“You betrayed me.”
“I told her because I care about you. I couldn’t watch you destroy yourself over him.”
“No. You don’t get to justify it.” My voice cracks. “You ruined everything. My relationship with my sister. My life. Me.”
“No. That was you. You’re the one who couldn’t keep your legs closed.”
The air leaves the room.
He freezes, regret flashing across his face. “Blair. Shit. I didn’t mean that. Please.”
I back away from him like he’s something venomous. “Get out.”
“Blair, wait. Just listen to me.”
“I said get out.” My hands are shaking. “You were my best friend. I trusted you. You don’t get to say it was for my good. That wasn’t your place!”
“I know,” he says. “I knew it the moment I did it. I regretted it every single day since.”
“Good. Then leave with that regret.” He stands there, stilltrying to find the words, but I won’t give him the chance. I walk to the door, open it, and wait.
He walks out without another word.
I close the door behind him and fall to my knees.
I don’t scream or sob, I just sit there, shaking, empty, and alone.
Several hours later, I muster the strength to leave the apartment and head to the Apple store to have my phone fixed. They replace it with a new one, making sure it works before I leave. I then decide to go to the mall and just aimlessly wander.
Everything in my life seems to be crumbling, and it’s all my fault. I’ve tried calling and texting Abigail to apologize some more, but she wouldn’t answer. I know she asked for time, but I don’t want to give it to her; I want to fix our relationship. Her wedding is only a few days away, and I hope she’ll wear the dress I made for her. She looked stunning in it.
A few hours later, I finally make my way back home. The second I step into our apartment, something feels off. The air is still and heavy. That’s when I notice a letter taped to my door. My name is scrawled across the envelope in Dylan’s handwriting.
I pull it down, my hands trembling slightly as I unfold the note.
Blair,
I realized I couldn’t text you since I don’t have your new number. I thought about messaging you on social media, but this felt more grand gesture or whatever the fuck. And honestly, I wasn’t sure if you’d already blocked me.
First and foremost, I’m sorry. When Icalled Abigail, I wasn’t acting like your best friend. I was acting selfishly. I told myself I was protecting you, but the truth is, I wanted you back. I thought if she knew about you and Calvin, she’d send you away, and if you were here… maybe you’d finally see it was me you loved. But I see now how wrong that was.
I know how much you love him. It’s in everything you do. Even in the way you look at the world now. You’re more open, more fearless. It’s like being with him helped you discover a part of yourself I never even saw. And while that realization hurts like hell, I’m also happy for you. You deserve to feel that free.
I regret what I said about you ruining things with Abigail. That was low. I know how much she means to you, and I should never have tried to weaponize that against you. You trusted me, and I broke that. I’m sorry.
I’ve decided to move out of the apartment. I’ll be staying with a friend for now, and I’ve already sent my share of the rent for next month to give you time to figure out what’s next. I’m not trying to make this harder. I just want to give you space to breathe.
I don’t know if we’ll ever get back to the way we were. Maybe we won’t. But if someday you find it in your heart to forgive me, I’d give anything to be your best friend again.
No matter what, I’ll always be here for you.
Dylan
I fold the letter carefully, placing it on the counter. There’s a weight in my chest, a mix of anger and sadness. Dylan is gone, and while part of me feels like I should be relieved, another part mourns the friendship we once had.
I lean against the counter, letting out a shaky breath. What now?
A WEEK LATER
