To Be Torn Between Two

Chapter 13: Last Night In Tampa

Wiping the stray tear from her face, Kelly let out a shaky sigh whilst Layla gave her a small yet sympathetic smile. How could I be so stupid? How could I send Randy a text that was meant to be for Layla? I'm such an idiot! Kelly silently berated herself.

"Kel, do you want to tell me what happened?" Layla asked, her arm still securely wrapped around Kelly's shoulders in comfort.

"You're going to think I'm stupid" Kelly stated, her voice hoarse from crying. Layla tried to stifle a laugh but to no avail. "What's so funny?"

"Kel, I've known you for seven years, I'm not going to judge you, so if you want, tell me what happened." Kelly sighed, closing her eyes in a silent agony.

"John asked me out on a date" Kelly mumbled nervously, trying her best to avoid eye contact with Layla who was just completely taken aback by the statement.

"What?" Layla exclaimed. "Oh my god! When?"

"He asked me out about six hours ago but that wasn't the reason why I was a mess a couple of seconds ago" Kelly said, blinking away the tears that began to appear in her eyes again.

"Oh..." Layla answered biting down on her lower lip.

"I texted you, wanting advice on what to do. I have had feelings for Randy this entire time but..." Kelly trailed off.

"But what?" Layla asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

"But I have feelings for John too and did I mention he asked me out on a date?" Layla's mouth was formed in the shape of an 'O'. "Hey don't look surprised, you knew he liked me all along."

"I'm not surprised. Yes, you did mention that about twice already but to be honest I just didn't think John had the balls to do that, good on him." Layla's lips curved into a smirk.

"I was meant to text you this but I accidentally texted Randy, breaking his heart in the process. I was the reason why he left Eve. I tore them apart, only to ruin what they had" Kelly choked out, her voice wavering as she said the words. "And in the process, no matter how much of a bitch she was to me, I lost Eve. I lost my other best friend Layla."

"Hey, you don't need to beat yourself up over this. Both Randy and Eve have treated you horribly, the cut on your nose is a testament to that." Kelly sighed burying her head in her hands. "Wait..." Layla began, having an epiphany, "did Randy confront you about this text in the hallway?" Looking up from her hands, her gaze, which was once again tearful, met Layla's.

"Yes he did and then we fought. Now I don't know if I should go out on a date with John-"

"Ok, back up a second. John mustered up the courage to ask you out on a date, the least you could do is muster up the courage to accept that date" Layla rambled, causing Kelly to shoot her a glare. "Don't look at me like that, you know I'm right. All Randy does is hurt you and all John does is care for you. Until Randy asks you out, you don't need to worry about him. He keeps saying he loves you but he never actually shows you that he does."

"That's because I don't let him Lay" Kelly answered becoming impatient with her friend. Why couldn't she understand?

"And the reason why you don't let him is because you're guarding your heart. You don't want to get hurt again. Plus going on a date with John doesn't necessarily mean he's actually going to ask you to be his girlfriend, you do realize that right?"

"I do but-"

"No buts Kel, just go on this one date. You just admitted that you have feelings for John, you never know you two might just end up together" Layla said with a wink, consequently causing Kelly to whack her arm quite hard. "Ow! Why do you always have to hit me when I mention you and John being a couple?"