So, I had to write a short story for my Intro to Fiction Writing Class, about two people that want the same thing. I ended up subconsciously writing a prequel to this story. So many people hate on Marian for her choice here, which I never wanted. Here’s a look into her view on things. The assignment was in first person, so this is too. I hope you enjoy it.
We had been best friends for 5 years and I would’ve done anything for you. I gave up studying for my French final to help you through your parents’ divorce. I held you while you cried, your tears staining my new blouse-the one I had to babysit for 2 months to afford. I helped you with your Science Fair project, getting paint under my fingertips that wouldn’t come out for weeks on end. I let you borrow the pearl necklace given to me by my grandma for homecoming and didn’t even flinch when you accidentally broke it. I did all of that, because you were my best friend. I would’ve done anything for you.
Until Robin moved to town.
He had blue eyes as deep as the ocean that divided America and his homeland of England. His sandy blonde hair swished when he ran his fingers to it and his smile made my heart skip a beat. I could see that it did the same for you. You smiled at him, you went right up to him to introduce yourself in the cafeteria that afternoon. You were always so confident, your dark hair practically bouncing as you skipped over to him.
“He’s cute,” you told me, glancing over your shoulder.
I shrugged. “Is he? I hadn’t noticed.”
“I invited him to the lake with us this weekend.”
“Does your mom have room in her car for one more?” I asked, trying not to look you in the eye.
Of course. Your mom could give you anything she wanted.
I spent the rest of the week, balancing school and home, while balancing thoughts of Robin. It’s not like I really had the time. Between babysitting for my younger siblings and watching my parents run around in a blur. I should’ve focused on midterms or the fact that I need to get scholarships to go to college, but instead I was thinking about the boy that could possibly ruin our friendship.
“Marian, you need to get your head out of the clouds,” my mother said as she tried to convince me out of pursuing a degree in English. Yet, the real reason my head was out of reach, was the fact that I overheard you tell our other friend that you want to ask Robin to the prom.
When my younger sister stole my top and refused to give it back I’m reminded that I will never have anything that is mine and mine alone. I share a room with two other girls, I split my sandwich with one of them on the days that Mom and Dad can’t afford to give us more. Now, I can’t even have my own crush. I have to share him with you.
The day by the lake should’ve be a reprieve from my thoughts, but as we sat in your mom’s pristine minivan and listened to whatever was on the Top 40 station, all I could think of was you and Robin. You were already talking to our other friends about what you’d wear to homecoming, as if he were your prize. You’d get him, just like you got everything else. I would have to give him to you like an old sweater and force a smile, as you stole my dreams once again.
I looked over at Robin, sitting beside me. He’d been staring out the window, feeling out of place and not knowing any of our friends. For someone that cared for him so much, you didn’t seem to care about making him feel like he belonged.
“Are you going to prom?” I asked, snapping him out of his thoughts.
“I don’t know. I’m new, I don’t have anyone to go with.”
The words slipped out before I could help it. I watched him smile and for once, it was something that belonged to me. I didn’t have to share it with you or my sisters. I could hold on tight to it and know that no one could take this away with me. I was being selfish, but it’s the first selfish thing I’ve ever done. It probably should’ve made me feel more guilty than I did, but I smiled in return. Facing forward, I slid my hand through his sweaty palm and finger tips.