Unfaithful

Chapter 18: Amy

"Hey Amy!" I smile at Henry. He's been such a good friend lately and he's really helped me properly deal everything that went on with LaTroy. I think I might even like him as more than a friend but I'm trying not to think like that. I know I shouldn't be scared of getting hurt again but I can't help it; I am. "Hey Henry." "I've got a proposition for you" he says. "So obviously both of our last relationships ended badly" he begins. "Uh huh" I murmur my agreement. I'm not really sure where this is going, he never really talks about him and Jacquie. I think even after two years, he's still not over it. "Let's have dinner tonight and each bring along someone the other can date." I feel strangely disappointed at his words. For a second I thought he was going to ask me out and I remind myself I don't want that. I'm happy being just friends, there's less to lose if things go wrong. "Ok" I agree. "Neutral Grounds at 6?" "Perfect" he smiles. "Henry?" I stop him before he leaves the locker room. "Bring someone normal" I plead. He just smirks and walks off. I sigh. There's nothing about that encounter that went badly, yet I feel worse than I have in a while. I'm really not looking forward to tonight and I don't know why.

I pick up my bag and am about to leave when Piper walks in. She looks at me awkwardly as if she didn't expect to see me, then takes a breath. "Are we still friends?" she asks, the words coming out rushed. I sit down. It hurts to say it but I honestly don't know how to answer that question. Piper nods, and I can tell she knows the answer by my silence. She sits down beside me and it feels comfortable, for the first time in a while. "I'd like us to still be" I eventually say. Piper laughs softly. "Me too." She leans in and hugs me and I hug her back. I've stopped worrying about Henry and that date. Spending time with Piper has alleviated my worries, just like it always used to. "Do you wanna sleep over at mine tonight" she asks almost shyly, pulling away. I hesitate for a moment, making my decision. Honestly, it's not that hard. "I'd love to" I smile. "Great" Piper says, getting up and walking over to the door. "You coming Amy?" she grins, turning around. "I'll follow you out, just going to let my mom know" I smile. "Ok." As soon as she leaves I pull up Henry's name on my phone. I feel bad ditching him but I want to fix my friendship with Piper. And I can't stomach the thought of going on this date with Henry but not with Henry. Because if I'm honest with myself, the only person I want to go on a date with right now is Henry. Not one of his weird friends, most likely Kingston or Ozzy. 'So sorry but I have to cancel on tonight x.' I have second thoughts about the kiss but it's sent. I send a quick message about the sleepover to my mum, who's fine with it, then read Henry's answer. 'No problem, another time. Have an amazing evening." I can tell he's upset and I feel guilty again. But I take a breath and push it to the back of my mind, then grab my bag and run out of the locker room to catch up with Piper.