I boiled water for the coffee and started singing to myself.. Brian accidentally bumped into me. I looked up at him.

“Sorry,” He said smiling sweetly. I forced a smile back at him. “It’s ok,” I said uneasily.

I didn’t feel comfortable around Brian. He sat on the chair. I sat down next to him. He looked at me.

“Brian…I feel guilty,” I said while playing with my fingers.

“Me too…couldn’t sleep right?”

“I know…I feel horrible…”

“I know…But…it didn’t mean anything did it?” he asked me

“No…I like you as a friend,” I said honestly.

“Same here…” Brian said looking at me. He kind of half smiled. “So…you want to tell them?”

Brian moved around uneasily in his chair. I did too. I couldn’t imagine what Nick would think. Or Leighanne for that matter. My love and my best friend. What have I done?

I went upstairs to my room. Nick was there. The painting he made of me hung above my bed. He was straightening it out. He smiled when he saw me.

“Nick!” I cried.

“You want it here? Or somewhere else?”

“It’s fine…I love it,” I said with no enthusiasm in my voice. I honestly did cherish the picture. It was beautiful and perfect. Nick was a great artist. But I felt even worse now.

“Rachel…” Nick sat down next to me

“Yeah?”

“What’s wrong?” He asked me.

“I…nothing,” I said

“I can tell something’s bothering you…tell me,”

“NO! Nothing!” I said loudly this time

Nick kissed me softly on the lips, he softly bit my upper lip. I grew extremely weak.

“Nick…” I pushed him away. He looked at me strangely

“Rach…what’s up with you?” he cried

“NOTHING!” I snapped at him this time.

Nick softened up. He put his arm around me. “You can tell me,” He said gently and kissed my cheek. I weakened

“Nick…” I said. Tears filled my eyes

“What?” He asked “What’s on your mind?” He asked me. I wiped my tears away

“Nothing…I love you,” I said smiling at him

“I love you too,” He tightened his grasp around me. It felt so good “Now tell me,” he insisted.

“Nick…leave me alone!” I cried.

“What?!” he cried horrified

“I…need to be alone,” I said

“Ok Rachel,” He said. He hugged me. I didn’t hug back. He closed the door softly to my room and I burst into tears. Worthless tears, how can crying help ease my pain?

Nick leaned against the door breathing heavily “I’ve lost her…” He said softly.