HEARTS AND KNIVES
906 Words
"Hey friend" Jenny called kate on the phone. "Heyy " Kate answered in a subtle voice. "Is everything alright, I'm not liking the way you sound" Jenny said. "I do not know anything anymore Jenny" Kate said getting worried for herself. " where are you now?. I'll be right there" Jenny said and ended the call. Jenny arrived at Kate's place, finding her friend curled up on the bed, looking worried. "I don't know what's going on, but something feels off. I feel like James is hiding something from me." Kate confided, as Jenny's expression remained neutral, but her mind raced with the secrets she kept. "Did you notice him with anyone at the party?" Kate's fears spilled out and Jenny seeing an opportunity to water Kate's doubts, "There's a possibility he might be cheating, but don't worry about it. So what if he's cheating? You're more than that kate." "What if he is cheating? What am I supposed to do? I can't lose James, Jenny....... I just can't lose him" Kate's eyes welled up with tears. "Don't worry, Kate. Everything will be alright. But if you're so sure James is cheating, then maybe you should investigate further. See if you can find any evidence." Jenny's response was laced with subtle manipulation. Kate's determination hardened, "I may have to do what I never thought I'd do." "What's that?" Jenny asked, her curiosity piqued. "I may have to wage wars for James." Kate's response sent a shiver down Jenny's spine, the seriousness in Kate's voice made Jenny realize she had underestimated her friend's resolve. * * * * Jenny's eyes widened in surprise at Kate's declaration. "Wage wars for James?" she repeated, trying to stifle a laugh. "Kate, what are you talking about?" Kate's expression remained serious. "I mean it, Jenny. I'll do whatever it takes to keep him. I won't let some random girl take him away from me." Jenny's smile faltered, and she felt a pang of guilt. She was the "random girl" Kate was talking about. So what if this random girl loves, what if she is loved and for whatever reason she is also human; with feelings and blood running through her veins. But she pushed the feeling aside and tried to reason with Kate. "Kate, don't be ridiculous. You're not going to 'wage wars' for James. If he's cheating on you, then he's not worth it. You deserve better than someone who would betray your trust like that." Another pang of guilt, more than James, she was worse . She betrayed Kate's trust just like that without any second thought, "I'm a monster" she called herself. But Kate shook her head. "You don't understand, Jenny. I love him. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep him." Kate said more resolved than ever, she had buried her faith, her hope, her body and her love into James that she couldn't afford to lose him. She had abandoned the conference, though she lied to everyone. However, she had come too far to let go. James was the evidence of hope that she had when she intentionally, gave up on the scholarship she worked her entire life for. " Kate, please don't do this. You'll only end up hurting yourself " Jenny pleaded out of guilt and concern. But Kate already made up her mind. * * * * Jenny's heels clicked on the floor as she approached James, her expression a mix of concern and trepidation. "James, we need to talk," she said, her voice low and urgent. James looked up from his phone, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in Jenny's tense posture. "What's going on?" He asked. "It's Kate," Jenny said, her words tumbling out in a rush. "She's not going to back down, James. She's determined to keep you, no matter what." Jenny panicked. James's expression turned serious, his brow furrowing in concern. "What did she say exactly?" He asked with a knot in his throat, makes you wonder if it joggled in his Adam's apple. Jenny hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "She said she'd do whatever it takes to keep you. She's willing to fight for you, James. Am scared." She explained. James's eyes widened, his face paling slightly. "Oh God," he muttered, stifling his laugh."Nothing is going to happen, Kate will do no such thing ." He added, his hands now akimbo. Jenny nodded, her fears and doubts resurfacing. "I know. I'm starting to think we've made a huge mistake, James." Shaking her head in anxiety. James's eyes snapped to hers, his expression questioning. "What do you mean?". Jenny took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know if I want to do this anymore, James. I don't want to hurt Kate like this. She's my friend, and I feel like I'm betraying her." Jenny said pleadingly. James's face hardened , his eyes filled with irritation . "You don't want to hurt her? We already did the moment we slept together, are you kidding? You betrayed her the moment you thought you deserved happiness by coveting what is hers." "What coveting? You guys weren't even dating then." Jenny explained, not trying to prove anything to James but to her conscience that constantly judged her. With tears of shame and hurt, " you know what.... This is over!! I can't believe you would dump all this on me" Jenny yelled and left.
- Writer
