You’re Supposed To Be My Best Friend
Something about Carla’s relationship with Michelle had changed, yet Carla couldn’t figure out what and Michelle was oblivious. Every time Michelle looked at Robert, nevermind spoke to, kissed or touched him, an overwhelming sense of jealousy overcame her. Despite this, Carla still focused on making Michelle and Robert’s wedding special. She still listened to her best friend talk about her fiancé like it didn’t bother her. Michelle had told Carla to keep Ali close, yet she had not expected what that closeness had resulted in. One night, when Carla was upset about Michelle and confused about her feelings, she kissed Ali. As sick as it was, she spent the whole time thinking about what it would be like to kiss Michelle. They slept together yet all she thought about was Michelle. And Ali was the next best thing - right?
Weeks later, dinner was awkward with Ali staring at her, yet Carla still followed him out into the hallway. Her shock was clear when he pulled her closer to kiss her, resulting in her pushing him away several times. She knew their fling was a mistake but eventually gave up and let herself be kissed. Just like with Paul, if she couldn’t have Michelle, Ali was the next best thing. Suddenly, the pair were interrupted by Michelle opening the door.
Betrayed, confused and frustrated, Michelle wandered back into the flat, “I don’t believe this.”
“Michelle, I’m sorry.” Carla barely knew what to think about herself, nevermind understand how Michelle felt.
“You’re sorry? You’re sorry! Oh well, that’s alright then!” Confused mutterings came from the table as Michelle continued, “Anyone want to take a guess at what my so-called best friend has been doing in the corridor.”
“Can we have a clue?” An overly-refreshed Jenny slurs.
“Michelle, can we just go somewhere and talk about-”
“You want a clue? Okay. How about: guess which one of my son’s she was snogging the face off just now?” More confused chatter and Ali misunderstanding the situation only made matters worse, “Sorry, I’d like you all to leave please.”
Food forgotten, the guests left Carla and Michelle alone. On their way out, Carla couldn’t help but defend Michelle against Ali’s comments about her being an uncaring mother. As the door closed, Carla tried to ignore the sickness in her stomach. Nervous nausea had only been amplified by Robert’s affection towards Michelle.
“‘Chelle, let’s just have a drink, shall we?” Trembling, Carla both hoped Michelle wouldn't look at her and wished for their eyes to meet so she could properly read the situation. She hoped Michelle would hear her out, even though she had no idea how to explain herself.
“I don’t want a drink!” Lies. Michelle wanted to finish a whole bottle of the strongest thing she could find, “I want to know why you were stood in that corridor with your tongue down my son’s throat!”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” She wanted to add ‘it’s because I couldn’t have you’ but instead she panicked.
“You’re supposed to be my best friend!” The sting in Michelle’s tone was unbearable, “You haven’t slept with him have you?” Carla’s awkward silence and shuffling told her all she needed to know, “Oh no…you’re old enough to be his mother.”
“It was a one off-”
“Is that what you’re into, is it, hey? Young naive lads. First Daniel, now Ali!”
“No!” Carla was louder than expected, “I slept with him because I couldn’t have you! I tried to end it, I really did.” No, no, no - she didn’t mean to say that.
“What do you mean?” Michelle’s tone was unreadable.
“Listen, I couldn’t feel more awful about this, okay?” Tears slipped from Carla’s eyes as her voice trembled.
“You’re supposed to be my best friend! Get out! Get out!” Michelle forcefully pushed Carla through the door, then burst into tears. Both women sat on opposite sides of the door, sobbing, unaware the other was there.