I'm in Love With My Best Friend

by Fearless Pinoy

  “How long have you been here?” I snap while ending the call between us. “So long that you haven’t even notice” he smiles and gives me a hug. I close the door, and let him sit at the couch. “So, what’s the problem between you and Nikki?” he straightly got to the point. “I love her” then tears starts running down to my cheeks. “I kind of notice” “She loves someone else dad, and it’s all because of me I just--- I just take her for granted” “So you want a drink?” dad smirks. I just nod and smile.

  While taking a drink of white wine dad look at me and smile “You know what son? Take your time on moving on but remember Nikki never gave up on you not until Clint come back into her life” I sigh and look on the window. N.Y.C view is so fantastic. “I just want to change my point of view, me being okay and can deal through the hardships. Dad, I just want to find myself. Take my time like you’ve said”

  “Nick, you’re smart enough to do your own thing. Do whatever you want to do, but never forgot to look back and smile to those heartbreaks. Maybe this time Nikki and you is not meant for each other, not just yet. But we don’t know that at the end of the story, you and Nikki will live happily ever after” “Dammit dad, you just nailed it” I laugh.

  “I’m serious but yeah” dad laughs. “I’ve been watching the two of you from the very beginning. When you were kids like in the middle school, you keep on telling the people that you will never be a couple because friendship is always the choice but when you see each other again that perspective seems to change” dad continues.

  “I know, but it’s like a cycle dad. That time, Nikki loves me but I’m in a relationship with Myka. Now, I love her but she’s in a relationship with Clint” I mumble.

  “Well, son that’s life. I better go now, take time to think” he bids. “Wait, when did you arrive here?” I ask curiously. “We have the same flight kiddo, and I’ve been watching your every move because I know what happen back there. Nikki kissing Clint” then dad’s gone.

  That old man, but I’m happy that we have a talk. My phone buzzes and it’s a message from dad. It’s nice spending time with my boy

  Dad

  I smile and hit reply.

  Thanks for the preach dad

  Nick

  I dive on the bed and wait for the time, I’ll be leaving for Australia and I don’t know how long I’ll be there. How’s Nikki now? Is she okay, is she mad? I hope she will understand these things.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  NIKKI'S P.O.V

  Myka told me everything, about Nick’s plan and all. I don’t have any problems with it and besides by Nick’s moving on with his life is a good plan for both of us. But I know this doesn’t convince me, him leaving me? Our story is a total mess up.

  “Do you know where will he be going?” I ask Myka who is looking at me with pity. “He doesn’t want to let you know Nikki” she said. I just nod and take a deep breath. “Can I ask you something?” Myka states which makes me smile. It’s like this whole thing is ridiculously awkward. Her being my business partner after our whole mess up relationship because we both love the same guy. Duh!

  “Yes, but be sure that I can answer it” I tease. She laughs and smiles. “I know you can answer this. This is just a simple question. Do you still love Nick?” My smile fades and changes into pout. Do I still love him? But I already have a boyfriend. Clint, I love Clint! “I already have a boy---“ “I know, but that doesn’t answer the question” she snaps. “What about you Myka?” I ask changing the subject. “Yes, I still love him” “How can you say that without thinking?” I mutter.

  “If you love someone and you’re brave enough to let everyone know then you don’t need to think” she smiles. She really has a point though. Do I really love Clint? Or I’m just convincing myself that I love him even though I know that Nick is the one ruling my heart? Am I that coward? Am I that selfish?

  “I guess I’m not that brave enough to answer your question Myka” I inhale desperately. “I guess so” looking at me she handed me my phone which makes me wonder, I saw Clint’s name. Clint is calling me eighteen times and I haven’t even notice it because I’m busy thinking about Nick. I smile at Myka who is still staring at me.

  “If you love Nick why did you broke up with him or something?” I ask. “Because I know that no matter what I’ll do, he will be forever head over heels in love with his best friend” she shrugs. “What do you mean?” I ask “I know that since he left your village, he realized that he’s in love with you but he doesn’t have any courage to tell you and accept it in his self because you both keep on saying that you will choose friendship rather than be in a relationship” she coughs “Remember the time that he didn’t respond you letter? It’s because I’m too jealous about you, he keeps on telling me how lovable; sweet; amazing; gorgeous and all the positive compliments a girl could ask for. I know, I sound like terrible or insane but that’s me. I don’t want to regret on things that I haven’t done. So in short I didn’t regret those endless jealousies I made just because I want him to be mine”

  “I already know that but not the compliment part” I smile. “He’s so keen on replying your mails but afraid to let me know about it” then she stops talking because of my phone which vibrates indicating a call. Clint! I signal Myka to keep quiet and I answer the phone.

  “Clint I’m sorry I haven’t answer your calls bec---“ “Nikki, I’m on my way to L.A. I want to talk to you very important. I’ll see you later” then Clint hangs up didn’t give her a chance to respond. “What happen?” Myka snaps. “Clint is on his way here in L.A and he told me that we need to talk something important” I said with a confuse look. “So, what’s with the creepy look on your face?” “He just hangs up on me” I yell. Myka laugh and sigh. “You’re weird, you know that” I snap.

  “Well you both really need to talk. About your feelings for him” she said. “I love him” I scold. “Says who?” she smirk. Then again, she’s right. I keep on convincing my mind that I love him but my heart won’t cooperate.

  “I think your right, it’s unfair for him” after I say that Myka claps her hand smile. “So, it’s really too late now” she smirk. “You can sleep her if you want to after all it’s not my condo and speaking of that I’m planning to leave this place. I don’t want any memory of Nick from now on---“ “Until when?” Myka cuts me off “Until I’m ready to face the reality but maybe it’s not that easy and I know that work will help me” I smile.

  “Okay, well goodnight” Myka shouts. I on the other hand lay down on the couch separate to Myka’s and let the darkness consumes me.

  ----------------------------------------

  Still NIKKI’S P.O.V

  I drifted off by the light that enters into the condo, it’s a lovely day. I turn around just to watch Myka siting on where she sleeps while having a cup of coffee on her hands. “Good Morning” she greets. “I think you do have an appointment this early on the restaurant across the road, don’t you think?” she continues. I frown and check my watch, and it say’s ten in the morning. “I have to go, I need to tell Clint that—“ “Don’t worry, I text him already that you are still sleeping and he said that he’ll just wait for you” she smile.

  I went straight to the bathroom and do my own thing. I must be presentable on facing Clint for our conversation. I need to be focus on my point and tell him how sorry I am.

  My phone buzzes indicating a call. “Hello, who is this?” I ask while tying my hair into a pony tail. “Good Morning Nikki, it’s me Clint. I’m waiting for you; just tell me if you’re ready okay?” “Yeah, I’m on my way and I’m sorry for that” I said while catching my breath because I’m putting my clothes on now. I don’t have time to take a shower ad besides it’s just a coffee thing right? And we don’t need to talk too much longer. “That’s good, let’s just grab a cup of coffee” he said. “Yes, that’s really my plan so see you soon” then after that I hang up. I don’t want him to hang up with me again.

  I walk straight to the place whe
re I and Clint will be meeting. I left Myka in the condo; she’s helping me pack-up some things so that I can move to another place and start a new life without thinking about having a relationship with someone else.

  “Hey” I jump after recognizing Clint’s voice. He’s with a girl, a beautiful one. “Hi” I smile and walk towards them. “Nikki, meet Shelly my fiancée. Shelly meet Nikki” Clint introduces that makes me gasp. “Hi” I said sarcastically. What the hell? “Hello Nikki” she smiles “Clint babe, I have to go. I just accompany you but I really need to see my friend” she continues. “Sure, I also need to talk to Nikki privately” Clint said. After that Shelly left us.

  “So, when’s the wedding” I ask full of anger. “I know that you’re mad that’s why I wanted to talk to you” he said “I’m sorry Nikki, I should have told you much sooner” he shrugs “I don’t know but dad told me about this whole arrangement plan and I was like ‘okay’ but I love you” he finish.

  “You love me? Tell me about it! Like ‘hey I love you but I have a fiancée that’s why I need to talk to you and tell you I’m sorry’ is that what you want to tell me? Or I that the summary of all this bullshit?” I said calming my voice as possible. Clint just keeps his silence and bows his head. “Well, it’s not a big deal for me though; I really want to break-up with you” I try to sound nice but I’m terribly beyond mad. “I think that it was unfair for you but after what I witness this morning I literally change my word that I was unfair with Nick” I yell. I couldn’t handle myself anymore.

  “Do you know how much I’ve cost for being with you? How many people I left behind to be with you? Clint, I lost my best friend because of you, because of choosing you! I gave up my love for him so that I can love you wholly without limitations but this is what I get?” I sob.

  “Nikki, I’m sorry. I’m really sorry” he begs “No matter how much you apologies Clint, I will never get my best friend back. I’ve lost him, now I don’t even know if he still loves me” I mutter whipping my tears away.

  “What do I need to do for you to forgive me?” he asks. I look at him with hatred look. I’m so pissed by him. “I don’t want to see you anymore until my heart stops beating” I said seriously and then I left him behind, not caring if he’s shock or not but I mean it.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  NIKKI’S P.O.V

  I live my life according to my wants. An elegant fashion model and a successful entrepreneur at age of 22, if I will look back to my old self 3 years from ago, then it’s really safe to say that I do really change a lot.

  I was walking on the seashore, taking a deep breath and feeling the salt water beneath my feet it’s summer. This is home; the place where the story begins; the seashore where I and Nick first meet. Speaking of Nick? It’s been 3 years where I last saw him. That very moment that we are in his condo unit and he hug me knowing that I am still committed to Clint who already has a fiancée. Since he left for overseas, I wasn’t able to get news from him. Myka on the other hand already moved on and is 3 months married.

  “Nikki” my mom called. I wave at her signaling her that I heard her call. We’re on the seashore, the place where Nick and I used to talk some serious thought. We’re having a family picnic with mom and dad and Nin. I walk towards their place. “It’s a very nice day dad” I said while hugging him tight. “Yes it is honey” he smiles.

  I look at Nin who is fond of texting. She’s now grown, beautiful and smart. I then glance at my mom who is so busy unpacking our stuff and there I notice that there are lots of plates? “Mom, why are you putting tons and tons of plates?” I mutter. She frowns then smiles turning to dad “Oh! Haven’t we mentioned you that this is not just a family picnic? We have visitor coming Nikki” dad said. I just nod looking the sea.

  “They’re here” mom shouts. Is it really necessary? Dad and mom stands up and well, including Nin but me? I’m not good in approaching visitors that’s why I didn’t bother to turn my eyes on the new arrivals. Instead I put my earphones on my ear and drift myself into listening. Then the song is Summertime by Bridgit Mendler. I sigh knowing that this song is for best friends and now I’m sitting alone wondering where my best friend is.

  Later I know someone grab the right earphone from my ear. Ugh! Who the heck is--- NICK! He’s here beside me now! “Nikki” he greets. “Nick” I greet back. “You didn’t greet us, why?” he pouts. My mouth drops open it’s been 3 years and now he’s here. God! I miss him so much. “Nikki, are you alright?” he asks. Instead of answering his questions, I give him a bear hug. “Nick! I miss you, you are really here” “Yes, okay I’m here” then after an awkward moment of silence I release him then I quickly stand up.That move is not good Nikki!

  My subconscious spats. “Nikki, you look lovely as always” Nick’s mom greets and hugs me. “Thanks Tita, you as well” I mutter then, Nick dad scoops me into a great embrace. Same as Nick, I never saw his parents for 3 years too. “Why don’t you both talks for a while? We’re sure that you need to do some chats” mom said. I frown then I glance at Nick who is still smiling at me.

  “Y---yes sure” I mutter. After that, Nick walk towards the sea and I follow his lead. We walk and walk and walk and walk. It’s like fifteen minutes silence between the two of us. I want to talk to him but I don’t know where to start. “Hey, can I have your number?” Nick asks breaking the silence. “Sure” I said. I gave him my number and he did the same thing. And when we’re finish exchanging our mobile number, an awkward silence occurs again.

  We keep on walking away from our parents, Nick sit on a big rock and he offers the other side of the rock. I accept the offer and sit down next to him.

  “How are you?” I ask. “I’m doing well, how about you? I heard so much about you” he said not leaving my eyes. “I wish I could say the same” I whisper. “Yeah, I was so busy in Australia” he sigh and now he’s glancing back to the sea. He’s physical appearance changes; he’s lot hotter, handsome in short perfect. “I bet you love that country” I smile turning my eye focus to our picnic area. “Yes, I love that country but there’s still no place like home” taking a deep breath he put his arm on my shoulder taking me by surprise.

  I didn’t bother to argue with it after all, this man that is by my side is my best friend and not just that, I love him but I bet he doesn’t love me like that anymore. Well, I don’t care as long as he’s happy then I am too. “I know what you mean” I mumble.

  “Nikki, I thought you totally forgotten me” he said no taking his eyes on the sea. In his voice I know that he’s serious but I don’t know what type of topic is this “You wish Nick! I will never forget you” I hit his head and make him turn his face on me “What was that for?” he shouts. “Don’t you are shout at me” I punch his shoulder and we ended up laughing.

  “So, who’s your new now?” he ask. “What do you mean?” I ask back. “You know, boys that head over heels asking for you permission” he smirks. “Ah! You mean those boys? Well, I don’t have any interest on that part Nick” I smirk.

  “How about you Nick?” I whisper. “How about me what?” he ask confuse. “The same question but not boys rather girls” I tease. “You don’t have to know it” he snaps and he stands up stratching his muscle then he sits back again.

  “Come on, where best friend’s right?” I ask, hopefully yes? “Yes, of course” he said smiling at me. “So be honest with me. Who do you like?” I demand. “No one, I love someone” I felt a knife stabs at my back, he might know this girl when he’s in Austalia. I want to walk away but I don’t want to be rude and I must be happy for him so I just manage to “Ohhh, she must be very lucky” “Definitely, I love her since the day I met her” he smiles; there I saw how happy knowing this girl. “Really? Well, since we're best friends I wanna meet her. Please call her” I asks convincing myself that I will be alright. “Oh! Okay” he said. This is it! He takes out his phone and call the girl No go backs. I’m waiting for Nick signal when my phone buzzes and I’m receiving a call, it’s a private n
umber. I signal a hand “Best, hold on. I think I'm receiving a call” he nods at me and I answer the phone. “Hello, who is this?” I answer, after that I heard some giggling “Nikki, I love you”

  My mouth drops open, it was Nick. He loves me. That jealousy that I felt earlier evaporates; it was like gone with the wind. “I hang up and turn my gaze on him who is smiling. “What did you say?” I ask him so that it will be clear. I thought he will whisper it but I was wrong “I Love You Nikki and I want to spend the rest of my life loving, cherishing, and taking good care of you. I love you, I love my best friend and if you’ll give me a chance I will marry you and spend all my life with you”

  Tears prickles on my face, the man whom I love want to spend his whole life with me. “What are you asking?” I smile. “I want you to be my girlfriend but I’ll take my chances to ask you to be my wife” he smiles walking closely to me. Feet, inches, centimeters, millimeters until the space between us became empty.