Love, Beth

Bonus!

Author's Note: I came across a draft I'd written for the first chapter of Love, Beth a while ago. This was back when I was still thinking of what to call it so the draft was titled 'Dear, Kate'. Below I have the original draft for you all to read. Enjoy!

"I know you say I deserve better but he's a really nice guy! Trust me, Beth... he does love me. He's just stubborn and he gets angry for no reason sometimes... But he does love me, and I love him!"

My heart broke at her words. Her sad smile couldn't hide the pain in her eyes.I was on a video call with my best friend, Kate Bishop. Once again, she'd called me to vent about another fight with her boyfriend, Kevin Wallace. The guy was a complete asshole but he did make her happy... for the most part. By now, I was sick of his shit. He was constantly emotionally hurting Kate and she deserved so much better! I mentally counted all the times she'd gotten into a fight with him. This would be their 9th fight in their 7 month relationship.

I looked at her face on my laptop screen, her eyes now bright as she began discussing some other topic. I know I should've been paying attention but I couldn't help but to stare at her. Kate was beautiful, her shoulder-length blonde hair was messy and had been hastily pulled into a little ponytail. I found myself getting lost in her ocean blue eyes. Kate would often say she was fine but her eyes would always give away her true emotions, whether she liked it or not.

"Beth? Beth!" Her soft, angelic voice suddenly broke me out of my trance.I focused on her entire face, then noticed how her perfect lips were slightly parted. God, I want to kiss her so badly... but I couldn't think about that now. The look on her face told me she'd just asked a question.

"Uh, yeah, what's up?" Kate's smile returned and I could feel myself begin to grin slightly. "I asked if it'd be alright if I turned off my camera for a bit. I need to change into my pajamas."

At that thought, my eyes slightly widened. I knew that if I opened my mouth, I'd surely embarrass myself but I had to respond. Okay, Beth, now's not the time for any of your inappropriate jokes! What could I say...? As I struggled to find something casual to say, I heard her call out my name once more and I knew I had to just say something, anything.

"Why turn the camera off? Where's the fun in that?" Shit! Not that. Why'd I have to say THAT of all things? I'm hopeless...

Luckily, she laughed cutely and smiled, "Nice try, Beth! Maybe next time!" Kate winked before turning off her camera.