Tell Me A Story

TSaM: Alternate Ending

Night had fallen on that cold winter day. Adam Graham was sitting in that chair for twenty odd minutes, waiting. He had asked his boss for a favor. To close up early, to give him a place to talk. The door's bell chimed and in came Jake Armstrong, his best friend.

"Hey."

"Sup."

Shortly there after, Ashley Anderson showed up.

"Hi..."

"Hey, Ash."

The group sat there, silently. The two who came in last didn't know what to say. They feared hurting him. They cared about Adam, after all.

"You guys want something to drink?"

The two looked up surprised. Jake spoke first, glad for the break in the silence.

"Coffee. Black."

"I'll have a french vanilla..."

"Coming right up."

Adam went to the counter and started to prepare his friends' drinks. Ashley, fearing losing her precious friend, spoke suddenly.

"Adam, I..."

"You know... for a while I hated myself. I was angry at you guys at first. For doing something like that behind my back..."

Jake suddenly stood up from his seat.

"We would never..!"

"I know. I was just blaming you guys. Directing my anger at you... It was unfair, of course. You probably didn't know. Then I hated myself for not being able to match up to Jake. For not being good enough for Ashley..."

Adam finished and brought the drinks to the table.

"So many thoughts filled my head... I was angry... Then afraid of losing my place by her side... of being replaced... I was in despair... I was many things... but as a friend... I failed to be happy for you guys."

Adam looked downwards to his hands, looking for the words.

"Adam, we..."

"Ashley, please let me finish... Jake, you may joke around, but you helped me through everything. You were there for me when no one else was. I counted on you for everything... and when happiness came for you... I failed to be there with you, as your friend. I'm sorry. Ashley... you have gone through so much... suffered for so long... you needed someone to keep you safe... to make you feel loved. I thought for so long I should've been that one. But when Jake showed up, I ran away. Because I was selfish. I wanted you all for myself. And for that, I'm sorry..."

He looked up, swallowing his tears. And smiled.

"I'm so sorry for being such a bad friend... so I want to say this now before it's too late. I love you guys so much. You can't even understand how important you two are to me. I wanted to be the most important person for you guys as well. So maybe I started to become a little bitter, thinking I'd be replaced by you guys with each other. But I'm still happy you guys have each other. Ashley, Jake is an amazing person. Understanding, loyal. He will protect you in every way I couldn't. Jake, Ashley is an incredible girl. She is so kind and wonderful, she will love you through everything that happens. Now don't make her cry, or I'll kick your ass."

Jake was getting emotional, trying to hold back. Ashley was already in tears.

"Don't worry..."

Adam got up and hugged the both of them and they hugged him back. Ashley wanted to talk to him but he spoke again.

"Man... that felt great. I'm so happy for you two. I wish the best for you."

He went to grab his jacket. Jake turned.