Her Name Was

CHAPTER V

I think I ruined our friendship.

No, I fairly certain that I ruined my friendship with Katie Madison Burrows. I had not spoken to her in three weeks. In fact, it would be exactly three weeks tomorrow since the night of the concert.

I didn't make it easier on myself when I kept listening to the hip-hop she had sent me, adding it to my playlist of music I usually listened to when I was on my break at the hospital or working out at the gym.

Not talking to Katie actually made a negative impact on my mood, so much that I snapped at my parents who were trying to set me up with another woman from my father's circle of wealthy socialites, and in the process, scaring my little brother Elias, into a panic attack (he has Asperger's Syndrome, and reacts to loud noises). I greatly disliked the person that I became, and how it affected those I cared about dearly.

Hell, I almost ended my friendships with Hamish over the issue with Cassidy's persistence to date me, as well as with Jenna, over her telling me about her holiday with Keegan for their third anniversary. I literally almost told her that I didn't care about her romantic holiday - I was hurting the people that I cared about and, in turn, it was hurting me.

Eventually, Hamish and I settled our differences and I sorted out my issue with Cassidy's growing crush on me, having accepted a few curses and insults from her. I felt that I avoided something big by not getting involved with her.

I then went to Jenna's apartment with chocolate and wine, begging for the forgiveness of my close female friend, who in turn forgave me, on the condition I accepted that I was indeed in love with Katie. I had never denied that I wasn't falling for her, I just had never verbalised it, which was what Jenna suggested I do.

However, I asked myself, how could I attempt such when she was barely talking to me, and had no other means to contact her? I tried visiting her studio, but it was like I always missed her or she was always too busy for visitors, or just me.

I couldn't find her brother Malcolm or her friend Lisa to ask for assistance, and I simply prayed every morning as I prepared for work that she would give me a chance to explain myself one day. I entered St. Matthews and prepared for my shift, working in a robotic motion as I had been for the past few weeks.

The day simply went by in monogamous motion, everything going as it usually would, with no major emergencies or issues with our patients. I decided to walk to the park and have my lunch there, trying everything to avoid my memories about Katie. I strolled to the nearest park and bought myself a burger meal from a nearby diner before settling at a table and bench near the pond.

I was so distracted by my meal and the sight of people playing with the pets, that I had not noticed the person who made themselves comfortable on the bench opposite me, until I heard them clear their throat.

"Oh, sorry. Lisa? What are you doing here?", I asked, mildly curious by her presence. I was even more curious as to how she found me, but I refrained from asking.

"I went to the hospital to look for you. Your friend Jenna had told me that I would find you somewhere in this park", she replied. I placed my burger down and wiped my mouth. "Is there a problem? Is Katie okay?", I rushed out.

Lisa let out a laugh, "Well, physically Lisa is okay, but everything else...". She sighs, "Katie has been feeling off in the past few weeks. She almost fought with her father when he came by for lunch last week, which she hardly does, and has basically locked herself in either her apartment or her art studio, preparing for her upcoming show".

"Being her best friend, I know that you have something to do with that Terry, and I'm guessing it involves un-reciprocated feelings". I blinked at Lisa, surprised at how she came to that conclusion so simply, even though we hardly knew each other. "Let's say you're right", I start before clearing my throat. "What does this mean? She won't talk to me, and believe me, I've tried reaching out to her".

Lisa leaned over and held on my forearm, gripping it slightly. "Then try harder Terry. My best friend is in love with you, and you're telling me you haven't exhausted all options to reach out to her?"

My jaw dropped and I stopped listening to Lisa after she said that Katie was in love with me. "I-If that were the case, then why is she so determined on avoiding me? I couldn't even explain what happened at the concert", I pleaded. Lisa bit her lower lip, as if in contemplation, or rather in an internal struggle.

"You see, Katie got admitted to hospital because of her feelings. Her own feelings were the reason behind her injuries, or that's what she keeps telling herself. You see, when her and Frank got engaged, it shocked everyone because one, they were only together for a year, and two, Katie had caught Frank cheating on her twice during their relationship". My nose flared in anger at the news, "Was Frank the cause for her injuries?"

Lisa shook her head, "Not indirectly, no. When Katie decided to give Frank one more chance, one of his exes lost her mind and lashed out at Katie, calling Katie the home-wrecker in their relationship". I could not believe what I was hearing, but I didn't react because Lisa still had more to say.

"The night of the accident, Katie and Frank fought, and Katie ended the engagement that same night. She had called me and I immediately told her to drive to my place. However...on her way to my apartment, someone drove into her directly on the driver's side, immediately knocking her unconscious. After Malcolm and Aunt Pearl, her mother, agreed to put her in a coma, we all soon learned that it was the same ex who lashed out at Katie, who ended up driving into her. Naturally we also blamed Frank, but you saw that time in the hospital, he refused to take responsibility and believed they were still engaged".

I let out a breath I held whilst she spoke and asked a question. "What...What happened to the ex?" "Oh, she got arrested a few days later and got sentenced to twenty years in prison. The cops found her when she tried to meet up with Frank at some fancy hotel", Lisa replied, waving off the memory.

I sat back and took in everything she said, but I still could not find how everything involved me and the current situation. "But wait...how does this involve me, or rather help me in pursuing Katie?", I asked Lisa.

"She doesn't want to pursue a relationship because of  Frank and the accident. But I know she loves you Terry, and that you love her. So, I have a way for you to see her and let her know that you aren't like Frank, but you have to be serious about her", Lisa replied with a questioning look.

"I love her Lisa, you said it yourself. Plus, she has literally paused my life, I feel like a robot without her, she made my life interesting and I want her to know that. I really do miss her", I said.

Lisa folded her arms and grinned at me. "Alright then, but don't mess this up Terry, I mean it". I nod in confirmation and she lets me on her idea for me to finally see her.

I was getting the chance to declare my love for Katie Madison Burrows.