Christmas Story

Chapter 25: Jealousy

Emily couldn't sleep. She kept replaying scenes from the previous evening in her mind. Mary had spent the entire day convincing her to go to karaoke with her and Mike. Although she initially refused, Mary's persistent coaxing finally made her agree, but under one condition - she wouldn't sing.

"That's my girl! You need a little fun," Mary said, satisfied.

Emily put on a blue knitted dress and tied her hair back. She looked in the mirror and noticed the dark circles under her eyes.

"Nothing a little makeup can't fix," Emily encouraged herself.

A taxi pulled up in front of the house. Emily got in and found Mike and Mary inside, in high spirits.

"Em, relax, we've got our own driver tonight. Mike's sticking to non-alcoholic cocktails," Mary said cheerfully.

Mike laughed and kissed Mary. Emily realized that good moods can be contagious because she started to feel at ease too.

As they made their way to an open table, Emily glanced at the stage, where a couple of young women were singing an old hit somewhat out of tune, not caring that their voices were far from perfect. The crowd supported them with applause and encouraging cheers.

Soon, Mike brought drinks to the table.

"To an unforgettable night," Mary said excitedly, and as Emily raised her glass, she felt a part of her genuinely hoping it would be.

Though she had been hesitant about coming, she now felt herself gradually relaxing. This was an opportunity to live in the moment, forget about everything bothering her, and simply enjoy the company of friends and the simple happiness in the air.

Mike often came to karaoke with his friends, and tonight he was planning to perform with Mary.

A couple started singing "You're the One That I Want," and everyone started dancing. Emily recognized John and his wife Wanda performing the song on stage.

Something gripped her heart, and she tried to avoid looking around. Mary and Mike were dancing energetically, so she attempted to lose herself in the music as well.

A loud round of applause echoed through the café. Emily exhaled in relief. She turned to head back to their table when she heard a woman's gentle voice begin to sing, followed by a powerful male voice. Emily froze. She fought the urge to turn around, but couldn't resist.

First, she saw Mary's concerned eyes, and then she saw him. Ethan stood on the stage, eyes closed, singing passionately. A tall, dark-haired woman was standing close to him, harmonizing beautifully.

The whole room went silent. Emily felt her heart pounding in her chest. She stood still, but a whirlwind of thoughts raced through her mind.

At one point, she thought she felt Mary's touch, inviting her to sit down, but she didn't react. She kept watching and listening to Ethan pour his soul into the song. He was singing for her, for that beautiful dark-haired woman. Emily was angry at herself for even thinking about it.

Tears started to flow when their eyes finally met as the song ended. The dark-haired woman hugged him. Emily turned away, somehow managing to make it back to her seat.

Someone else started singing. Mary squeezed her hand. Emily smiled faintly.

"It's okay, Mary," she whispered.

She saw Mike and Mary exchange looks. She didn't want to ruin their night or feel the emotions that were starting to surface. Jealousy gnawed at her like a worm burrowing into an apple.

"Mary, I think I'm going to head home. You two stay and have fun," she finally told her friend.

"I think we've had enough too, we'll leave with you," Mary said sympathetically.

"No need, you haven't even performed yet," Emily replied.

"Mike's throat isn't quite up for it tonight," Mary said, raising her voice over the applause and signaling to Mike that it was time to go.

"She's beautiful," Emily whispered as tears soaked her pillow. "And they're such a perfect couple. Why does it hurt so much? Did I really think for a moment that he could love me? I was right, I'm just an echo of his past. It's good I didn't let myself fall for him. It's good."

By morning, Emily was already sitting in the Library with a cup of coffee in front of her when Mary arrived.

"How are you?" Mary asked softly, noticing her visibly sleep-deprived friend.

Emily looked up, trying to smile, but her face was clouded with sadness.

"I spent the night thinking," Emily admitted. "About Ethan, about how I felt when I saw him with her... I can't believe it affected me this much."

Mary sighed and sat down next to Emily.

"Em, sometimes we think we've moved on from the past, but when it comes back like this, we realize there's still something unresolved. It's normal. But that doesn't mean you're weak."

"Maybe you're right," Emily replied. "I just... I didn't expect it to hit me so hard. And she... they really do make a great couple."

Mary gently touched Emily's hand.

"You'll get through this, Em."

"I was right, Mary. We don't belong in the same world. I realized that a long time ago."

"Maybe you should talk to him," Mary suggested suddenly.

Emily looked at her, surprised.

"Talk to Ethan?"

"Yes, dear. You two seem like you're crazy about each other, but keep finding reasons and obstacles to avoid admitting it," Mary said as she poured water into the coffee machine.

Emily frowned. She didn't like what she was hearing. She shook her head.

"No, Mary, we just love our past," Emily replied, setting down her empty coffee cup.

"Whatever you say, Em. I just couldn't keep quiet about what I saw," Mary shrugged.

Emily felt a headache coming on. There was so much to do and prepare, but she knew she wasn't up to it today. She wondered why Mary thought what she had just said. Emily didn't want to dig deeper into her feelings and open old wounds. She just wanted to forget everything.