay.
I raise my head and gaze into his captivating blue green eyes. "Yeah?"
"I-I think…" He swallows.
I catch my breath. Lean closer to him.
"We should probably leave. I need to get to work." He stand, dismissing me. My shoulders sag as he walks away. He had something else to say, I just know it. Part of me wants to hope against hope that he feels the same way I do. The rest of me doesn't believe in hope.
***
Dylan Parker is totally checking me out. Oh, he would never admit it, but I can so see it.
Michael's arrogant, cocky, annoying yet kinda hot soccer buddy tears his gaze away from me as he sees me looking at him. He laughs at something Brad Henshaw says, barely able to keep his attention off of me.
I sigh and fiddle with my key ring, waiting for Michael to get back to the car. His car is in the body shop getting a tune up so that makes me the automatic chauffeur for a while.
I run my tongue over my teeth, looking at my appearance in the rearview mirror. I turn on the radio and start singing along. I tap my fingers on the steering wheel as I survey the field full of buff soccer hotties. It's strange; soccer players are usually portrayed as nerds, but not these guys.
Mmm-mmm.
Michael approaches the car, walking backwards, talking to Dylan.
Not checking out his butt. Nooo. Okay… Maybe just a little peek. Michael puts a hand on the door and lifts a hand at Dylan. He slips and rolls down the window. "See ya later man."
Dylan nods and glances at me. "Hey Kay."
I smile briefly and start the car.
Michael rolls up his window as I turn up the AC to full blast. He turns the vents toward his face and glances over at me. "I've lived here all my life, and I'm still not used to these roasting hot California summers!"
I roll my eyes as I change lanes. "I know. I've sweated through two shirts already. That's why this girl has such a large wardrobe."
Michael's deep laugh sends chills skittering through my body. Man, I've got it bad for this boy!
Silence fills my car as we turn a corner.
"Soo… Did I tell you that I asked out Nicole?"
My chest constricts and I feel the blood pounding in my head. I grip the wheel tighter and grit my teeth. "Uhh nope. You did not."
"Yeah. Who wouldn't thought, right?" And he has the audacity to laugh.
"well not me, I know that." My tone sounds a little harsh, but I don't care. I grimace. Ugh. Nicole. The gorgeous, quiet brunette. The worst thing about her is that she is super sweet. So it's not like I can hate her.
"Aw, don't be mad chickadee."
I swallow. "Why would I be mad?" Yeah. Seriously. It's not like I have this massive crush on you or anything, dear best friend.
"Because we always talk about stuff, and normally I would've told you that I was planning on asking her out." He shifts uncomfortably in his seat. This is so far from what I was actually thinking that I laugh. "What? No, you're a big boy now, and besides, we don’t really talk about everything anymore. That could be kind of awkward, you know?"
"So you're not mad?"
"No." I. am. such. A. liar.
"You're lying."
Sometimes I swear he's a mind reader.
"No, I'm not. I'm fine, really. It's awesome that you and Nicole are going out!" Oh, my mama would have my hide for this outrageous lying. But what can I say? I can't just announce that I like him. That could ruin any friendship we have.
And that, is the last thing I want.

xoxox**

Just One Chance : Chapter Two

Chapter Two.
Michael grabs a towel and runs it across his sweaty face. He tosses it on the floor, grabbing his water bottle and sitting on the edge of the weight bench again. He takes a drink of water and sets the bottle down, clicking to the next song on his iPod. He turns up his favorite work out song and starts pumping weights. He does his best not to let his mind wander, trying to focus on working out, but Katya's face the other night keeps popping into his mind. He frowns and tries not to think about her.
"Michael!!"
Michael jumps, sets down the weights and rips out his earbuds. He turns to look at Lily, the gym owner's daughter, who also happens to be completely hot. He notices her checking out his shirtless body, which for some reason bothers him. He grabs his gray t-shirt and pulls it on. "Yeah?"
She glances at her watch and back at his face. "I'm gonna open the gym now, if you want to leave. But you can stay and work out til someone gets here, I don't care."
Michael looks at the wall clock. "Oh okay, I didn't even realize what time it was. Thanks."
Lily looks bored and indifferent. Obviously she only wants to talk to him if he isn't fully clothed. "No problem. Same time tomorrow?"
"Yep. Be here a couple hours before you open."
"Kay. Sounds good." She turns and saunters to her office.
Katya's nickname rings in his ears. He shakes his head, trying to clear his mind of her. All of the sudden, all he can think about is her. He grabs his gym bag and waves at Lily as he jogs out the door. The warm summer sun hits his face as he pulls out his keys, walking to the only car in the parking lot, his black 1999 mustang. He was going to go home, shower, change and go to work.

I glance up from the morning mail to my ever gentle, loving mother. Grace. "Sorry, what'd you say?"
"Will you please run your father's phone over to him at work?"
"Oh.. sure.."
"Thank you."
"Sure thing." I grab the phone and jog out to my car -- my dark red '09 Lexus, and slide in. I take a deep breath. Perfect. Just what I need. Michael just so happens to work for my dad, who owns the law office in town. I start my car and pull out of our short paved driveway.
Ten minutes later, I'm parked outside the building, staring at the huge glass doors, knowing I've got to go in sometime. I shut off my car and step out, adjusting my purple cami over my black faded Aero jeans.
I swing open the door into the lobby as I tuck my key ring into my pocket. "Hey 'Liza!"
Eliza Small glances up from her computer and a smile covers her pleasant middle aged face. "Hey Hon. What brings you in today?"
"My dad forgot his phone, so I'm gonna just run it up to him."
"Sure thing, sweetie."
I take the elevator up to the top floor which is basically made up of my dad's office, a couple storage rooms and a bathroom. I step off onto the plush carpet and walk a couple steps to the enormous oak doors, raising my hand to knock.
"Come in." Dad's deep voice rumbles in my ears.
I open one heavy door and slip inside.

"Hey Babe! What're you doing here?" James Bennet stands and sets down his ball point pen in a sea of papers.
"You forgot your phone. That's kinda important, Dad." Katya's voice holds a note of teasing. James smiles and moves around his desk to give his only daughter a hug. "Thanks for bringing it, Kay." James moves back to sit behind his desk, setting his blackberry next to a stack of papers. "Hey, Michael's working on the third floor if you want to stop in and talk to him."

My heart speeds up at the sound of his name and I smile at Dad. "You're welcome. Oh okay, I might do that then. Love you!" I walk back to the elevator and press the button, shoving a hand through my hair. I tap my foot until the elevator doors finally open. The whole ride down to the third floor, I debate skipping dropping by his desk and bothering him, but then he'd know for sure that something was off-kilter.
At the third floor, my hands start sweating and I instinctively raise a hand to my head, checking the frizziness level of my curly auburn hair. I frantically leap out of the elevator as the doors start to close again and launch myself right into a tall muscular body.
"Whoa, slow down there girl!" I hear a smile in Michael's voice. I feel the heat rise to my cheeks as I laugh casually. "Sorry. Klutz moment."
"Whatcha doin here?" He drawls, tucking a piece of stray hair behind my ear.
"Uh, I brought dad his phone. He left it lay on the kitchen counter this morning when he left. So I thought I'd drop in on your floor and say hey."
Be cool. Be. cool!
"Ahh, well I'm glad! I'm so bored. I was just going to go get a coffee, since my important work is done for the day, and I'm about to fall asleep at my desk. Wanna come with me?"
I pull my phone out of my pocket and glance at the time. 8:47.
"To the Starbucks just down the street?"
Michael nods.
"Sure, I'll come." I shrug, but my heart's beating so loudly I swear he hears it. I force myself to calm down so that we can hang out just like we used to. By the time we reach my car, I feel just as casual as I used to around him. When he hops into the driver's seat of my Lexus, and I pile into the passenger seat, laughing at one of his lame jokes, everything seems blissfully perfect again.

xoxox**

Just One Chance : Chapter One

Chapter One.
I watch him talking to his guy friends. He high fives a couple and chest bumps the others. He smiles broadly and turns, jogging up to me.
"Hey chickadee."
I grin and stand up, wiping the invisible grass off my butt. I still love that childhood nickname. But only coming from him.
He slings his arm around me and looks down at me. "Wanna go grab some food?"
I glance up at my best friend Michael through my bangs. "Yes, please. And I know you're gonna buy cause you love me so much." I push out my pouty lip and then dissolve into giggles.
His deep laugh fills my ears and he shakes his head. "Wow Katya, I see how it is. You just like being my best friend so you can get free ice cream!"
I smirk. "Duh."
He gives me a fake sad face and I grab his shirt, laughing as he pushes me. "Kidding! Totally kidding!"

I stir my straw in my strawberry milkshake and glance at Michael from under my lashes. He's flirting with the waitress as he makes his order. A twinge of jealousy flares up in me, but only for a brief second before I shove it deep inside me. He makes his order and turns his attention back to me, flashing his perfect smile. I smile back and fiddle with my cup. "So, couldn't you be hanging out with your guy friends on a Friday night? I love hanging out with you, but I feel bad." Yes, that's my pathetic attempt at a conversation.
He quirks one eye brow. "What?"
I look down at my napkin, unsure of what else to do. "Like, you don't mind hanging out with me instead of them?"
He laughs quietly. "Katya, you've been my best friend since we were two. I can hang out with you without being anything more than friends, and without being gay, right?"
My heart sinks just a tiny bit but I smile. "Oh for sure! But your buddies don't think anything's going on with us, right?"
"Nahh. They know we're just friends." He shrugs and thanks the waitress with a wink as she brings his order. I fall silent, watching her leave, her tight jeans hugging her butt. Without even realizing it I make a face, and then glance at Michael. He's shoving fries in his mouth. Guys have it so easy. I stare at my shake again, lost in thought.
"Kay? Is something bothering you?" I look up at him. He can read me like a book. One of the sucky sides of being his best friend. I grin and laugh "Course not!" I'm lying of course -- pretending like nothing's bothering me.
But I just know it in my heart.
I'm falling in love with my best friend.

xoxox**