How I Met You

Chapter Fifty Four

-Chapter Fifty Four-

I looked her dead in the eyes, “You said you were still in love with Jake, my boyfriend.”

          It took her a moment or two to comprehend, to fully understand, the words that I’d said. Then her eyes went as wide as saucers, and she stumbled over her words as they fell out her mouth. “I-I didn’t say that, Alex. You misunderstood.”

          I shook my head, “I really didn’t.”

           “I think you did. Why would I even say something like that? I’ve been over Jake. Hell, I’ve been helping him with you,” she said.

          I didn’t think about that last part, too much. But I knew she said it, that I heard correctly, so it didn’t matter. “I think you said it because you really are still in love with him. Audrey, I’m not an idiot.”

           “Alex, I would never—”

          I was starting to get slightly irritated, because she just wouldn’t admit it. “Just spit it out and confess. I won’t be mad if you are.”

          Audrey looked away and chewed on the inside of her cheek as she rubbed her palms on her jeans. Then she turned to me and said, “Okay, fine. I probably did say it, because it’s true. Please don’t tell him. Or anyone.”

          I clenched my jaw. I knew she said it last night, but hearing her say it in front of me, when she was sober, the words hit me as if I ran straight into a brick wall, and a sick feeling overwhelmed me, my throat started to get dry. I said I wouldn’t be mad. I’m not mad, I told myself, even though I felt like I wanted to punch her.

          I didn’t know what to say in this situation. At all, really. “Audrey,” I started, but then stopped, not having the right words to say. I sighed through my teeth and bit my lip. How would I keep that—that huge secret—away from Jake? “I won’t tell anyone.”

           “Thank you so—”

           “—But you have to get over him,” I continued. “Audrey, I really don’t want this to come between my relationship with him.”

          She frowned. “Me neither. And I’ll try the best I can to get over him. I’ve been trying. It’s just that he’s amazing, and I know I can’t have him. He’s just so—fuck. I don’t even know anymore. I’m sorry.”

          I smiled at her. I didn’t know why, but I thought it would help a little bit with comforting her. “I know it’s going to be hard, but I think you have to. No offense, but a lot of things happened while you were in a coma. Things can’t just change now that you’re awake again.”