Somebody That I Used To Know

Awkward

"Good morning." Tom says and walks out of the bedroom.

"Good morning." Denise replies and places a mug of coffee onto the table. "How are you?"

"I'm good. Good. Uh, listen about last night-"

"Don't worry about it."

"I feel bad."

"There's no reason to. I should've used my best judgement because it was a bad idea to start with. We're friends and our friendship stemmed from you coming to see me because you were severely traumatized because people forced you to... listen, that right there just says we shouldn't have sex. I'm your yoga instructor and friend, we should keep it that way."

"I agree that it wasn't the best decision but this had nothing to do with you. I don't want you to think that I'm not attracted to you or-"

"You're attracted to me?" Denise says. "I thought we were both lonely."

"You're a very beautiful woman, Denise." Tom says. "So yes, kind of. I... I was lonely but it meant something to me too. I didn't just... you know decide to do it because you were there."

"Well same goes. I'm attracted to you but I think we need to stick as friends. You and Molly just seperated and Tim cheated on me. We need time apart. I mean, together but... not together."

"This is complicated. Um, I... I don't know exactly what to say."

"That we're done almost having sex."

"It wasn't almost, Denise, it was... during."

"Well I don't want a repeat of that either."

"So let's make a pact to never have sex again and-"

"To never have panic attacks, causing me freak out and um... look, I'm sorry."

"Really, it's fine."

"Are you okay? I... I mean, is everything... alright?"

"Everything's fine. Don't worry about this."

"I figured I'd be okay. It mean it was in the middle-"

"Right before the good part." Denise softly chuckles.

"And then I ruined it with um..."

"Having a panic attack while you were still... um..."

"Yeah."

Denise looks up at Tom and puts her hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh.

"What?" Tom says. "What'd I do?"

"What didn't you do?" she laughs.

"I said I was sorry."

"I know you did. I'm not mad, like at all."

"Good, good." Tom looks awkwardly at Denise, swaying back and forth on his feet. "So, uh-"

"Do you want coffee?"

"Sure, sure."

Denise pours Tom a cup and places it on the table. "Can you please stop being awkward?"

"I'm embarrassed." he quietly says. "I can't really not be awkward."

"You have nothing to be embarrassed about," Denise smiles and kisses him on the cheek.

"Is this uh... something we're keeping up?"

"Panic attacks, kisses, or coffee?"

"The last two."

"If you'd like. I don't want to come on too strong, I mean, especially with you and Molly."

"No, I don't mind. Maybe this is what I need."

"You need?"

"Yeah." Tom smiles. "I like you, Denise."

"Well I like you too. Listen, I don't mean to being up the M-word, but... have you talked to her?"

"Not since I left yesterday."

"What about Lily? Maybe you should call."

"I will eventually. What time do you need me out?"

"What do you mean?"

"When should I leave? I'm sure you have stuff to do today and I don't want to intrude."

"You're not intruding." Denise replies and sits on Tom's leg. "But I do need to clean up a little."

"I can help you."

"No, it's alright, just relax. You've gone through a lot."

"I don't really have feelings towards Molly right now. I mean, feelings about seperating. They haven't just quite hit yet."

"Well that's not all I'm talking about. Go relax and let me clean up. Of course it's your marriage, but you should give her a call. You'll always be connected through Lily."

"I know, I know. How do I talk to her? I... I don't know what to say."

"Do you need help?"

"A little."

"Just talk to her about Lily. You'll have to figure out eventually what you're going to do about this and telling her."

"Maybe she doesn't need to know."

"She'll know, Tom. She'll always know, even if you don't say anything." Denise says. "My parents started fighting when I was 4 years old and I knew it right away. They wouldn't fight in front of me but I knew."

"Maybe Lily is different."

"She's not, I promise you. It's your decision, don't let me have influence, but remember that you can't hide it for too long."

Tom looks down at the floor and bounces his legs. "I'll call her."

"Then I'll leave you alone. I'll be in the other room."

Tom dials Molly's number and holds his breath until she picks up. "H-Hello?"

"Tom, where are you?"

"Um, that's not important." Tom say. "But listen, we need to talk."

"Were you drinking?"

"Not a drop."

"You swear?"

"I swear."

"Why are you calling?"

"We need to talk to Lily. We're seperated, Mols, Lillian will know."

"I know." Molly groans. "We'll talk to her later. Where are you?"

"I'm coming soon in a few."

"Thomas, where are you?"

"I'm at a friend's, okay? I wasn't drinking, I haven't hurt myself, I've taken no pills, nor thrown up. I'm safe and alright."

"What about this friend?"

"No, Molly, they haven't done anything. Besides, you're not my wife anymore, are you?"

"I still am, Tom. We're taking a break for both of our mental statuses, not for fun. Come home and we'll talk to Lily."

"Alright, I'll see later."

"Goodbye, dea-, Thomas."

"Bye, M-Mols."

Tom sighs and hangs up the phone. Denise slowly creeps out of the bedroom. "Is everything alright?"

"I'm gonna get going." Tom says. "Um, thank you for... for everything. I'll probably be at Molly's for a few days dealing with all of this. Can I call you?"

"Of course. Let me know if you need a place to stay or someone to talk to. And... that's still your house too, you know?"

"Let's see."

Denise shakes her head and walks over by the door to unlock it. "I'll see you later. I hope everything goes well."

"Thanks. Again, t-thank you for everything you've done for me. I really appreciate you letting me stay here last night."

"Of course, you're my friend. Now, go."

Tom chuckles and walks out of the door. "Goodbye."