Best Bitches

XI: Secrets

Jamie

I lazily checked my Instagram, pausing to creep on Chres. I gagged when I saw all the pictures of him and Eve. I eyed a picture of me and him, smiling when I noticed he didn't take it down.  There was no way that this thing between him and Eve was going to last.

"Eve, come with me to find a cute outfit for Craig's and my anniversary," Christina yelled, and I quickly locked my phone, pulling out a book instead.

"Fine," Eve called in response. "I'll be ready in a minute." Soon, Christina was at my door, but I pretended to be too immersed in my book to notice.

"Jamie? Wanna come?" She asked, and I eyed her closely, wondering who this dress really was for. Craig or Shawnee?

"Nah, I'd rather not," I replied, scoffing. I turned to Eve, who had just entered my room. "You know she is just gonna pick something that makes her look like a nun. Gasp, oooo ankles! Sooo scandalous..." I joked.

Eve laughed but stopped when she noticed Christina's frown. Christina eyed me, and I smirked. "Whatever." She grabbed Eve, pulling out of the room.

"See you guys later," I called, laughing to myself. Damn, Christina was so sensitive these days.

I smiled returning to Instagram. I was halfway through Chresanto's pictures when I heard a loud frantic knock on my door. I sighed heavily, tossing my phone on the bed. "I'm coming, damn it. Chill."

I threw open the door to find a panicked Chresanto. He pushed right past me heading in the direction of Eve's room. He frowned when he realized she wasn't here. He turned to me. "Where's Eve?"

I crossed my arms across my chest, eyeing him closely. "Out," I replied curtly. "Why?"

He nervously paced in front of me, running a hand through his hair, and I softened. For as long as I've known Chresanto, I've never seen him like this. "Why? Did you have to tell her something?" I asked. A sigh escaped my mouth. "I mean I could...."

He cut me off roughly grabbing my arm. "You can't tell," He snapped. When I didn't reply fast enough, his grip tightened. "Promise, Jamie."

"Damn. Fine, whatever. I promise." He let go, and I held my now throbbing arm. "You can trust me, Chres."

I could see the tears forming in his eyes, and I knew he must have really fucked up this time. But none of that prepared me for what came out of his mouth next.

"I think I have an STD."

Chresanto

I sat on my sofa staring into the darkness. I have a STD. I always thought I was so so careful. To my knowledge, I always used a condom. I can't believe it. I never thought it would happen to me. I heard the front door open, then footsteps.

"Why is it so dark in here?" Eve muttered. She flipped on the lights nearly blinding me. "Oh Chres. I didn't see you there." I had forgotten I told her she could come over.

"Hey Eve," I managed, but she wasn't really listening. She was already going into one of her long stories about her day.

"So you will never guess what happened to me at work today..." She began, but I zoned out. I couldn't concentrate. All I could think about was I had an STD. What if I gave it to Shawnee? To Jamie? I would never forgive myself if I had given it to Jamie.

I nervously shifted in my seat. And for the first time, I realized Eve had stopped talking. "Are you even listening?"

"Huh?" I said, briefly snapping out of my daze.

A look of concern washed over her. "What's wrong with you?"

I took a deep breath, but I couldn't tell her. I chickened out. Instead, I climbed out of my spot from the couch. "I just need some air," I muttered, already halfway to the door. If she was upset, I wouldn't know. She didn't question me. She just sighed and let me go.

I carefully shut the door behind me, then turned to walk but bumped right into someone. I looked up and there she was. Jamie. I felt both ashamed and relieved at the same time. I pulled her into a hug, "Thank God you're here! Now you can tell her!"

She put her hand on my chest, pushing me away. "Oh hell no," She snapped, eyeing me like I was crazy. "I'm not doing your dirty work. You're on your own."

She turned to leave. "Then I won't tell her," I called, and my words stopped her right in her tracks. "I mean I'm already on antibiotics. It will be like I never even had it."

She sighed heavily. She looked tired, but something else. Something I've never seen before. It was almost like she cared. "But she could." She ran her fingers through her hair, and the old Jamie was back.

I thought about what she was saying for a moment, but I just couldn't do it. "I can't tell her," I admitted.

There was a hint of anger behind her eyes. "You can, and you will. Or else..." She trailed off, letting the threat set in.

Curiously, I raised an eyebrow. "Or else what?" I scoffed.

She looked away, biting her lip. I've known Jamie long enough to know that she only does that when she's losing control. She met my gaze again. "Look, Chres. I'm dealing with my own shit right now. I don't need you fucking anything up," She replied oddly, not answering my question.

I smiled, "Oh the Princess can't handle a little drama."

She was fuming. Anger quickly filled her eyes, and I've never seen her that mad. "Shut up Chresanto," She yelled so loud I thought Eve would hear. She pushed me. "Eve is my girl. I refuse to let some asshole hurt her."

"Oh so you're her friend now," I retorted, catching her completely off guard. "You weren't saying that shit before--" I began, but she cut me off.

She lost it. "Shut up!" She cried, and I swear I saw of glimpse of tears in her eyes.

I opened my mouth to challenge her, but a sound from inside the house stopped me. "Chres, who are you talking to?" Eve called.

"No one," I replied, attempting to sound innocent. I let out a sigh of relief when I heard her walk away.

I turned to finish what I started with Jamie, but she was already leaving and I frowned. It's not her leaving that bothered me. Jamie not finishing a fight was just way out of character. "You better tell her," She called, right before she disappeared around the corner.