Love Triangle

My best friend's breakup.

I’m halfway on the way to Justin’s place when I realize the fight Justin and I had earlier. I bite my lip and regret not remembering that before leaving the house. Is he going to answer me?

I’m in the Kelley’s compound and it’s quiet. I approach the door and knock twice waiting with bated breath. I knock again and a girl of about twelve answers it. She has lovely blonde hair which is in pigtails with blue ribbons at each end. Her eyes are warm, blue and innocent. She’s wearing a green camisole and white bum shorts. She looks surprised to see me but nonetheless welcomes me. It’s been so long since I saw Amy. She resembles her brother so much; it’s like she’s the female version of Justin.

“Thanks for letting me in Amy.” I thank the little girl and she smiles at me warmly. “Where are your parents?” I ask her.

“They went out for the weekend. They won’t be back until late Sunday evening.” She shrugs a bit and sits next to me. “I’m glad you’re here Nadine. It’s so nice to have another girl around.” I smile at the girl and my heart blossoms with love for her. Amy’s so adorable.

“It’s just me and Justin most of the time so it gets kind of boring. Are you staying for the night?” She asks me happily.

“Will you let me sleep in your room?” I ask and she jumps up and down squealing.

“Yes! Yes!” She giggles and I put her on my lap.

“That’s okay Amy. Would you please get me something to drink?” The girl nods happily and gets down from my lap. She skips down to the kitchen. Their house is wonderful. Mr. Kelley is an aristocrat and so I’m not surprised. I study the fine sitting room. There are some art pieces and some pictures. The Kelley family is a pretty one. Mr. Kelley is a fair, cool-headed man. Mrs. Kelley is an elegant woman. The children are beautiful, blonde, blue-eyed beings. Someone is coming down the stairs and I look up and bite my lip; not out of fear or anger, but out of something different. Justin comes down the stairs and he’s wearing just a towel on his low waist. I think he just had a shower because his hair is wet and spiky. There’s some sprinkling of water on his chest and he has nice abs. I notice I’m staring at him but I can’t help it. I’ve never seen Justin like this before. He looks raw and hot….way hot. He finally notices me and he freezes.

“Nadine?” He asks uncertainly and I nod. Is he still mad at me? He approaches me and I wish he wouldn’t. He smells so sweet. I wonder why he isn’t flinching about being half-naked in front of me…

“What are you doing here?” He asks. Thankfully, he doesn’t sound irritated.

“Can I stay here?” I ask timidly. My plan seems stupid now. His eyes widen and he raises an eyebrow.

“You mean like, for the night?” I nod. Justin seems like he’s thinking.

“Don’t worry, I’ll sleep in Amy’s room. She seems delighted to have me here.” I smile and he chuckles nervously. Why is this so awkward? He’s my best friend for Christ’s sake! The atmosphere in the room changes and I can feel the chemistry between Justin and me. Amy interrupts with a glass cup in her hand.

“It’s lemon juice. You’ll like it. It tastes good.” She smiles and hands it to me.

“Really?” I take a sip and Amy’s right. It is wonderful. Amy giggles as she looks at Justin and me.

“Well, I have to go. I’ve got homework and Mrs. Applewhite could be really nasty if you don’t do her assignments.” Amy recites but I know it’s just a plot to get me and Justin alone together. Conniving little girl; I’m so proud of her.

“So…am I welcome?” I ask nervously and Justin runs his fingers through his hair.

“Just exactly why are you here, Nadine?” He asks bluntly and I’m hurt.