ME being ME

Short Story- Just Friends

"You're funny," Eloise said, a conflicted smile on her lips, "You know, guilt-tripping would only work if I actually cared about him."

Darren stared back at her, trying to suppress his emotions, "Look, I was just trying to patch things up between you two so we could all be friends again," he muttered, "then maybe you, Hugo, and I could all hang out together again. Like the old times." Judging by the tears forming in Eloise's eyes and her sad smile, Darren knew she wanted what he described and she still cared. Placing a hand on her shoulder he said softly, "I know it's hard to become friends again after a relationship, but please, give him a chance."

Eloise buried her head into her hands, "It won't be the same. You know that as well as I do," she let out a sigh, her shoulders falling, dejected. Darren, not knowing what to say, simply sat next to her, enveloping her hands in his. She leaned into him, comforted by his presence.

~~~

Eloise sighed and stretched when her hand smacked into Darren's face. She pulled her hand back groggily, her eyes flickering open. Groaning, Darren rolled over and scooted off the couch. "Mm, we must've fallen asleep. What'd you hit me for?" She waved her hand dismissively and made her way to the kitchen, propping herself on the counter as Darren followed her and made towards the fridge.

Her eyes followed him lazily as he started pulling out ingredients from around the kitchen. "Waffles?" she said, hopefully. He smiled at her, "I know they're your favorite." She grinned brightly and made an appreciative noise at him. As Eloise swung her legs, which were dangling off the countertop, she didn't notice Darren's keen glances at her as he mixed the batter. 

As he plated the waffles and headed towards the table, Eloise followed him and eagerly pulled out a chair, ready to dig in. She glanced up suddenly when she remembered why she had come over in the first place. "So I guess you'll have to talk to Hugo about everything now," her voice trailed off as she cast her gaze anywhere but at Darren. When Darren didn't respond, she looked up and was startled by his piercing gaze. Her eyes flickered cautiously across Darren's face as she tried to read what he was thinking. 

Finally, he spoke, "Elli..." he paused, battling with himself. Eventually, his words tumbled out softly, "What would have happened if you were with me instead of Hugo?" He looked at her, wringing his hands together nervously under the table. Eloise stared back, her mouth had fallen open, the waffles forgotten. Not being able to control himself, he pulled her close and placed a soft kiss on her cheek and whispered, "We can tell Hugo we're just friends."