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...
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"How is the first week of being married going for you?" Kana questioned, peering over her glass of wine. She sat on a stool next to her wife, leaning her back against the high bar table, looking sleek and sophisticated with her long red hair cascading in soft waves over one shoulder.
I arrived late because I got held up at work, and everyone was already there when I walked in. I could tell Beam was a bit annoyed that I hadn't called to inform him about my delay, but I was so engrossed in my work that I didn't realize how late it had gotten.
"It's fine," I responded, shifting my focus back to Kana. I pondered how many drinks she had consumed already. Her cheeks were flushed, and her gaze seemed slightly blurry as she gazed at me, as if she was attempting to decipher the significance behind those brief words.
There wasn't any.
She gave up and turned to Beam. "Forth's a good husband, huh?"
Beam flashed a smile at me, igniting a cozy feeling in my stomach. Chaos had erupted at the store, but in the comfort of our home, we managed to find a way to make things function. As the days passed, he stepped up and took on more responsibilities, and although it felt strange and uneasy to have him around at first, by the time Wednesday arrived, I was grateful to have his presence welcoming me as I entered through the door.
"The best I've ever had."
Nahm gave me a curious look, tilting her head to the side as she assessed me.. "Are you two fucking yet?"
My beer almost went flying across the table.
"Uh, no," Beam answered for me.
Her stare never wavered.
I stared back, unblinking. "What the fuck, Nahm?"
She gave a nonchalant shrug. "Seriously? It's such a straightforward question. I believe we all had that thought in our minds."
"Beam and I have been close friends for ages. If there was any chance of us fucking, don't you think it would have happened by now?"
"Fair point," She said with a shrug. "I didn't intend anything by it. I just assumed that since you're married for the next twenty-three days, you'd be enjoying all the perks."
It was clear that she didn't intend any harm with her question. However, it bothered me more than I expected. The combination of long days and restless nights made me easily irritated and prone to snapping, but I regretted reacting that way towards her.
"I used to believe that all marriages were devoid of warmth and intimacy" Thankfully, Beam shifted the attention away from me, and I was relieved.
"I can assure you that is completely untrue," Foei exclaimed, playfully raising his eyebrows.
"Tell me you've at least kissed." Nahm was still prying, and shit was getting uncomfortable.
