Inevitable

Drama

I didn't want this moment to end. I was finally honest with myself and Henry about what I wanted. I wasn't going to hold back anymore with him. The semester was over in less than a month and then I would be heading home for the summer. I didn't want to waste anymore time.
"So what are your plans for the rest of the night? I know people are going back to my place later. We could do that but Jess will be there for sure. Or I could take you home if you stay here till our show is over. I have my car. I don't care what we do as long as I'm with you."

"Jess is here now. So is Melissa. I think they are trying to keep me away from you. It's so ridiculous. I'm going to have a talk with both of them tomorrow. I don't want to fight with anyone tonight. I think it's best if we avoid your place tonight. Maybe we could go get something to eat after you're done?"
   He leaned over and kissed my nose. I giggled at the gesture. "Sounds good to me. I don't want to hang out with anyone else anyway. We have to break down our equipment when we finish up but that doesn't take too long. Unfortunately, I need to get back in there. I'm so glad you're here, Em."

"I'm glad I'm here too. I love watching you perform. You are incredible!"

He ran his hand through his hair. I loved when he did that. We stood up and he held the door open for me. I stepped into the overheated house and braced myself for what I knew was coming next. I'm sure Jess and Liam had something to say about me disappearing with Henry. We walked into the hallway and said goodbye with a quick peck on the lips. I wanted another beer so I headed in the direction of the bar. Of course, Jess and Liam were already there. I couldn't avoid them anymore. I just needed to be clear with them that I was here with Henry. And I was leaving with him.
    I walked up to them and said hey. Liam could barely look at me and Jess looked mad.

"Em, what are you doing with Henry. After everything you know about him, how could you trust him? I just thought you were smarter than that."

Her words stung. It's always felt a little bit like Jess thought she was superior to me because she's had more experience with guys. I only had one boyfriend in high school and I've only dated a few guys since coming here. I don't think she made me feel that way on purpose but I've always been self-conscious about it.

"How can you say that to me? Do you think I'm an idiot? Just because I haven't had a million boyfriends like you and Melissa doesn't mean I'm stupid."

As soon as I said, I regretted it. It was so petty. Jess's eyes got huge in shock. I had never spoken to her like that before.

"You know what Em, I may have dated a lot of guys but at least I've never been so blinded by a hot guy finally giving me attention that I ignore the obvious. It's pathetic!"

I felt sick to my stomach. I didn't even know how to respond. She just threw my insecurities back in my face. Liam got in between us and pushed Jess away from me. How could someone who claimed to be my best friend say such hurtful things to me? I couldn't move. I saw Liam yell at Jess and tell her to go away. He came back to me and asked if I was okay. All I could do was shake my head no. He went up to bar and got us two beers. He opened one and handed it to me.

"Here, drink this. It'll calm your nerves. You're shaking. She didn't mean it Em. She's just frustrated. You know she's a control freak. She can't handle the fact that you aren't doing what she wants for once."

Even after everything that happened tonight, Liam was trying to make me feel better. Maybe our friendship could be salvaged. I took a big gulp of the beer. And then another. I wished it was something stronger. I didn't want to feel what I was feeling. I was sad and angry and embarrassed. And I felt betrayed. How did I go from being the happiest I've ever been to feeling so low? I don't think Jess and I could ever be the same after this. Knowing what she really thought of me. I asked Liam to grab me another beer and he obliged. Thankfully, I was starting to feel buzzed.
     A side effect of me being drunk was that I would say whatever popped into my head. I pretty much had no filter. So of course I felt like this was the perfect time to tell Liam that I only wanted to be friends. I pulled him into the hallway where it was a little bit quieter.

"Liam we need to talk. I'm with Henry. I know that's not what you want to hear but you deserve the truth. I still love you as a friend though."

His face looked pained at the last part. "Didn't you just meet Henry? How could it be serious already? Don't just give up on us. You didn't even give us a chance."

I started giggling at that. I couldn't help myself. I drank too fast and it went straight to my head. "I didn't give us a chance?! Are you kidding me? You had all year! You've known how I felt all this time. Can you blame me for moving on?"

"I told you I was messed up after my breakup. I wouldn't have been good for you before. But I'm ready to be with you now. We are perfect for each other. Do you even have anything in common with that other guy? I know you inside and out. I know I can make you happy."

He looked so sincere and his words were so heartfelt. I felt horrible. I just didn't feel that way about him anymore. I don't think what I felt for him was ever real. What I had with Henry was so much more intense.

"Liam, I'm sorry. I'm just don't feel that way anymore. It's too late for us. I don't want to lose your friendship though. I care about you so much."

I could tell he was angry. I already got into a fight with one friend tonight. I couldn't handle another one. Suddenly, he threw his beer can at the wall and stormed off in the direction of the door. What the hell was going on tonight? I never have this much drama in my life. I stood there in the hallway for a while in shock over everything that happened in the past half hour. I may have just lost two of my best friends.