I couldn't believe it when I found myself agreeing to marry my best friend that night.
**a ForthBeam short story**
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author...
If you're into unusual and lesser-known holidays, did you know that there is a day dedicated to Best Friends? I recently stumbled upon this information online and it got me thinking... I've been really lucky to have some incredible friends. You know, the kind of friends who bring out the best in you and make your life better. Those are the absolute best people to have in your life. On the other hand, I've also had my fair share of not-so-great friends. Wait, what?! Are you questioning if you read that correctly? That I actually see having not-so-great friends in a positive light? You're absolutely right, my friend.
You see, those friends who treated me poorly, only showed up when they needed something, or simply didn't put in any effort... they are the ones who taught me the most. They made me realize how not to behave in a friendship. They showed me how not to make others feel unimportant or undervalued. And they made me appreciate my true friends even more.
Friendship is a two-way street. Both parties need to show up and put in the effort for the relationship to thrive. Otherwise, it's just a waste of time. So today, I challenge you to take a closer look at your friendships - the good, the not-so-good, and the ugly. See what they can teach you about yourself. You might be surprised by what you discover. And make sure to cherish those genuine friendships because THOSE are the people you want by your side every single day.
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I woke up shivering and feeling a sharp object pressing against me. As I glanced around the room, it seemed to be spinning. How many drinks did I consume last night? I blinked a few times, attempting to clear my vision, and noticed Beam sleeping soundly beside me. He had taken all the blankets for himself, and his elbow was digging into my side.
The events of the previous night rushed back to me. The ridiculous bet, the phony wedding, and Beam ending up passed out in my bed.
What was I even thinking?
I pushed Beam away and quickly covered myself with the blankets to block out the chilly morning breeze. Beam made a noise but stayed put. He just adjusted his pillow and went back to sleep. I wasn't accustomed to sharing a bed, and I really wanted to stretch out. However, more than having the bed to myself, I needed to sleep off the remaining effects of the hangover.
Everything was spinning, so I shut my eyes tight.
After a few more hours of sleep, I reluctantly opened my eyes. The feeling of utter exhaustion still lingered, making me feel absolutely terrible. Usually, Fridays at Rancho's were all about unwinding with a few beers and catching up with friends before calling it a night. But last night was far from ordinary. I had gotten so intoxicated that I actually agreed to marry my best friend, which was completely out of character for me.
I turned around to check Beam's side of the bed - or at least his side for the next month - was vacant. Was it too optimistic to think he had come to his senses and left? However, I could hear the shower running in the en-suite bathroom. I groaned as I shifted. I was definitely too old to be getting drunk.
