Short Stories

You, Me, and Her

I never wanted to be the other woman. Maybe I should have picked up in the signs sooner. Guess I was too captivated by his eyes to notice. I can't help but ask what if. What if I did t dance with him at that party? What if I didn't let him walk me home? But he was so sweet, walking next to me on the damp sidewalk. He didn't even try to come inside, even hesitated before he kissed me. What if I didn't give him my number? What if I didn't agree to go on that date the next day? He took me to a movie in the park, provided the picnic. It was a magical night. Couldn't stop kissing him in his car before he dropped me off. Wasn't my fault his lips tasted like cherries and wine.

We went on three more dates before the end of the month. With each one I felt myself falling more and more. I was too caught up in all that was him to realize anything was off.

He couldn't ever go out on Friday nights. I never met his family. Only knew a few of his friends. Sometimes he'd abruptly end calls or turn his phone so I couldn't see the screen.

I never thought twice. I was too busy falling in love with him. I still love him.

Love has to be the only reason I gave him a second chance.

*****

I didn't plan on kissing her. I really didn't. My plan was to go out, get drunk and forget the fight I had with my girlfriend. She really pissed me off this time. I wanted to find some long legged girl to dance with. Nothing more. That's when she walked in. One of my friends knew one of her friends which led us to being introduced. I think it was her eyes that got me. They were such a bright green. We talked and danced, but not the gross grinding and groping. She got tired and I offered to walk her home since she didn't live that far. I felt like I could breath with her. Everything came so naturally. Like I said, I didn't plan to kiss her. I almost didn't, but those eyes pulled me in.

We kissed and I asked for her number. The next day I asked her out. My girlfriend didn't like movies in the park but she did. We made out in my car before I dropped her off. I was hooked.

That was the start of the lies and sneaking around. Didn't think I was that good of a liar, but I made it weeks then months without being caught.

My girlfriend was supposed to be out of town. She came over for a surprise visit. I swear the whole apartment could hear her screaming.

They both left. I went after green eyes.

*****

He wasn't my first boyfriend, but I was hoping he'd be my last. That's what the fight was about. I swear I had lost him that night when he stormed out. Guess I did. I had gone to his place after a few hours. He wasn't there. Didn't come home that night either. Tried texting and calling him the next day. He ignored them all. When I did see him again he seemed a little off. I put that down to him being nervous about apologizing. He did apologize and we made up. I thought things were good. He started paying me mode attention, doing things I liked that he didn't. I thought we were finally making promises. Maybe I would get engaged by the end of the year.

Slowly he started to become distant again. He told me his coach was pushing the team harder this season. They didn't do to well the last season so it made sense.

Everything he did that seemed off I made an excuse for him. Cancelled plans, he had a long day at work and practice. Snapping at me, I did keep him up late the night before.

Back from a girls trip I went to his place to surprise him. I had a key so I didn't need to knock. Should have knocked. They were sprawled on the couch.

Screamed my head off as my heart broke.

***

If this were to be a book whose perspective would you want it to be in? All three? The other woman? The boyfriend/cheated?