tried and true

four

eloquuence 2014

All parts of this story belong to me. Please do not repost this story or take credit for any parts of it.

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Abigail's POV

I slept soundly through the night, although falling asleep was the hardest. My mind kept on bringing me back to that night. That dreadful night.

Flashback

"Graciee!" I say in a singsong voice as I push open the door to her beautiful home, kicking the door open with my foot as I pull my keys out of the lock.

"Abigail dearest it's about time you got here!" She scolds with a teasing tone, her smile growing.

"Hey, what do you get when you cross salmon with nutella?"

"Oh god." She mutters. "What?"

"Salmonella."

She bursts out laughing and I follow suit. Our giggles bubble up until we're laughing so hard I can't catch my breath. I clutch my stomach and she falls to the ground sighing deeply. We lock eyes, in an attempted staring contest. I know she'll win, but for once I want to prove her wrong. Suddenly, she snorts, sending us both into another fit of contagious laughter. We were so content, our laughter knitting our bond even tighter.

I rise from my position on bottom stair where we seemingly have migrated to. I brush myself off and stretch my hand out to my partner in crime currently residing on the floor.

"Movie?"

"Breakfast at TIffany's?"

"Audrey Hepburn Marathon!" we scream simultaneously.

"Audrey Hepburn it is." I say matter of factly, my smug grin ever apparent on my face.

Grace and I always think alike. I knew she had the croissants ready. She always did on Saturday mornings. It was our little ritual. Something only we shared.

I silently walk over to the movie cabinet and open the drawer pulling out Sabrina, Breakfast at Tiffany's and Roman Holiday. I sigh, the secret weighing on my heart as I push the drawer closed once again. I force it to go back down, reminding myself that now is not a good time to tell her.

I know I have to eventually tell her what I saw - and what you did, my conscience reminds me.

"Abby hurry I have the croissants." Grace calls from upstairs.

"Coming!"

I hurriedly wound my way up the spiral staircase and enter her lavish bedroom. I see Grace sitting amongst the blankets and silky sheets of her bed, poised with the croissant ready to enter her mouth.

"I caught you red-handed."

"Of course I was going to wait for you." she huffs. "I just wanted a nibble. I'm hungry." She whines.

I chuckle and pop Sabrina in, before plopping onto the bed and grabbing a flaky, buttery croissant.

"Grace I have to tell -"

"Shhh it's starting. Tell me later." she says slowly, eyes transfixed on the screen.

"It's important though."

"Fine what."

"I saw something." I say sheepishly.

She sits up straighter and concern laces her delicate features. "What sort of something Abigail?"

"ItwasyourdadIsawhimwithanotherwoman." I blurt out before I over think it and change my mind.

"What?" her voice nearly a whisper, I see her tremble, and I put my hand over hers.

She rips her hand away and looks away. I can see the tears beginning to form in her eyes.

"When?" she asks simply.

"Uhh about a month ago." I admit, looking down and playing with the trim of the blanket.

"A month? It took you a month to tell me?"

"Gracie listen I didn't want -"

"No." she snaps. "Best friends tell each other everything. Everything, Abigail."

"I'm sorry."

She just huffs and looks away, crossing her arms.

"There's something else too."

"What now?"

I drop my head down, guilt filling me. It's slowly eating me alive.

My voice drops to a whisper and I don't bother looking at her face.

"I was drunk. It wasn't supposed to happen I swear."

"What happened Abigail." She whispers softly, her tone harsh.

"I kissed Harry."

"You what?" she spits, venom lacing her words. "First keeping secrets from me, then kissing my boyfriend? What kind of best friend are you?"

Her glare is icy as I try to beg for forgiveness.

"Save it for someone who cares. Get out. Get out of my house Abby." she says slowly and purposefully.

I get up and start walking to the door. I turn around and see her glare, steady.

"I'm sorry Gracie. I truly am." I say. Without waiting for her reaction, I turn and walk away.

Two days later.

I click on the television, the news channel appearing before me. I watch as the TV lights flicker, and see the soft glow it emits in the small dark room. I look out the window wistfully. Suddenly the words being spoke break me from my reverie.

"Terrence Evans was found dead in his upper east side apartment where he resided with his wife and daughter." the heavyset news lady informs me.

That's all it takes to snap me back to life. It's like I'm on autopilot. My hands search for my phone. I feel around and snatch it up when my hands feel the cool glass. I frantically dial Grace's number. It goes to voice mail the first thirteen times. Finally, Grace picks up and scowls into the phone.

"What do you want Abigail?" she sniffs and I know she has been crying.

"Are you alright. Can I come over?"

"I don't need your comfort thank you very much." she informs me snippily.

"I'm so sorry."

"I don't want your sympathy. Never call me ever agiain. Get out of my life." the line goes dead, and I can already feel the tears forming. I crumple to the floor and wrap my arms around my legs, sobs racking my body.

That day still haunts me. I think about it everyday. Although my heart feels less heavy for telling her, I feel incomplete. Three months without my best friend to talk to. Three months. It seems unreal. I should have never left. Despite what happened, I know she needed me. She had to have needed me. I am - was - her best friend.

As I get out of bed, I wonder where we stand.

Can I ever repair the damage I've caused?

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a/n

hi all. whoa major plot twist I know hehehe. please comment and vote i would love to know your thoughts.

stay fabulous

-kristin