careless man's careful daughter

Brittany "Britt" Nelson || 25 || Med Student

[aiden-court]

“Why should I listen to you? I mean, I don’t even know your name or who you are.” Frustration was an uncomfortable feeling for someone like him who always liked to have everything under control. “I’m not pinning this on anyone. I’ll admit it was also my fault since I return the kiss, but I don’t want to be the villain of this story. You know I didn’t even like her before she invited to her home, she talks a lot and is always laughing and doesn’t take anything seriously but for some reason, I ended up being charmed by her. I don’t want to hurt her, I don’t want to hurt anyone.” He blurted out, letting out a sigh he didn’t know he was holding. “I’ve been with my fiancee for years, what should I do? Just go back home and tell her I kiss someone else and I think she might be the one, but I’m not sure because I don’t even know her? She probably would send me to the psych ward, because that’s not something I usually would do, still that’s how I feel.”

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“My name is Brittany Nelson and I’ve been Lacey’s best friend for forever. I usually go by Britt. My father and brother are well known around here as being big time arms dealers. My dad’s dead and my brother’s in jail. Again. I’m a Pediatric Oncologist at the local hospital. Is there anything else about me you need to know,” Britt asked, putting her hands on her hips. “You can’t help who you fall for, even if they don’t seem like your type or you barely know them. The heart wants what it wants. If your fiancee is sending you to a psych ward, then maybe she doesn’t know you well enough. Maybe you don’t know yourself as well as you though, either. However, something has to be done about this! I mean, there’s got to be a way of knowing everything for sure.”

[aiden-court]

Aiden was a frequent user of sarcasm, still, he hadn’t learned when it was a good moment to use it. “You really just opened my eyes. Do you think I haven’t thought of doing that?” This time he didn’t make an effort to stop himself from rolling his eyes. “I am going to tell her, not because you told me but because it’s the right thing. Leading her on? She was the one who kissed me, she was the one who invited me to her house. I’m not saying she had an evil plan, but she is also a grown up or at least that’s what I thought since obviously she can’t come and tell me all this to my face.” Aiden pinched the bridge of his nose and heaved a frustrated sigh. “Listen, I’m trying to mend things here, maybe it doesn’t seem like I am but I’m doing all I can.”

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“You say all of that, yet, I don’t think you are listening to me or to you.” Britt crossed her arms, looking at Aiden. “Don’t go pinning all of this on Lacey or saying she’s a coward. I know my best friend. She wouldn’t have made a move unless you made it seem like you wanted her to. She is an honest-to-god sweetheart. She probably can’t come to you because she doesn’t want to hurt you like you’re hurting her. Ever think that?” Letting out a sigh, her blue eyes landed on him. “All that you can? What exactly have you done to mend things? I mean, it feels like you don’t want to do anything. You want to be engaged, yet, you want to be kissing Lacey. You can’t have both.”

[laceyxdumas]

Lacey understood her friend and why she was scared of giving herself a chance to be with Thomas, still, she was going to keep trying, she knew there was something beyond friendship between them. “Of course she likes me, who could hate this face?” she said, pointing at her face. “I know, but just keep in mind that I’m always available if you ever need some help,” she smiled at her friend. “It’s hard to hate someone like you, Britt.”

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“No one could hate that face. That’s the problem,” Britt joked. It was comforting to know that if she needed it, she could leave her mother in Lacey’s hands. Britt just hoped it wouldn’t happen, for Lacey’s sake more so than her mother’s. If Britt was ready to date, she would see about having the nurse stay an hour or two later on date night. “I know. I’ll figure something out. I mean, I have something situated for me while I’m at work, I’m sure I can arrange something if I ever decide to date.” She smiled at her friend, chuckling softly. “Thanks, Lace. I sure hope you’re right.”

[laceyxdumas]

“You should follow your heart sometimes and see what happens. So, what? Are you going to lock yourself and wait for him to get the thousands of keys he needs to get to know you?” she said, looking at her friend. “And that’s amazing, Britt. I’ve told you a lot of times that I could help you if you want to, I want nothing more than to see you happy. You’ve been through so much.” Lacey said, giving her a small smile. “Ah, well, thanks for that, I guess,” she laughed. 

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“I guess.” Britt didn’t know what to do. She didn’t know if she could let her walls down and follow her heart. It wasn’t just because of the hurt she’s been through. It was because she was scared she wouldn’t be able to take care of her mother, even if Lacey wanted to help her. “I know you have. My mom does seem to like you a lot. I just worry so much about her and I worry about anyone I leave her with. It took her a long time to get used to the nurse I hired.” She ran her hand through her hair, chuckling. “You love me for it!”

[aiden-court]

“Thank you?” he replied in a sarcastic way, probably the worst thing he could do at the moment. “Don’t you think I know that? I think about that all the time, but since you know so much about all of this, why don’t you tell me what to do?” He asked a sign of desperation. Aiden was not one to trust in strangers, but at this point any help was welcome.

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“Now’s not the time to be a sarcastic asshole,” she bluntly told him, crossing her arms. “Well, I would first own up to your mistake. You cheated. Not just with a kiss, but mentally and emotionally. Karma’s a bitch and I’d confess now before she bites you in the fucking ass,” Britt said to him without blinking an eye. “Tell your fiancee. If she dumps your ass, I wouldn’t be surprised. Then I would apologize to Lacey. For not only leading her on, but hurting her with your actions. Fucking pray to whatever it is that you pray to for her to forgive you. You need to figure out what you want, whether it be her or the woman back home. Most of all, you need to be able to look at yourself in the mirror and not feel like a dick for everything you’ve done.”

[thomasxwerner-blog]

“She is, and she’s the best. Yeah, I doubt it since you’d have to do something very impressive for me to give you one,” he said in a cocky tone of voice. Unlike most people, Thomas loved getting compliments but sometimes he felt unable to give them even if he wanted to. “I know, I’ve gained five pounds too. Maybe that’s a sign that we should go somewhere healthier. At least we should try to eat a salad once in a while.”

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“You’re very lucky. I’m sure she feels the same way about you. Very impressive? Come on. I’m always doing something impressive.” Maybe not. All she did was work and take care of her mother. Not like any of that is impressive and certainly not for him. “Or maybe we should just work out more so that we have more stamina for work. I mean, we are now officially doctors. We are responsible for people now.”

[laceyxdumas]

“But we know he’s into you. Fine, whatever but doing that could end up this childish game between you two,” she said, shrugging. “You have the right to live. I know your number one priority is your mother and I think that’s great, but don’t ignore your own life.” Maybe Lacey didn’t understand completely Britt’s situation, but she also wanted to see her friend happy with someone. “That’s true, I’m not. Okay, I trust you don’t scare him.” Lacey laughed with her friend. “He gets sensitive about his hook-ups? I’ll make sure not bring them up.”

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“Lacey, I’m not you. I don’t just follow my heart. My heart is under eight thousand locks. It’s not a childish game. It’s about actually exposing myself to him and... I don’t know if I can do it,” she simply admitted. “I know, but it’s sort of hard. I’m the only one she has. I have to take care of her and protect her. How can I do either of those things if I fall in love with someone,” Britt asked. She didn’t know what to do. “Hey, I didn’t say anything about not scaring him. I’m just saying I’m not going to harm or kill him,” she said with a laugh. “Just a little.”

[laceyxdumas]

“What are you talking about? It’s not like Thomas is married or engaged, just do it.” Lacey replied with a laugh. “The pain is not worth it, I’ll tell you that.” Somehow, Lacey was trying to find excuses to hate the idea of love. After her ex-boyfriend, all she wanted was to forget about boys, of course, she hadn’t expected the whole neighbor incident. “Should I be scared for his life? It was my fault as well.” Lacey nodded. “Thomas Werner sensitive? I don’t believe that for a second.”

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“I can’t just ‘do it’ with him. He’s my friend! It’ll change everything and if I am wrong and he’s not into me, then I will be ruining everything and I have to work with him.” Love was complicated and Britt’s life was already complicated enough. “Besides, I have to focus on my mom. I can’t be dating and taking care of her at the same time,” she said, shaking her head. It was an excuse, but it was believable. Her mother did need a lot of help. “You aren’t the one in a relationship, babe. I won’t be acting like my dad or brother, so he’ll be fine. I’ll just lecture him.” Britt let out a laugh, shrugging. “He can be. He says he’s tough, but make fun of his hook-ups and he’ll become sensitive instantly.”

[aiden-court]

He furrowed, feeling more confused. “Is that supposed to mean something?” He didn’t even know the name of the girl, but he could tell she had a strong temper. “I’m not messing with anything, it’s not like I’m doing this on purpose. I don’t expect you to understand because I don’t even understand how all this happened.”

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“I forget you aren’t from here. If you were, you’d realize that how I’m acting is tame.” Britt let out a sigh, running her hand over her head. “Well, you need to figure it out before people get seriously hurt. It isn’t just her heart that’s in the balance here. It’s yours and your fiancee’s as well. Three hearts that can be shattered from what may seem like an innocent kiss that can and will turn into more, not so innocent kisses. That’s how it works.”

[thomasxwerner-blog]

“Well, she is like my sister. Don’t push it, Nelson. Just take the compliment and don’t ask explanations.” He gave her a crooked smile. Thomas always tried to avoid being too nice to people, he wasn’t rude but he rarely showed a sign of affection. “That’s a great choice. You know, I love Mexican.” He gave her a small smile as he started to walk.

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“She is your sister. Your parents raised her since you were a baby. Sort of jealous you have a good relationship with her. One of these days Werner, you’ll be giving me one.” They were both a bit emotionally stunted, but Britt knew that one day, she’ll get to see another side of Thomas Werner. She just had to. “I know you do. Since day one. Considering how big the servings are with this truck, I now know why I’ve gained five pounds.”

[laceyxdumas]

“Why not? Those are the best kisses. You should try it,” Lacey said, laughing softly. “Ugh, love sucks. I don’t even know why we keep trying.” She rolled her eyes, although deep down Lacey was the kind of girl who believed in eternal love. “He’s a really good kisser, but you are right. I need to respect myself. Oh God, your shit list? I don’t think he is that bad to be in there.” Lacey raised her right hand as a sign of a promise. “He will talk, believe me. It won’t be easy, because has Thomas Werner ever been in love? Doubt it, but I’ll make it happen.”

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“Lacey Dumas! That neighbor of yours has turned you into a terrible influence,” Britt said with a laugh. “We’re a glutton for punishment. We just want to keep feeling the pain.” It seemed fairly accurate to Britt. She really didn’t know what real love was. She certainly didn’t get to experience it growing up with her dad and brother being in prison and her mother slowly going insane. “If he keeps on kissing you, he will be. I’m going to talk to that boy and set him straight.” She let out a sigh, looking at Lacey. “Just don’t be too rough on him, okay? He can be a little sensitive about things.”

[thomasxwerner-blog]

“I already have a sister, so I need someone like you in my life.” Thomas was still unclear about how he felt about Britt, he clearly cared about her but wasn’t sure if what he thought was friendship could be something else. He had been in love only once and she had left him, since then his trust in people had been broken. “Fine, you can pay. What kind of food do you want to eat?”

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“It’s cute that you call her your sister. You need someone like me in your life? Oh, I would love to hear you explain that,” Britt said, knowing he probably slipped when he said that, but she couldn’t help but smirk at him. Could she love him? Probably. Would she let it be easy? No. Britt was pretty fucked up, but he now knew all about that, so maybe it would be easy. “I was thinking Mexican. Your favorite food truck is about a block away.”

[aiden-court]

“Just because she asked for your advice doesn’t mean you have the right to come to my house and scream at me,” he said, trying to stay calm but he was sure the woman could get on his nerves very quickly. “I’m done with this conversation, I won’t speak to you until you’ve calmed.”

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“Dude, if I was screaming at you, you would know it. My last name isn’t Nelson for a reason.” As an afterthought, she realized that Aiden was probably the only person in this town who didn’t know about her screwed up family. “I am calm. She is my friend and you’re messing with her heart. Lacey is a romantic. She believes in love and the good of people. She can’t love someone who is kissing her while engaged to someone else. That will ruin her.”

[thomasxwerner-blog]

“Do you want us to be that kind of friends?” he asked, letting out a chuckle as he shook his head. There was something odd about seeing someone so strong crying. Britt was not someone who showed a lot of emotions and this has caught him off guard. A small smile appeared on his lips when she said everything was okay. “Do you want to go out and eat something? Or do you prefer if I leave you alone?” Thomas was not someone who normally would give people options, but he wanted to make Britt feel better.

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“Yes,” she said bluntly, looking up at him. “I’ve always wanted to be that sort of friend, but I figured you thought of my like a sister.” Britt could help a child cope with cancer and dying, yet she fell apart over her mother and in front of someone she never intended on telling because she didn’t want him to know and then walk out of her life. Britt hadn’t cried like this in years. She wiped at her cheeks, taking a couple deep breaths as she looked up at him. “Food sounds nice,” she said before clearing her throat. “My turn to pay.”

[aiden-court]

Aiden stayed speechless when the blonde came up to him, he listened to her words but couldn’t understand what was happening. “Hold on, what?” It took him a few seconds to realize what she was talking about. “First, it’s my fiancee not my wife. Second, I don’t think is none of your business.”

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“It is my business because she came to me looking for advice and when you hurt her, and you will, I’m going to be the one fixing her shattered heart,” Britt said, poking his chest. “If you’re as good of a man as Lacey says you are, you will grow some fucking balls and leave her alone.”

[thomasxwerner-blog]

“So, that means you do want me to hit on you. Maybe because we are friends. That’s not what friends are supposed to do,” he replied with a sly smile before shrugging. Thomas was not good with people crying, he always froze when someone was in that situation. However, he had promised Britt he would be around and he had to get his shit together and support her. Thomas hugged her back, kissing the top of her head. “It’s going to be fine, I’m here. I might be an asshole, but I don’t break my promises,” he said, lifting her face with his finger to look at her. “Okay?”

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“Some friends are flirty with each other. Who wrote the rulebook on what friends should and shouldn’t do,” she asked him, hands on her hips. Britt was mentally kicking herself because neither of them were really emotional people and here she was, sobbing her heart out in front of him. He had to be feeling awkward as hell. This was probably the most intimate they’ve ever been, though, which was a bit sad to think about. She sniffled, trying to stop her crying when he spoke again, nodding when he lifted her chin so that she was looking at him. “O-okay,” she managed to get out.

[laceyxdumas]

“Why is this love thing so damn complicated? Sometimes actions speak louder than words, just kiss him I’m sure he won’t be able to resist you.” She suggested, although she currently wasn’t in the best position to suggest those things. “I guess you have no choice but to do that, my friend.” She let out a fit of giggles before her smile vanished. “You are right. I should just make things clear, I must tell him that I don’t want to be the other woman and even if I don’t know that witch she doesn’t deserve to be fooled this way.” Lacey stayed thoughtful for a few seconds, trying to convince herself that she had to do this. “Are you serious? Because I will, and I’ve been told I can be very persuasive. You’ll get his confession.”

[brittbrittnelson-blog]

“We’ll see. It depends on what sort of conversation we’re having. I rather not be kissing him if I’m mad at him, which happens frequently,” Britt said with a laugh. “But love can be complicated sometimes. That’s why they call them bumps in the road.” Britt was currently hoping that Lacey would remember this conversation the next time she runs into her neighbor. The last thing anyone needed was them to be kissing again. “Exactly! He needs to figure out what he wants and he can’t be kissing you to figure it out. He’s on my shit list until he sorts his shit out,” she said, crossing her arms. “I’m beyond serious. If anyone can get him to confess, it’s you.”