I had been eagerly awaiting this day. To be honest, I was a bit nervous. Would I make a good impression on the boss and my beloved’s colleagues? But most importantly, I hoped George would approve of my appearance. I didn’t want him to have second thoughts about marrying me.
I twirled in front of the mirror one more time, then closed my eyes and imagined our wedding. Unforgettable. Romantic. The most perfect day…
— Where are you headed, girlfriend? — Tammy, my roommate, interrupted my daydreams. — Judging by that dreamy look and that stunningly elegant dress, it’s definitely a date. Spill it, who’s the guy? Do I know him?
— Of course you know him. It’s George! — I replied enthusiastically. — Tomorrow we’re going to a company party where he’ll introduce me to his colleagues as his future wife.
— Hmm… That’s a shame, — Tammy mumbled. — You still haven’t figured him out…
Tammy retreated to her room. I didn’t pay much attention to her words. Let her think whatever she wants. For me, the important thing was that George was ready for a serious relationship. Finally, he realized that I’m the one he needs (I hope, only me). Surely, he’d stop disappearing from my life for months, leaving me unable to call him, hear his captivating voice, or know what was happening in his world. Now he’d be mine alone. What more could I need for happiness?
I prepared for this company party like it was the most important event of my life. A new dress, high-heeled shoes, a glamorous hairstyle, flawless makeup, a perfect manicure — a guy like George deserved the best woman by his side!
“I’ll be that woman! I want him to be proud of me and never regret his choice!” I thought, filled with determination. My emotions were overflowing. I’d never felt such excitement — not even when I applied to university, knowing seven people were competing for each spot. Because love, after all, is the most important thing in life, the most beautiful.
I’ve known George for a very long time, since our school days. We were in the same class from the first grade. But I only developed a special fondness for him much later, in high school.
My classmate won me over with his ability to recite poetry. He did it with such passion, such enthusiasm, fully conveying the emotions and dynamics of the verses. In literature class, George was the best. Later, I learned he wrote pretty good poetry himself. It felt so romantic.
To catch the attention of the boy who stirred my heart, I constantly approached him with questions about literature, asking for advice or help with homework. I timed it so we’d walk home from school together. In short, I made sure to stay in his orbit, showering him with interest and care.
George seemed to reciprocate. I’m not sure if he felt anything for me during our school years, but the fact that we were friends and often hung out together sparked plenty of gossip. People said we were dating. I was thrilled by those rumors. “Maybe,” I thought, “these whispers will help George see me in a new light, as more than just a good friend.” But we graduated high school as just that — friends.
Then came university… That’s when things got more exciting. Our first touches, our first kiss… Though, I must admit, it was a bit strange. It felt more like George allowed me to kiss him rather than him kissing me. Back then, I thought he was just shy, maybe inexperienced. Who could’ve known the real reason…
Even though I’d been in love with George for years, and all our old friends and new university classmates knew it, that didn’t stop other guys from pursuing me. Among my admirers, Steven stood out — a tall, handsome guy with striking brown eyes, jet-black hair and lashes, an open smile, and a cheerful personality. Many girls dreamed of him, but for some reason, he chose me. Steven didn’t just flirt or show interest; he followed me everywhere — to parties, student gatherings, even places he had no reason to be. He joined the drama club and helped with the student newspaper just to be near me. While other girls swooned over him, I got annoyed: “How dare he? He knows I love someone else, yet he won’t leave me alone. The last thing I need is to fight with George over this nonsense.” But George wasn’t bothered by it. In fact, it seemed to amuse him. He never missed a chance to tease me about it and, for reasons I couldn’t understand, even tried to help Steven win me over.
— Why are you doing this? — I’d fume constantly. — Why do you make fun of me? Can’t you see how much this irritates and upsets me?
— I don’t get why, — George would reply innocently. — He’s a good-looking guy, charming, interesting. Look at how many girls are chasing him, doing everything to get his attention. And you’re turning your nose up at him!
I couldn’t fathom why the person I loved would say such things. Did he want to push me away? It seemed absurd. If that was the case, he could’ve just said so openly.
I chalked up George’s comments to his quirky sense of humor. But the teasing and jokes weren’t the end of it. The object of my affection started spending more time with Steven. Wherever we went, George invited him along. Worse, George began actively helping his new friend catch up on schoolwork. It wouldn’t have been a big deal, except their growing friendship started interfering with my time with George. The closer the two guys got, the less George talked to me.
— Don’t you think you’re seeing him a bit too much? I’m starting to get jealous, — I’d ask George playfully.
— It’s temporary, — he’d justify. — I can’t just refuse to help. Once he catches up, that’s it!
But Steven’s academic struggles dragged on and on. I tried every trick to distance George’s new friend, but nothing worked. Direct conversations and requests to spend less time with my persistent suitor didn’t help either. The breaking point came at George’s birthday party, where, among other friends and acquaintances, he unsurprisingly invited Steven. The celebration was loud, fun, and very student-like, with plenty of alcohol. My clingy admirer overdid it and reached a state of total incoherence. As a loyal friend, George hoisted him onto his shoulders and carried him to a room.
— Let the guy sleep it off. That usually helps, — the birthday boy said before disappearing behind the door.
Thirty or forty minutes passed, and George still hadn’t returned. “Maybe Steven’s really unwell. What if they need help?” I worried, heading to the room where the guys were. When I opened the door, I froze… It looked like my beloved was trying to kiss his friend — my suitor — on the lips. What a shock!
What I saw stunned me. I instinctively closed the door and returned to the living room. My mind was blank, my thoughts in disarray. Everything felt like a fog. It was so hard to process what my eyes had seen. My brain refused to comprehend it.
The party was in full swing, but I was no longer in the mood. “This can’t be real! It must’ve been my imagination… He’s my boyfriend! He kissed me, said I was sexy… That I’m the only woman who matters to him, and there’d never be another. But what if…” My thoughts were interrupted by George.
— Ellie, darling, why are you alone? Missing me? Come, let’s dance.
— How’s Steven doing? — I cut in. — I hope he’s okay?
— Oh, yeah! The guy just had a bit too much to drink. — I thought he was really sick. For a moment, it even looked like you were giving him CPR… — I remarked sarcastically.
— You’re such a joker! — George burst out laughing. — CPR for drinking too much? That’s a good one!
He laughed so loudly, and his reaction seemed so genuine, that I started doubting what I’d seen.
— Are you saying you didn’t kiss Steven?! — I asked him directly. George froze.
— Uh, no. The thought never crossed my mind. Why? Should I have?
He seemed genuinely shocked by my accusation. I felt terribly embarrassed for my bizarre suspicions.
— It was a joke, — I said, forcing a silly smile to cover my tracks. — Not a great one, though. Sorry…
We danced, and I batted my eyes naively. George didn’t dwell on the topic, didn’t get mad or upset. “He’s so smart!” I thought. “No accusations, no drama… So understanding, so wise… If I were him, I’d have thrown a fit.”
Of course, it was silly to be jealous. But I wanted more of his attention. I wanted George to always be by my side. Maybe I was selfish…
The party ended. The guests left. George and I said a sweet goodbye, and I went home, suspecting nothing.
Graduating from university truly marked a turning point in my life, including my relationship with George — or rather, the lack thereof. Two years had passed since graduation. In that time, I’d only seen him once, but it didn’t stop me from loving him as fiercely as ever.
He reappeared a year after graduation, looking sad, downcast, and disappointed.
— Ellie, I’ve missed you so much! — he said mournfully. — I don’t know how I could’ve gone so long without you. You’re the most important person to me. The only one I trust completely, the one I’m absolutely sure of. You’re the best!
His words fueled my passion. He kept talking, stroking my hair, gently kissing my lips and shoulders, only to disappear again…
The separation was killing me. But the uncertainty hurt even more. George had vanished from my life again without explanation, without a word. Just gone. No calls, no meetings. Nothing. My attempts to find him and talk were futile. Tammy, my longtime roommate, felt sorry for me and insisted I forget him, calling him unreliable. But I didn’t want to listen. I was convinced there had to be a reasonable explanation for George’s behavior.
— Maybe he’s sick, — I argued with Tammy. — Or swamped with work.
— Sure, and all the phones stopped working, too, — she’d reply sarcastically. — It’s nonsense, and you know it!
Of course, it was nonsense. But my heart loved him. Passionately. Deeply. Selflessly. I knew I was making excuses for George, but I wanted to keep dreaming about him.
Our next meeting was as unexpected as the last. He showed up at my apartment, exactly a year later, cheerful, happy, and content with life.
— Ellie, you’re such a beauty! — he exclaimed, hugging and kissing me. — Sunshine, I’ve missed you so much!
George told me how hard he’d worked that year to earn a promotion. He shared how often he’d wanted to see me but was overwhelmed with no time to spare.
— You’re my best friend, Ellie! — he added with special warmth. — The very best! I want to invite you to a company party and ask you to play the role of my fiancée, my future wife.
Hearing those words, I could barely process them. My dream, my love, was proposing to me?! Maybe in an unconventional, quirky way, after nearly two years apart… Oh my God! He loves me! I was beyond thrilled.
— So, future wifey, will you come with me? — George asked playfully.
— Of course, my future hubby, — I replied, a little shyly.
By the time George picked me up, I was ready. My eyes sparkled, my smile stretched ear to ear, and my mood was fantastic. And why wouldn’t it be? This was the most significant day of my life!
At the party, George proudly introduced me to his boss:
— The best woman in my life, — he declared loudly, with a touch of flair.
— Pleased to meet you, — Nicholas Peterson responded kindly. — I see you’re as successful in love as you are in work. Congratulations!
George was beaming, and so was I. When the evening ended, he invited me to a small café:
— Let’s grab some coffee. I’ve got a surprise for you, — he said, visibly excited. “Maybe he wants to talk about our future?” I dreamed.
We sipped coffee and chatted pleasantly when a good-looking blond guy joined our table.
— Ellie, meet Simon, my… beloved, — George said. — We’ve been together for eight months.
I hadn’t expected this twist at all. The ride home was silent. We dropped Simon off first. When we were finally alone, I asked:
— What was all this charade? Explain! You played with me! That’s cruel!
— Ellie, what are you talking about? I told you, you’re my best friend!
— Why didn’t you tell me about your relationship sooner? Why not take your beloved Simon to the party? — I pressed. — Why? Answer me!
What could someone who’d used me so deceitfully say? That his boss didn’t understand same-sex love? That his colleagues would stop taking him seriously? That he was trying to be honest with me while kissing me and telling me I was an incredible woman? The best…
I cried all night like a fool, clutching my pillow. But, to my surprise, with the tears, the wild passion for the man who’d deceived me for years washed away. Now, for George, my heart held neither love nor hate.
No comments