best friends ~ arne johnson

Chapter One - "Best Friend"

          (Before you read this please read my authors note, I would change the order but I'm stupid <3)

        I awoke to the sun shining through my window, flashing into my eyes. I turned to the left of my bed to see an empty space. Did Arne already wake up? When he spends the night he never leaves without telling me. I chuckled as I realized where he was. I rolled over to the edge of my bed to see Arne curled up on the floor with a couple of blankets and pillows, accompanied by the stuffed animal I had gifted him on his eighth birthday. I smiled at the boy longingly, with both love and guilt in my eyes. Him and Deb are amazing together, and it's not like there's anything to hate about her. I love Debbie, she has and always will be one of my best friends. She never would have asked out Arne if she had any clue about the way I felt. Her and Arne deserve happiness, so when they found it in each other I decided it was time to try and let go of the foolish hope that he would one day realize how I felt and that he would feel the same. It's still nice to dream though.

          Arne's voice interrupted my thoughts, "If you're gonna stare at me like a stalker, at least take my picture." I groaned, throwing a pillow at the boy's face, "You better shut up before I tell your girlfriend that you still sleep with the teddy bear I gave you in fifth grade!" "You would not, Cynthia Ximena Martinez!" he chuckled as he stood up and leapt towards me, tackling me on my bed. We rolled around on the bed before stopping at the sound of my mom yelling, "Cynthia! Arne! Come on you two! We need to head down to the Glatzels to help them move in!" When we stopped, I realized me and Arne's awkward position; he leaned over me, his hands on either side of my head. Moments like these only heightened the envy and jealousy that stirred in my stomach every time I looked at Arne and Debbie together. This caused me to clear my throat, signaling Arne to climb off of me. When I stood up and started picking out my clothes without a word, he walked towards me and rested his hand on my shoulder, "Are you okay, Cyn?" "Yeah, I'm fine. Go change in some decent clothes, nerd. You have some hanging up in my closet." I smirked, trying to force a happy look. He ruffled my hair and laughed, "Okay, loser. Don't miss me too much." Only if he knew.

          I've known the Glatzels longer than I've known Arne. Me and Debbie's moms have been friends since diapers, so naturally they wanted us to be friends. Even though Arne is my best friend, Debbie is definitely a close second. Which led to me introducing the two and the ultimate demise of any chance of being with Arne. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if they got married, which hasn't been the easiest pill to swallow. Being the third wheel to one of your best friends and the guy you're in love with is tough, but surprisingly David has helped a lot. Me and him are practically closer than me and Arne. He was really sad when Debbie stopped hanging out with him, so when they would ditch me, I would take David out for ice cream or any other fun idea I had. I know, it's sad. An eighteen year girl who's in a state of perpetual pining for a boy who will never love her back is taking comfort in an eight year old boy. Well.... I'd say.... I have nothing to say. It's kind of embarrassing. Scratch that, extremely embarrassing.

          Arne gently grabbed my hand, snapping me out of my daze, "Hey, we're here. Are you doing alright? You've been really spacey today." I decided on giving a curt nod. If I focused too hard on the way he held my hand in his for too long I knew I'd love the feeling all too much. I enthusiastically swung open the backseat car door, hopping out at the sight of David. I could hear my parents scoff from the front seats, laughing faintly at my speed and pure excitement. "Cynnie!" the young boy exclaimed, jumping into my arms. I picked David up and swung him around, "I feel like I haven't seen you forever! Have you gotten heavier?" I set him down as he shook with laughter. Debbie's voice caused me to turn my head, "You saw him last week Cyn." I jokingly rolled my eyes at the smiling girl, "Well it seems like a million years when you're away from your best friend." David beamed up at me as I ruffled his long blond hair. "Wow, I can't believe you. More than ten years of friendship down the drain, huh?" Arne chuckled, punching my arm with little to no force. Before his arm pulled away, he rested his hand on my upper arm, grazing it ever so softly. He had a look in his eyes, a look that could make me do anything for him, a look of pure love and adoration... What am I even saying? He's in love with Debbie. I had to force myself to snap out of it, turning my shoulder to make him lose his grip. I couldn't think like that. I almost caught a look of sadness in his eyes before Debbie pulled him into a kiss. I could hear them giggle sweet 'hellos' to each other so I turned to David. "Come on, let's go unpack, bud."