My Best Friend’s Boyfriend

Chapter 12

Allison’s POV

Collen had gotten too close; he was trying to make out with me, but I had managed to push him away as my mind raced to find some excuse to distance myself from him.

"Collen, we can't do this," I said, my voice shaky and trembling. "Hannah's already getting suspicious."

Collen's eyes darkened as he closed the space between both of us. I could feel his warm breath reach out to touch my skin. "I don't care about Hannah," he said, his voice low and tight with intensity. "I care about you."

My breath caught in my throat. I had expected him to back off, to understand the situation for what it was, but his words sent a jolt of electricity through me. "Colleen, please," I whispered, trying to maintain my composure. "This is too complicated." I can’t do this, Collen.

Collen reached out, his hand gently cupping my cheek. "Why do you keep pushing me away?" he asked once more, his eyes delving into mine. "I know that you feel the same way I do."

My resolve weakened. I think we did feel the same way, but what was going to stop us was the dark cloud of consequences looming over us. "It's not that simple," I said, my voice barely audible. "There is so much at stake."For me and likewise for you too.

Colleen's grip tightened a bit, his thumb brushed against my cheek. "Allison, I don't want games anymore. I want you. I need you."

I felt the pound of my heart furiously in my chest, every thud a repercussion of the war waging inside me. I did, too, more than anything I have ever wanted, but the risks were too high. "Collen, we can't," I said, my heart shattering and my voice breaking. "Hannah is my best friend. And you…you're her boyfriend."

Collen's expression softened, a tinge of sadness swimming in his eyes. "I know. But this thing between us…it's real. You can't deny it."

I closed my eyes, trying to block out the intensity of his gaze. I took a deep breath, steeling myself against the overwhelming desire that threatened to consume me. "We have to stop," I said firmly. "This can’t happen."It just can’t work, I can’t keep betraying my best friend.

Collen's hand dropped to his side, he clenched his fists and he stepped back with a frustrating and hurt expression on his face. "Fine," he said, his voice taut and low. "If that's what you want."

"Collen," I called out, my voice shaky and trembling. "Please understand. This is for the best."

He turned his back on me and paused before he muttered, "If you say so," then walked away to leave me standing alone.

I felt a pang of guilt as I watched him turn away. I wanted to reach out, pull him back, and tell him I needed him and wanted him so much too, but I couldn't, not without betraying Hannah and everything dear to me.

As I walked to my next class, I tried shaking off my feelings for Collen. I had to focus on school, and my future, and not get wrapped up in some messy, painful relationship that would betray my friend. I started walking down the hallways, and my footsteps echoed off the walls.

No sooner was I at the door of the classroom than Collen stood there, his expression torn. Before I could do or say anything, Hannah appeared, all smiles as she came to the I and Collen. My mouth opened and my stomach dropped at the sight of my best friend.

"Hey guys!" Hannah greeted cheerfully. "I heard what happened to you, Allison. Are you okay?"Are you sure you are really okay?.

I forced a smile as my heart raced and pounded furiously against my chest. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little shaken up."

Hannah turned to Collen, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you so much for being there for her, Collen. You are a lifesaver."

Just when either of them was about to speak further, Hannah went on her toes and planted a gentle kiss on Collen's lips. It was full of appreciation and trust. My stomach wrenched into tight knots, and the surge of emotions inside me suddenly swelled beyond my control. I felt like I had to get out of that place.

"I have to go," I said abruptly, my voice tight.

Turning from the tender, most painful exchange with Collen, I felt a rush of feelings surge through me. I had to go, get away, and find someplace where I could breathe and think clearly. My heart felt heavy with impending tears.

I barely walked a few steps before Hannah's voice called out to me. "Allison! Wait up!"

I hastily brushed away my tears, not wanting Hannah to see me crying. I turned to my best friend and pasted a thin smile on my face. "Hey, Hannah. What's up?"

Hannah's expression was a mix of concern and confusion. "Are you okay? You seemed really upset back there."

I shrugged, trying to brush it off. "I'm fine. Just a lot on my mind."

Hannah wasn't buying it. "It didn't look like it. What's going on, Allison? You can tell me."

I hesitated, knowing I couldn't be honest. I had to think of something that would explain my behavior but wouldn't give away those tangled feelings I had for Collen. "It's just... school stuff. You know how stressful things can get."

Hannah eyed me for a second, then nodded slowly. "I get that. You seemed really upset when you left, though. Did something happen in class?"

I bit my lip, wondering whether I should say anything. I decided to turn the conversation to something that had been bothering me. "There is something I wanted to ask you."

Hannah's eyes widened in surprise. "Sure, what is it?"

"Is Collen a member of that class I just attended?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

Hannah looked confused. "Colleen? Nah, he's not in that class.