were kids as my biggest cheerleader. It’s something that has happened more times than not during our friendship, but this time there is something else. Something that almost feels like want. The last twenty-four hours have been strange, and I’m sure tomorrow things will go back to normal. That’s what needs to happen, but the thought leaves pain in the center of my chest. Shaking out of my thoughts, I mentally chastise myself.
She’s my best friend.
This is not happening.
Nixon and I let the girls choose the toppings as he and I will eat anything. By the time the pizza arrives, we’ve convinced them to watch a scary movie.
“You know this is going to suck for us, right?” Tessa asks. I’m not sure if she’s asking me and Nixon, or Reese.
“I know,” Reese grumbles. “Why in the hell did we let them win?”
“Hey, we watch that sappy romantic shit with you two all the time,” Nixon reminds them.
He’s not wrong. We usually pretty much give in to whatever they want. Tonight, however, I put up a fight. I’ve had more sappy thoughts than I can handle with Reese this weekend. I need something that’s not going to have me wishing things were different. Something with gore and suspense should do the trick. Something that’s not going to tempt me to spill my thoughts and potentially ruin a lifetime of friendship. No, I need scary tonight.
Two large pizzas later, the lights are off, and Nixon cues up the movie. I glance over at the couch, and Tessa is curled up next to him. His arm is around her shoulders, holding her close, and a little bit of envy washes over me. It would be nice to be with someone. To know they’re with me for who I am, and not the idea of the fame my future might hold.
“Toss me that pillow,” Reese tells Tessa. Somehow, all of the pillows have ended up on the couch. Reese catches it easily and pulls the cover off the back of the couch. She and Reese insisted that we keep covers down here for nights like this. Otherwise, you’d never see a cover in this house. Nixon and I take turns making sure they’re clean, because our roommates bring home random girls quite often, and well, that’s just nasty to think about Reese or even Tessa wrapped up in… that.
Ten minutes into the movie and the music starts to change. It’s not only louder, but it’s daunting, warning you, building the intensity that something’s about to happen. When a guy in a mask steps out of a hall closet and captures the female lead from behind, the girls scream. Reese jumps into my lap and buries her face in my chest. I wrap my arms around her, comforting her just like I have since we were kids and watched scary movies. She settles against me and doesn’t even attempt to move.
I thought a scary movie was the way to go, and although now for a different reason, I know I was right. I’ll take these moments with her. I’ll bottle them up and keep them close for times when I’m away from her. If I get drafted, like I hope that I do, that’s going to change our relationship. Not a day has gone by since I was eight years old that I haven’t seen her. The draft, my career is going to change that. Maybe she’ll come with me? No, I can’t ask her to do that. I can’t ask her to give up her life. It took her some time, but she now has her heart set on being a social worker. She wants to make a difference, and I have no doubt in my mind that she will indeed make a difference in so many lives.
Just look at what she’s done for mine.
I’m a better person because of her. I find myself doing things that I know will make her smile or be proud of me. She brings that out in me. Hell, she brings it out in my roommates. This house was party central my freshman year. Nixon and I move in, the girls with us, and things calm down. Sure, we still party, but they’re tame compared to what they used to be. That’s her influence. I strive to be better. For her. I never want her to be embarrassed that I’m the guy she chooses to spend all of her time with. One day when we’re older, and we