Cause let's face it being in love with your best friend is hard. Teenage angst!
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The school library held a controlled silence, one that contradicted the storm of departing students just beyond the doors. Around Kennedy, the library was two stories of bookshelves and smelled of old paper and coffee from snuck in contraband. Kennedy scowled, staring at the tidal wave of people finding their freedom. She leaned back in her chair and set her crossed ankles on the table before her.
"Kennedy Keller, get your feet off the table," the librarian called out.
Rolling her eyes, Kennedy did as instructed.
Patty shook her head. "You're as bad as your mother."
Despite the reprimand, Kennedy couldn't help smiling at this. Being reminded that her mother once went to this school, and sat at these tables brightened her mood. Made her feel as if she weren't somewhere unknown, far away from Kennedy.
Beside her, Harrison typed away at his phone. The edge of his mouth was curled, telling Kennedy it was Layla. Frowning, she leaned over and smacked the screen.
"Stop messaging your girlfriend and talk to me," she said.
Harrison chose to do only one of the actions.
"Are you jealous that you don't have all my attention?"
"No, I'm annoyed that I barely get any while you're right here."
"Well, if you were my girlfriend then that wouldn't be an issue."
Kennedy crossed her arms. "I have too much dignity to be your girlfriend."
Harrison shrugged. "Then stop complaining."
Fighting the urge to punch her unsuspecting friend, she watched the last stragglers as they jogged past the library's glass-framed doors. As Kennedy stared, a pair pushed through the doors, attracting Harrison's attention.
The boy and girl were two different ends of the color spectrum made real. The boy was all dark with black curly hair, friendly brown eyes, and rich ebony skin. The girl was all color, with wild red hair, bright green eyes, and pale skin. What tied the two together was the smiles that mirrored each other.
As they moved towards the table, the boy said something and the girl laughed, shoving his arm. Kennedy and Harrison exchanged a look, confirming their joined thoughts about the two.
"Amber and Dennie?" Kennedy asked.
The pair turned their smiles onto their tutors.
"Yeah," Amber said.
"You want to get started?"
She nodded but looked to Dennie. He elbowed her with a wide grin. "I'm warning this one is a terrible student."
Amber blushed and hit his arm with her shoulder. "Shut up, you're way worse than me."
"Am not! Who is the one that talks all the time."
"Who do you think I'm replying to!"
Before the pair could further the idea that they were chatterboxes that bounced off each other, Kennedy cut in.
"That's great, you both clearly know how a mouth works. Let's see if we can't get your brains to work as well."
Despite the dig, the pair shared suppressed grins and divided, Amber, taking the spot beside Kennedy. As Dennie reached for the chair next to Harrison, Harrison stood.
"Let's take this table," he said, directing Dennie to a different spot.
Harrison locked eyes with Kennedy and they both shook their heads as if regretting what they had gotten themselves into.
"Okay," Kennedy said. "What do you need help on?"
Amber slumped in her chair dramatically.
"Everything! I can never pay attention because Dennie is ALWAYS distracting me!" she said, raising her voice.
"You start it!" Dennie shot back.
Before they could reenact the conversation they had already just had, Kennedy held up her hand, stopping Amber's retort.
"That's sweet, the couple that fails together, stays together."
Amber shook her head adamantly. "We are definitely not a couple." She rolled her eyes. "Our fathers have been friends since college and they started a law firm together that specializes in Political lawsuits. So Dennie and I have known each other our whole lives. I know enough about him to know that I would ever attach myself to that train wreck. Never happening!" Again she spoke loud enough for Dennie.
"If I'm a train wreck you're the conductor," he said. His response came too quickly, telling Kennedy that he wasn't listening to Harrison, his ears finely tuned to Amber. Amber opened her mouth, the indignation ready to spew out, but Kennedy stopped her again.
"Let's just get started."
Amber bounced and smiled. "Sounds good."
As Kennedy told Amber to get out her homework, she glanced at Harrison. He met her gaze and shook his head, both of them wishing detention had not been taken off the table.
*******
Outside on the steps of the school, Kennedy and Harrison watched as Amber and Dennie walked off to the parking lot, all the while jostling each other and laughing. Kennedy wondered how two people could be so clueless about what was so obvious to everyone else.
"Do you think either of them is aware?" Harrison asked.
"Nope," Kennedy said. "They are both dense. That or they are aware of it but don't know how it would affect their friendship."
"Apparently they've known each other from birth."
She smiled at Harrison. "You got that story too?"
Harrison ran a hand through his hair, weary. "Yeah, Dennie seemed to use it as an excuse for why I had to keep telling him to focus."
Sighing, Kennedy crossed her arms. "Same."
They continued to stare at the crushing couple as they climbed into two different cars and drove off. Kennedy cocked her head. Right here before her was a chance at something new. An interesting distraction. Harrison narrowed his eyes at her.
"What?" he said. "You have your thinking face on."
Grinning, Kennedy spun towards Harrison. "You know we could-"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because if they wanted to date they would be dating. We are not getting involved."
Kennedy poked him in the chest. "But they can't see it. We would merely be helping nudge what is already there."
Harrison pointed at her. "No. We are not playing matchmakers." He eased back. "Maybe they don't want to date, maybe they are aware of how it will change the dynamic of their friendship."
Skeptical, Kennedy arched an eyebrow. "Did you see what I saw? They clearly are head over heels for each other. Besides a relationship based on friendship first always makes the best relationships."
"I don't care. We are not interfering. Why do you care so much?"
Kennedy crossed her arms, fighting her emotions. This was not about her or them. This was about Amber and Dennie. That was all. "You don't think two people who have such a strong relationship as that shouldn't be together?"
Harrison swallowed hard and shoved his hands into his pockets, face sober, his eyes unable to hold hers. "It could ruin what they already have."
"Or it could make it stronger."
Exasperated, Harrison waved his arms out to the side. "Do you know how low the rate of high school couples that stay together after high school is?"
It was a solid point but Kennedy wasn't ready to give in so easily. "They could be part of the 1%."
Taking a step forward, Harrison stabbed the ground with his finger. "Or we could destroy a lifelong friendship. I'm telling you to leave it."
Kennedy held up her hands in surrender though her expression was mocking. "Well, if you command it then, by all means, I must cease and desist."
At this, Harrison shook his head at her then let out a breath. All his arguments seemed to disappear with action. "Let this one go, okay?"
She stared at him, searching his eyes for something, anything to tell her whether he truly wanted her to give up. "Because it would never work?"
He dropped his gaze, running a hand through his hair. "Because friendship is more important."
Kennedy put distance between them, ignoring the ache in her chest as she shrugged, carelessly dismissing the issue. Maybe he was right. It would never work.
"Fine, I'll drop it." She descended a single step. "I'm going to make a stop. I'll see you later."
"Wait, where are you going? I can come with."
She lengthened the gap between them. "I'm fine."
"Kenny, seriously, I'll come-"
"Harrison, I said I'm fine, leave it."
Hearing the vehemence in her voice, Harrison retreated a step.
"Okay, fine."
"Your girlfriend probably wants your company, so be with her."
He stiffened and buried his hands in his pockets. "I guess I'll do that."
Kennedy jogged down the school steps and headed out the gates, not once looking back at Harrison.
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Hey
Boring I know but I have no brain.
If you have a brain and that brain is filled with thoughts and some of those thoughts are about the chapter then please share. 💬💭🗯
First chapter without Carter or Donovan in it, kinda strange. But I hope it was interesting to get a glimpse into Kennedy's mind.
Also best friends to lovers is great but let's face it the stakes are so high! I mean if that other person doesn't love you the same way it could ruin everything.
What are your thoughts:
Better to tell and see what happens.
Don't say anything and keep the friendship safe
Vote, comment, follow
This is how I see Harrison but I need help with picking out someone for Kennedy.
Do you have suggestions?