When friends become foes

A LOVE TOO UNREQUITED

As Kate and Jenny strolled to Kate's apartment, they ran into James. "Hi," he greeted Jenny, exchanging pleasantries like old friends.

Kate looked stunned and shy, her eyes fixed on James' face. Jenny, on the other hand, beamed with her signature smile. "Oh heeeellloo!"

"Do you also live in this building? I've only noticed your friend here," James asked Jenny, nodding towards Kate.

"No, I don't, but I'm glad you noticed my friend." Jenny replied smoothly as she gave Kate an "I told you so" look.

James sneaked a peek at Kate, who was now red-cheeked and focused on the ground. "I have to say, she's hard not to notice."

"What does he mean? Did he notice me all this while? Is he talking to Jenny but indirectly referring to me? Oh my God, I'm so confused!!!" Kate's mind raced.

"I'm kate,......."James tried to talk to Kate, but she cut him off. "You know my name?" she asked, stunned.

"Who doesn't?" James replied. "I've heard quite a lot about you."

"Okay, you guys should just exchange phone numbers and get it over with." Jenny chimed in.

"No need, I have nothing to do with his number," kate quickly dismissed the idea and walked away, feeling ashamed of herself for stooping so low to a playboy. She knew better than to involve herself in an unrequited love, even when in middle school she had always been the one loving, the one always willing and ready to love without being loved in return.

After her last experience, she promised herself that she wouldn't do it again. What is really the problem?

Does she love the wrong people?, is love not meant for the likes of her ?

Over time, she came to a realization. No matter how hard she tried, she was always attracted to those beyond her standard, people who wouldn't want anything to do with her not know her existence.

Jenny apologized, "Well, that's Kate. She's one hard nut to crack, sorry."

"Your friend doesn't have to stop our fun, am I right?" James said giving Jenny a knowing look

Jenny knew it was inappropriate, but she rationalized it as helping a friend. After all, Kate and James weren't an item, and keeping up with a playboy like James would be challenging for Kate.

Later, in Kate's room, she immersed herself in a novel, trying to shake off the encounter with James. In a way she wished she hadn't left the way she did, Kate wondered if it made her look desperate angry. What if James sees her as some love sick chick, she made it this far with pretense. "Where's Jenny? Hope she isn't trying to set me up with him, am ashamed of myself as it is" Kate said boycotting the book in her hand. She knew Jenny and tried not to let her mind trick her, but what if, just what if she knew Jenny all wrong?