Friendly Foe

She drew in a sharp breath through clenched teeth. 'Please tell me they didn't just say what I think they said.'

"Katie? Katie? Are you okay?" Bill asked probingly as he searched her lovely green eyes for any sign of emotion.

Katie quickly averted her gaze, glancing over at Trish in an effort to avoid the intensity of Bill's stare. She forced a smile onto her face.

"I am so very happy for you both." she managed to choke out. Walking slowly over to Trish, she gave her a hug while attempting to control the quivering of her own voice. "Bill is a lucky guy." She leaned slightly backwards with her arms still holding on to Trish - more for support than anything else. She suddenly felt very dizzy. She looked firmly into her roommate's deep brown eyes, "And you are a very lucky girl, Trishy."

She could feel her eyes brimming with tears and she blinked furiously to hold them back while pulling Trish into an even tighter hug. Luckily Bill was standing behind her so he couldn't see the sadness on her face. She knew if he looked at her he would immediately know that she was not at all okay. He would know these were not tears of happiness. He knew her better than she knew herself. And now he was getting married to one of her best friends, and she only had herself to blame.

'I should be happy for them.  But I'm not. I can't help it. I'm just not okay with this.' She began to panic as a wave of nausea passed over her body.

She released Trish from the hug and glanced at her watch, "Maria is gonna throw a fit if I'm late again. I've got to get going." She mumbled, reaching down to grab her purse. Still avoiding Bill's stare. She could feel his eyes on her, following her every move. Drinking her in as he always did. Eyes still firmly focused on the carpet, she turned around swiftly and headed for the door.

"No hug for me Katie?" He asked. The disappointment was evident in his voice. He tenderly grabbed her by the elbow as she attempted to walk by and turned her towards him. Taking control of both her arms, he lifted them up and wrapped them around his neck. Wrapping his own firmly around her waist he pulled her into himself and fully enveloped her with his body. She glanced over at Trish who was heading towards the bedroom seemingly lost in her own little world as she stared admiringly at the very large diamond ring on her finger.

"Billy," Katie whispered into his ear as she buried her face into his neck allowing his familiar scent to engulf her. She breathed him in, and willed herself not to cry. "I'm sure you two will be very happy together," she croaked, her voice heavy with emotion.

"Katie..." he started to speak. The emotion in his voice matching hers. "I love you.  You're my best friend." he whispered back, his voice muffled by her curly brown hair.

"I love you too," she was physically shaking now, unable to control the tears that were now falling freely from her closed lids.

Pushing him away in one last attempt to escape before she was sure she would have a nervous breakdown. He stumbled backwards in surprise giving her just enough time to grab her purse and make her way over to the apartment door. "I'll see you guys later.", she threw over her shoulder refusing to look back. Afraid of what she would see in his eyes. Afraid of what he would see in hers.

She exited the apartment, letting the door slam as she walked swiftly towards the stairwell. Her heart felt heavy, her legs felt as if they would give out at any moment. Without warning, she felt her body crumble against the wall as she fell to the floor. Her body heaving with sobs. Tears of jealousy, anger, and regret streamed freely down her face.

Back in the apartment, Bill stood in the middle of his living room, staring at the door. Wondering if she would ever forgive him.

Trish stepped out of the bedroom and walked over to him, putting a comforting arm around his waist. He looked down at her and placed a quick kiss on her cheek.

"I hope she's okay." Trish said, her eyes filled with concern for her closest friend.

Bill looked down at Trish, his eyes mirroring her concern, "Do you think she bought it?"