Short Story #1

Friendship isn’t Always Enough

I told him not to do such a thing as this. I told him that this was the way it must be. I do not have feelings for him any longer. Naturally, when someone says that, the other person will get mad. So yes, I expected him to be mad. And yes, I expected to break his heart.

We had been together for a long while, when I realized what was happening to my life. Henry had always been there for me, since we were children. And when he proposed to me last fall, I thought it would be better if I was with him for the rest of my life. My life would be set, and I would have everything, including safety. But that’s all it would be for: safety, security. It wouldn’t be what I really wanted.

As I sat in an expensively gold-plated chair, I wondered how I would tell Henry about how I felt. It felt as if the surrounding chandeliers were closing in, like they were suffocating me. And, of course, he was standing over my shoulder, which did not help matters much.

Finally, after my hesitation, I told Henry, “I truly am sorry. Honestly, I did not plan on this happening. Please believe me when I tell you this.”

“What do you mean, darling?” he asked me.

“What I am saying is…that I have fallen in love with another man.”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“Not too long ago, I met this man. I accidentally bumped into him when I was taking a walk one day. We began talking and…and laughing. It was the first time I had laughed in a very long while, I realized. We talked about so many things for two people who just met. I know it sounds strange, and I don’t know how it happened, but I fell for him. And he fell for me, too.”

“So you fell in love with him because he made you laugh? Is that what you are telling me?”

“No. I am telling you that I fell in love with him because I love who I am with him. I love how I don’t have to pretend while I am around him. He made me notice that I deserve so much more. We can’t have a marriage based on the fact that we grew up together and we know each other. Marriage has to be based on love and friendship and trust.”

“So you do not trust me, then?” he asked, confused.

“I used to. Lately, though, I have had my doubts on whether I can trust you.”

“Is that right? When was this?”

“A couple months ago. I heard you talking about me to someone on the phone. You said you didn’t want me to know something. You told the person to keep it a secret.”

“That was before we were engaged! I was telling them the surprise I had planned for you. Of course, I wouldn’t want you to find out about it!” he exclaimed.

I was silent at this point. I didn’t know what to say. It didn’t change my feelings for him, though. I still did not love him. I only loved what I could have with him. The nice clothing and the money.

“Clara…I love you. I have never done anything to hurt you. I wouldn’t even think of doing anything to hurt you. I love you with all of my heart. I have since we were both very young.”

“I know that. It’s just that…I don’t feel the same way anymore. I used to; please do not get me wrong. I did love you. I just don’t think it was enough. We will always be good friends, but I just think that’s all we can ever be.”

In the room, there was a silence. Our maid, Theresa, entered through the far door. “Excuse me, miss. Your mother needs to speak with you.”

“I’ll be right there.” She left the room, and I turned toward Henry. “I’ll be back in a minute.” He nodded. Leaving him standing there, I left the room.

* * *

As I walked back into the room, I saw him sitting there with his head down. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright.”

I looked down at my hands after I sat down next to him. “I am incredibly sorry about all of this. I know you must think I am a horrible person. And I know we will never completely be the same after this, but I hope it will be alright. And I hope that someday you can forgive me.”

“I suppose the wedding is off then. Well, I’m sure you will be happy. I’ll just be leaving now.”

“Henry—“

“No, Clara. No more talking, please. I’m just going to go. Goodbye.”

And then he walked out of the room. I did not say goodbye to him. I did not want to. In my heart, he would always be my friend. However, I knew I had hurt him very much. I did not know if he would ever truly forgive me, but at least I was honest with him. I couldn’t lie to him anymore. Being true to myself was the only way for me to be happy.