Unexpected Friendship

^-^

"What does this got anything to do with me?" I had asked my friend.

She shook her head and pointed to the picture.

Oh my...

It was him.

—

'...a load truck driver now being fined $****  for crashing into a car on the highway... '

'...the family of 4 was killed...'

'...*** and ***** were a couple who had recently opened their own family restaurant...'

'...their nineteen year old daughter, *****, was a bright university student, and was going to Virginia to study economics...'

'...and their thirteen year old son, Conner, was a member of the **** school basketball team...'

I couldn't read anymore. Why why why why why-

Wait.

There really is only one thing left to do.

Both confront and comfort her.

But how?

—

I didn't need to think of how.

She came up to me, after the first semester.

"Madeline," she said. "Can we talk? Alone?"

I nodded, and she led me to a room just beside the cafeteria. I didn't even know this room existed, but now was not the moment to ask.

And during the next hour or so, we poured our hearts out to each other. I never thought I would be able to trust her, but that was before I got to know her.

She was really caring. And funny. And smart. And all that.

I could see why he liked her, I guess.

"...and he's just a really, really good friend. I wish he was still...you know..."

"Friend?" I couldn't believe my ears. Just a friend? Really? Weren't they...dating?

She nodded. "I've never really thought of him in any way, other than a friend, and vice versa. He's always been more attracted to...you."

Was I dreaming? I pinched myself.

Nope, I wasn't.

I can't believe it.

No no no no no.

This cannot be happening.

Why?

I just missed so many chances.

Why?

Why why why why why?

"It's true, you know," she tells me. Then she smiles. "Anytime you need help, I'll be there for you, friend."

I never thought she would consider me as a friend.

And I never thought that she would be my friend.

And later that day, I learned her name.

Vivian. Vivian Ren.

—

Well, it's all over now.

I learned to forget.

But he will always be in my heart.

Always.

—Madeline Stuart