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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I positioned myself against the wall, anticipating Forth's words. He gazed at me with anticipation, causing my stomach to churn like the undercooked pancakes I had prepared for him in the past. This situation was precisely why I avoided relationships. It overwhelmed me.
When I woke up, my body aching and pleasantly sore, I felt amazing. Lost in a hazy state of sleep-induced bliss, I eagerly anticipated the next round. Or was it the fourth?
But then, I turned over.
Forth had disappeared and his side of the bed felt chilly. I had no clue about his departure, only that he had left without uttering a word. He had left behind a puzzling note, mentioning his urgency to go to the store and promising to call me later. I patiently waited for a couple of hours, understanding that he needed time to clear his thoughts, but as noon approached, he still hadn't returned.
I sent the message, feeling like the guy who was overly attached after a date. Pausing before pressing the Send button, I questioned if I was worsening the situation, but I was uncertain about the status of our relationship.
I didn't receive a response, so even though it was the weekend, I decided to go to work. I thought it would be better to channel my nervous energy into being productive until I heard back from him.
Throughout the day, my irritation grew steadily. I wasn't just some random person he met at a bar. He was my closest friend, and if he had any concerns, he should address them directly with me. A part of me feared that he might want to break off our friendship. If that were the case - and it was his prerogative, of course - I would handle it when the time came. However, his current behavior was incredibly unfair, and to be honest, I deserved more than being shut out like this.
I had considered fleeing as fast and as far as possible, but the memories of being with Forth were captivating. Despite hating it, I desired him. I had no shame or self-preservation when it came to him. I stayed because he was Forth. Forth was unique. This wasn't like anyone else, and even though it was strange, I had never wanted anything more in my life.
I had no choice but to pick up the phone when he called and allow him into my office. That single reason compelled me to do so. Perhaps that made me desperate or somewhat pitiful. Well, I admit to being both, because if there was anything worth salvaging with Forth, I was willing to fight for it.
"You want to talk about this?" I asked, at last shattering the uncomfortable silence that had settled between us.
Forth let out a sigh. "I believe there's nothing left to discuss. This wager was foolish. The club was foolish, your kiss in the alley was foolish, and making love to you was the most foolish decision of all."
I made every effort to brush off his words, refusing to let the pain stick to me like an unshakeable frost. It wasn't just me who was part of that kiss. Both of us had felt the intense heat and passion, and the way he touched me made it clear that he desired it as much as I did.
