After the Snow

Chapter 15 - Coming Clean

Chapter 15

Coming Clean

"And you still haven't told him?" Mackenzie asked, crossing her arms. I hung my head, sighing.

My best friend had brought me down to the beach right after breakfast. We had dragged some plastic chairs down the sand and sat down, and she hadn't missed one second asking me about my mistake.

"How can I?" I asked weakly, "He'll leave me."

"Don't hate me for saying this," She huffed, "But that might be a good thing."

"What?!" I screeched, standing up. I was beyond angry, how could she say something like that?! She was my best friend, she was supposed to support me!

"Bree, anyone can see you're not happy!" Mackenzie exclaimed, "I know, your mom knows, Kayla knows, and Anthony knew. That's why he let himself sleep with you."

We both knew it took two to tango, but neither of us chose to comment on the subject.

"You're supposed to be there for me," I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes. This was the last thing I needed. I needed my friends and family to help me go through with the marriage, not try and talk me out of it.

"I am there for you, that's why I think you're making a huge mistake." She said simply. Her words hit me like a slap in the face. Anthony had said those exact words to me.

"How could you say that?" I hissed, biting my lip. She ran a hand through her hair, slumping her shoulders.

"Because I'm your best friend." She whispered.

"That's what I thought, too," Okay, that might've been a bit harsh, but I was just overwhelmed. I was going through the roughest time of my life, I needed my friends. Willing myself not to cry, I ran up the beach and into the house, trying to compose myself.

"Oh dear, I was wondering-"

"Mom, can I borrow your car?" I asked, cutting her off. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Mackenzie running after me. I needed to get out of there fast.

"Um, sure," She stuttered, looking shocked. "I need it back by four, but you can have it till then."

"Great, thanks," I rushed to grab the keys from the counter, running out the door as fast as I could. Mackenzie had pissed me off, something I was trying to avoid for the duration of this trip. I started the car and pulled out of the driveway as fast as I could, catching a peak of Mackenzie running down the driveway as I sped down the street.

I can't even explain the emotions that were running through my body at that time. Betrayal was probably the first thing I was worried about. Even though I knew Mackenzie was right, I just couldn't believe she would alienate me like that. I knew my actions would have consequences, but I didn't think it would cause problems in my relationship with my best friend.

Now, I had never been a big drinker, even after my twenty-first birthday, but I had no clue where I was going because I'd never been to California before. So when I saw a little bar, I decided to stop. Alcohol always seemed to help distract me when I was troubled, so I bought a drink. That was the only time I ever drank, really; when I was upset.

Unfortunately for me, I had always been a bit of a lightweight, so about three drinks in I was already tipsy. Mackenzie's harsh words weren't going away, though. Maybe, no, it was probably the alcohol in my system that made me decided to call Scott. I grabbed my phone and locked myself in a bathroom stall. As the phone rang, I got more and more nervous. What if he left me? I couldn't take that, it seemed like everyone left me.

"Hello?" He answered, making my heart clench. I had wronged him, Mackenzie made me realize that. There was nothing I could do to make this any better. I was a horrible person.

"Scott?" I choked out, my eyes tearing up. "I messed up."

"Bree, is that you?" He asked, suddenly worried. Even though he couldn't see me, I nodded. "Are you okay? Wait...are you drunk?"

"No," I whispered, "I've only had a few drinks. But that's not the point. I have to tell you something. Please don't hate me!" I wiped my eyes, biting my lip.

"I could never hate you. Did something happen?" He didn't suspect a thing, and that's what made me cry even harder. It took me a moment to compose myself, but when I did it all just came spilling out.

"I had s*x with Anthony. At Chrsitmas. When you were out with Mackenzie he gave me a birthday present, then we started talking about when we first met, and it just reminded me of how much I love -loved him, so then we kissed and one thing led to another. I'm so so sorry it was a mistake, I love you!" Silence. That's what I got, silence. "Scott?"

"Is this a joke?" He spat. I cringed, he was angry. Super pissed. But then again, who wouldn't be? I had betrayed his trust.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, squeezing my eyes shut. A second later, my phone beeped. He had hung up on me. "Scott," I squeaked, looking down at my phone, "No Scott, please!" He had hung up, but I still kept pleading with him. The tears came harder now. I was shaking.

I didn't think Scott would react the way he did. I thought he would let me explain and we would talk it though. I thought he would be rational. But, I was wrong, and he was going to leave me, just like everyone else eventually would.

I'm not sure how long I cried before I calmed down. My face was all red and puffy, and my makeup had smudged, so I cleaned myself up the best I could before exiting the bathroom. I could really use another drink.

As luck would have it, I ran straight into someone.

"I'm sorry," I said, looking up. I froze. "No. How can you be here?" After it left my mouth, I realized how stupid I sounded. But I didn't really care at that point, I was too upset.

"Bree?" Anthony asked, looking at me with shock. Why was he here?! Why did I have to run into him?! He was the last person I wanted to see. I had nothing to say to him, so I gave him a sharp glare before marching over to an empty table. Maybe I didn't need another drink, maybe I needed some ice cream. Or a hamburger.

As I picked up a menu, there was a scratching sound; someone pulling out a chair as they sat down beside me. I didn't have to think hard to know it was Anthony.

"I didn't say you could sit down," I growled, purposefully not looking at him. A hand grabbed the menu I was holding and forced it down to the table.

"What's wrong?" He asked, looking at me with worried eyes. For a brief moment, I forgot he had left me, twice, and I just remembered my friend who I could talk to. But then, I caught myself.

"You don't get to do this!" I lashed out. "You don't get to leave and pretend nothing happened!" He blinked, surprised.

"I-I wasn't trying to, but it's obvious you've been crying, and since I'm your friend, I'm concerned," He placed a big, warm hand over mine, but I quickly withdrew from his touch.

"No, you're not my friend! You've ruined everything!" I shouted, causing several people to stare. Anthony's eyes widened as he shushed me, grabbing both my hands firmly.

"Don't cause a scene," He whispered with a harsh voice. "I'm just trying to help."

"Well, I wish you'd stop," I grumbled, ripping my hands free and picking up my menu again.

"But you're upset," He pointed out, grabbing my chin and lifting it up so he could see my face. "Why?"

"Because you've ruined my relationship with Scott! I'm pretty sure he'll never forgive me." I blurted, biting my lip. Dang it, I haven't meant to say that.

"You mean you're just now telling him?" He asked. Damn, me and my big mouth!

"If I have, that's none of your business. Now, will you go away?!" He had successfully put me in a worse mood then I had already been in. Maybe coming to California hadn't been a good idea. Then again, I hadn't known Anthony would be here.

A big sense of pride filled my heart. I had done it. I stood up to Anthony, even though I still wasn't sure how I felt about him, or where I stood with Scott. I had finally been able to say no.

Or so I thought.

A few minutes later, he came back and sat a random drink in front of me. I rose an eyebrow, pursing my lips.

"Do you expect me to drink this?" I asked, staring him down. Anthony sat down slowly, taking a sip of his own drink.

"Well, seeing as I just paid for it, I would greatly appreciate it if you took at least one sip," He smirked at me, his eyes lighting up. "Please?" I frowned, staring into the yellow liquid. What was it, anyway?

"If I take a sip, will you leave me alone?" I bargained, drawing a circle around the rim of the glass with my finger. He crinkled his eyebrows, letting out a grunt.

"Will you let me explain why I left?" He begged, taking another swig of his drink. It was the same drink as mine, and he seemed to be enjoying it.

"No," I responded uneasily, clenching my fists. If he explained and apologized, I would have no choice but to forgive him. I just couldn't stay mad for long. "If I take a sip, will you leave?"

He sighed, "Fine, deal." Smiling, I lifted the drink to my lips and took a big gulp.

"Hmm, not bad." I mused, swirling the glass around. "Before you go, what is it?"

But he didn't get to answer, because I blacked out.