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Friend Zone | Troubled Love

Somebody Else’s Guy

What’s worse than unrequited love? Falling for someone who is already taken

I had that dream again, the one about us talking like we used to. I felt warm, bathed in a glow of happiness, as if sunshine was soaking into my winter-white skin. You were happy to see me too; It was heaven. But reality elbowed its way into my subconscious thoughts. Walk away, put distance between us, Dina is nearby.

You’re somebody else’s guy.

What’s worse than unrequited love? Falling for someone who is already taken, that’s what!

We have chemistry, you get me in a way nobody ever has. This all had an innocent start: we were partnered for detention, picking rubbish after school. I don’t recall what either of us did to earn the punishment, because I floated home on a cloud after that hour spent in your company.

You were funny and smart. When you did impressions of the teachers and some popular kids, it made me clutch my sides and beg for mercy.

“Stop, just stop Glenn!”

Next you jumped on the stands to sing Danny’s part from “Summer Nights”, I joined in, even though my voice could scare crows. You yodeled the final high note and we collapsed on the benches, laughing like drains.

“You weren’t half bad Libby,” you nudged my shoulder.

“I couldn’t carry a tune if someone gave me a bucket,” I scoffed, but my cheeks pinked with pleasure.

“Details,” you shrugged. “You had all the moves.”

“I’ve grown up with that film; it’s in my top five,” I admitted, resuming our chore with the grabber pole.

“Really?” As you studied me, I caught flashes of green and gold in the blue of your eyes.

“What others make the grade?”

“I’ll share if you trade,” I was unwilling to bare my soul without something from you.

“OK.” You jabbed at a fizzy drinks can and thought a bit. “Armageddon.”

Hmm, an action film, so not surprising for a guy, but it was woven with poignant threads and had an ultimately sad ending.

“The Lake House,” I offered.

“Heh heh — I could’ve put money on that film — or the Notebook,” you teased. “Highly romantic.”

You weren’t wrong, I love them both. “Your turn tough guy — I suppose you’re gonna say Die Hard?”

“Well it’s up there,” you rubbed your bottom lip with your thumb, thoughtfully. “My Cousin Vinnie.”

I punched the air, proud of you somehow. “What a classic!”

For a little while we quoted lines from the film back and forth, until you cocked an eyebrow at me.

“Number 3?”

“The Great Gatsby. I like what Baz Luhrmann did, but I prefer the chemistry between Robert Redford Mia Farrow.”

“Are all your picks romantic?” you asked. “Is Titanic number 1?”

“Don’t judge,” I scowled, “I’m betting you have a Matrix or Marvel film up your sleeve.”

“Judgy yourself.”

Your crooked grin was cute, and your next film melted me.

“Big Hero Six.”

“Dude — you have a soft centre!”

“Sssshhh!” You held a finger to your lips. My eyes followed it, and suddenly I yearned to kiss that pout.

“Some Like it Hot!” I covered my confusion, making myself busy with the black sack I was dragging behind me.

“Another classic!” You crowed, and suffused me with a glowy sensation.

No good will come of getting too involved Libby, I lectured internally.

“A Few Good Men,” you broke into my thoughts. I was impressed. You chose a courtroom drama versus something packed with car chases and explosions.

“Great film, better book,” I nodded, then glanced at my watch. “Hey our detention ended five minutes ago!”

We raced back to the staff room, dragging the black sacks so haphazardly, that we nearly tipped out all the trash we’d collected. We were laughing and panting when we knocked on the door to get our punishment slip signed off by Professor Drake.

“So what delights does the evening hold for Miss Libby?” you asked solicitously.

You wheeled your bike towards the school gates; I was going to catch the bus. My gut writhed with desolation that this had to end. I wrestled with regret for dropping my guard so badly.

“Oh you know, homework, catch up with my girls,” I lied airily. “What about you?”

“Not sure. I’m still in Dina’s bad books. I’ll probably watch My Cousin Vinnie.”

I shouldn’t have smiled, but I suspect I did. I covered it with concern. “I’m sorry you’ve had a fallout. I’m here if you want to talk.”

Bad idea Libby, the sensible part of my brain was screaming, but I crossed my fingers out of sight.

“Thanks, Libby. Maybe I need a girl’s angle on things. Most of the time I don’t know where I stepped over the line.”

I barely recognised myself, wanting to jump for joy. Of course I restrained the urge but the smile I offered was just shy of toothpaste-ad bright.

“Anytime,” I shrugged. “See you at school tomorrow.”

I’ve been in purgatory ever since, loving somebody else’s guy. The friend zone is evil torture when I’d rather be in my best friend’s arms.

“I’ve been looking for you.” Your voice sounds near my ear as you drape your arm casually around my shoulders.

My nipples perk, while the hairs on the nape of my neck tickle to attention at this proximity. I want more, but shrug you off. I daren’t let you know how much I crave any touch. Instead, I point at the tightly packed shelves of books, adopting a sarcastic tone.

“I’m in the library — shocker!”

“You’re such a swat Libby,” you pull out the chair beside mine, peering at what I’m working on. “History, urgh. Glad I ditched that.”

“How’s the maths going?” I raise my eyebrows.

You just shrug; you’re probably acing it. I often tease that you’re a robot.

“I’m in the dog house,” you confess.

“Again? Is it that time of the month?” I hate the cliche, but Dina seems to be a slave to her hormones.

“Nah, it’s the Italian trip.”

“She can’t be that selfish …” I begin, although I know she is. “Who else is going?”

Glenn reels off names, and I weigh up the girls, as Dina would, considering whether any might make a play for our guy. While I trust you more than your girlfriend does, who could be sure that foreign travel and sightseeing in a strange place won’t spark a connection?

After all, doing trash detail for detention was how I fell for somebody else’s guy.

[To be continued … ]

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