The Best Friend

Part 2

I woke up Sunday morning, got ready for church, made breakfast for my dad and brother, and we all drove to church. My dad went into the auditorium to warm up on his guitar, my brother went to his friends, and I went to the children's area to work. I spent all morning playing with the babies and after church, I went upstairs to see everyone.

I weaved my way through the people stopping occasionally to talk. As I was talking to a mom of one of the babies she watched, I glanced over her shoulder and saw Dylan and one of his friends surrounded by a group of girls who were ogling over them. I had to keep from rolling my eyes and keep talking. Once the mom had left, I continued to stand there watching Dylan with people moving all around me. Although I was used to him being surrounded by girls, it still hurt seeing him with girls who were flirting with him. After a minute, I realized I was staring and walked over to my dad and brother so they could go home.

That Sunday was our monthly barbeque so while my dad and brother went to the store to get food and propane, I went to the park to get some practice in before my first season practice that week. After a little while of playing and sweating, Brooklyn came to the park and leaned against the fence talking to me while I played. I had always been jealous of Brooklyn; she was super skinny, had beautiful long dark brown hair with red highlights, piercing green eyes, played on the soccer team, was an amazing dancer and was the captain of the poms team, and had an outgoing, kick-ass personality.

"You got so lucky on Friday night." Brooklyn told me.

"I know." I replied and shot the ball again.

"He loves you so much. I can't wait until you guys start dating." I rolled my eyes.

"He loves me like a sister, that's it. He would never date me."

"Alex! What have I told you about talking down about yourself?" Brooklyn put her hands on her hips and stared at me while I put the ball under my arm and looked back at Brooklyn.

"I'm sorry. But I really don't think it's gonna happen."

"Well you're wrong. Now, tell me one positive thing about yourself."

"Come on Brooklyn. Do I really have to do this?" She nodded and waited for me to respond. I rolled my eyes and sighed.

"I have pretty eyes." I muttered."Damn right you do! Now come on. Let's go back to your house." We went to my house and Brooklyn waited in my room while I showered. When I got out of the shower, I went back to my room with my hair wet and a towel wrapped around me. Brooklyn commanded me to sit on my bed while I dug through my closet. She threw a pair of ripped skinny jeans back at me. I put on the jeans and stood there in them and my bra waiting for Brooklyn. Then Brooklyn handed me a fitted black v-neck t-shirt that showed a little cleavage and as I put it on, Brooklyn gave me a once over before handing me a white belt and a necklace.

"Damn girl you look hot." Brooklyn commented. "And your butt looks great. Now sit down." I sat down in my swivel chair as Brooklyn did my hair in a side fishtail and did my makeup. When she was finished she smiled and handed me a mirror. I had to admit, I didn't look too bad, and that was coming from someone who had some confidence issues. Brooklyn was a miracle worker. I shoved my phone in my back pocket and we went downstairs where a bunch of our friends and their parents were hanging out outside and in the kitchen. Brooklyn went immediately outside to a group of our friends and I helped take the dishes outside to the table. When they were all outside, I grabbed a lemonade and joined Brooklyn who was talking to Lilly and a group of guys from the football team.

Later that night, after everyone had eaten and gone home, Dylan and I sat together on the porch swing.

"So you know Aubrey?" Dylan asked me.

"Yeah." I responded.

"I was thinking about asking her out." I focused on rocking the swing and stared ahead.

"Oh cool. When are you gonna do that?"

"I don't know. Probably tomorrow."

"Oh okay. Well tell me what she says." I stood up to go inside and Dylan grabbed my arm to stop me.

"Hey what's wrong?" He asked with a concerned look on his face. I took a deep breath and sat back down and looked down at the ground.

"Dylan, I love you. I always have. You're perfect to me. And I know girls really like you, especially since you play football, and I'm used to it. But it still really hurts. I'm sorry, go ahead and ask her out. You're obviously happy about it and that's what matters. I'm happy for you." I stood up and ran inside before Dylan could say anything. When I got to my room, I changed from my jeans into some boxer shorts, turned off the lights, crawled into bed, and let the tears stream down my face. I let it all out.