FROM FRANCE TO USA

I lost her

"Well, hello there, roomie!" Katie's voice echoed through the apartment as I wrestled with my overflowing suitcases.

"Someone missed me, huh?" I managed to say, a grin spreading across my face despite the luggage struggle.

"Ugh, I don't even know what came over me," she laughed, releasing me from her surprise hug. I chuckled, finally dumping my bags in the living room and collapsing onto the sofa, exhausted from the long journey.

"So, tell me, how was America?" Katie asked, her Irish accent as charming as ever.

"It was fantastic. But it feels so good to be back, you know? To see Chris, Alex, and everyone else."

"Wonderful... I know someone who missed you quite a bit..." Katie trailed off, and I knew instantly she was talking about Leah. "She said you called once and then disappeared. Poor girl was a wreck all week. Honestly, I could say the same. Back in America and you forget all about us." She said it with a playful grin, but I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. I was still reeling from everything that happened back home with Kristie, and I knew Katie could sense something was off.She always had a knack for reading me.

"Okay, spill it. What did you get up to over there?"

"Nothing special..." I shrugged, attempting a nonchalant air that I'm sure was utterly unconvincing.

Katie raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Come on, Madi. You can't fool me. Spill the beans."

I bit my lip. "Okay, fine. But you're not going to like it."

She leaned in, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Try me."

I took a deep breath. "I kind of... maybe... slept with Kristie."

Katie's jaw dropped. Then, a slow smile spread across her face. "No. Way. You did not."

I groaned. "I did."

She burst into laughter. "Oh my god, this is priceless!"

"Why are you laughing?" I grumbled, half-heartedly tossing a cushion at her. "It's not funny!"

Katie wiped a tear from her eye. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she said, still chuckling. "It's just... after everything you said, all your declarations about Leah... and then you go and do this?"

I sighed, slumping back into the sofa. "I know. I'm the worst."

"Well," Katie said, finally regaining her composure, "at least you're honest about it. So, tell me everything. Start from the beginning."

And so, I did. I told her about the night out, the drinks, the blurred lines, the undeniable chemistry between Kristie and me. I confessed my confusion, my guilt, and the gnawing fear of losing Leah. Katie listened patiently, nodding occasionally, her expression thoughtful.

When I finished, she was silent for a moment. Then, she said, "Okay, this is a mess. But it's not the end of the world."

I looked at her hopefully. "You really think so?"

"Of course," she said, giving me a reassuring smile. "First things first, you need to figure out what you want. Do you want to be with Leah? Or are your feelings for Kristie stronger than you thought?"

I hesitated. "I... I don't know. I care about both of them, but in different ways."

"That's okay," Katie said. "It's normal to be confused. But you need to figure it out before you talk to either of them. You owe them both honesty, and you can't be honest if you don't even know what you want."

I nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude for Katie's unwavering support. "Thanks, Katie. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Anytime," she said, squeezing my hand. "Now, how about we order some pizza and watch a movie? We can strategize tomorrow."