A2. As Always

Happily Never After... Prose 2

Best Friends. It doesn’t even explain halfway what we meant to each other. It was too modest a word for what we were. He found me at the worst of my times. When I lay on the ground half beaten to death, he came up to save me like he always did after then. He got a little beaten up too, but he managed to save me anyway. He always has. Who knew then we’ll be inseparable?

As I recollect the past I remember us sitting on his house roof sharing a chocolate bar while gazing at the starlit sky. “Where do you think we’ll be in the next 20 years?” He asks me while staring into the sky. “I don’t know… Maybe married?” I say. He bursts out laughing, “You? Married? Don’t make me laugh.” He sits up straight and looks down at me, “I meant us. What will we be doing?” I thought long and hard and say “Obviously right here, on this roof, next to you, as always.” He smiles and states “Gosh so cheesy!” and lays back down. I look into the next-door house’s window and see a beautiful girl with long silky hair sitting at the desk reading a book. “Oh well now isn’t this your darling Alexandria?” I said teasing him. He shushed me up as I giggled at his embarrassed face. “Make fun all you want. She likes me too. I’ve noticed her glancing our way every time!” He said as I see him watching her with adoration.

 

“Honey? You have to go.” I get out of the beautiful memories of my youth as Alexandria shakes me out of it. It’s been 15 years since I saw my best friend. He was not very happy when his first love chose me over him. I pick up my bag and leave the house. Nothing out of the usual happens throughout the day. But as I get out of the office building I see him; My long-lost best friend; One I couldn’t think of living without. I tried to catch up with him. As I got close I held his arm and pulled him in a hug. He didn’t recognize me at first and pushed me off. But then suddenly his eyes widened as the memories poured into his mind. The friendship, the betrayal, the love, the hatred. He walked off without a word. I followed him adamantly shouting out apologies to him. Without realizing it, we reached his house, he hadn’t moved yet. He left the door open as if almost inviting me to enter. I followed him inside hesitantly as he went into his old bedroom and put his leg out onto the roof. It was dark by now and Alexandria was constantly calling but I couldn’t care less.

I sat beside him on the roof looking at the stars stealing glances at him. Finally, he broke the silence, “How is she?” I hesitated, “Um… Good.” “Children?” “Yeah them too.” He nodded at my words. I tried apologizing again, “I’m sorry for what happened. I know you loved her, but I had no choice it was-” “I know you had to. I forgave you long ago.” I was surprised at his words. My best friend, the one I betrayed, the man whose love I stole, the one I promised my trust to yet broke it, forgave me. “Why? I don’t deserve it.” I say in a low voice. He chuckles as he reaches for a chocolate bar in his pocket, “You know… It wasn’t easy. Sometimes, I hate you… But then I remember you. And that’s enough to gain my forgiveness.” He splits the bar into two and gives me half. I tear up at his words as I sit back watching the stars, right there, on the roof, by his side, as always.