My Best Friend's Brother

Chapter 17

"Some friendships die away but that doesn't mean they didn't hugely touch you or have an impact on your life. Cherish that." I smiled as everyone did the same. Belle Adams, the other writer who sat across from me smiled at me fondly.

"But I understand that it's hard. All that is easier said than done, right?" I asked as I got swept away in my speech. Everyone nodded watching me intently as I got lost in my thoughts.

"It's bittersweet because of course it's okay that you're both thriving. But he used to be who you'd call if you had a secret. Someone who would always make you laugh when that was the last thing you felt like doing. Someone who made you feel seen when you were invisible to everyone else. And now he's... someone else and so are you. And now your friendship is... complicated." I expressed as everyone hung onto my every word.

"The poets, the singers and the authors write about romantic love when it ends. But never about friendships. That's what motivated me to make this book and to have these characters go through hardships that many of us may face." I finished trying to turn the subject back onto the point of this huge event as people began to clap.

"How do each of you deal with rejection?" A teenage girl asked us as I gave the opportunity for Belle Adams to answer not wanting to talk and answer more questions than her.

"Being rejected is much better than never taking a risk and thinking 'what would've happened'. It's better to be honest with them and yourself and to try and fail than to regret never trying at all. Life is meant to be lived; we all can't worry about getting our heart broken. It's inevitable and that's what true creativity and inspiration stems from." The other author, Belle, answered as I felt a grip on my heart from her words.

"You both write a lot about healthy and unhealthy relationships. What quality do you think is the most important in a loving relationship?" Another person asked as I was beginning to become overwhelmed with all of the romantic and life questions and the feelings it caused within me. I thought I was ready to jump back into my life here head first but clearly I was mistaken.

"I believe many relationships would be a lot healthier if we romanticized honest, open and direct communication. You don't need someone who can read your mind, you just need someone who's willing to listen when you speak. Who knows everything about you and notices the little things about you. When you're frustrated and upset and know how to make you smile and can take away some of the burdens." Audrey Wickham, another writer sitting in the plush chair explained into her microphone.

Tears collected in my eyes as I began to get choked up.

"Just like my characters, Lola and Steven when she was going through problems with her parents and Steven was the only one who noticed something was troubling her at home." She turned the conversation onto her book.

I looked down into my lap as I struggled to keep myself together and focus on the things around me rather than Aaron.

"So, this really isn't book related but I was wondering if Bethany was seeing anyone new yet. Seems like there's something about your new book that's different than the previous ones you've written. Has anything in fact changed?" A young woman asked with an intrigued smile as everyone nodded and muttered in agreement.

The question took me by surprise as I thought intensely on how to explain away my sudden heartbreak with Aaron.

"I am perfectly fine on my own. I don't need anyone to live a good life. Relationships aren't for everyone and shouldn't be the main goal in everyone's life. And it's okay to be single." I started as she began to frown clearly, not appreciating my honest answer.

"But sometimes... Yes. I-I do wish I had a partner who would be there for me. Someone who would let me sit in the passenger seat from time to time, someone who would take me in their arms when times get tough. Instead of it being me on my own I would like to have someone who would make dinner when I am too tired or too preoccupied with work to get up and eat. Someone who can remind me of the positive things when I'm spiraling. Someone to marry and start a family with. And someone I can hold onto and share my life with. Everything that everyone dreams of having." I reminisced as everyone cooed and looked up at me fondly.