"Hello, Bestie! How are you doing? Hope life isn't so hard on you?"

She asked with a mocking tone.

Blowing up or melting down would give her the exact reaction she expected. I am not doing any of that.

I had to put myself together and live.

"I'm doing good,"

I simply answered.

"How interesting. And how about work?"

She asked again.

This bitch already knew how it went at the company, so she called to mock me.

We work at the same place!

"Work is fine. How is your boyfriend?"

I regretted asking that-it's as if I am jealous and still holding on to it.

She chuckled.

"Oh, he's fine. We just had the sexiest and hottest moment in the bedroom, you know. He said I'm better at many things than you. Isn't he so sweet, Bestie? You didn't tell me he's such a horse! Gosh..."

I rolled my eyes and replied, trying to hide my anger.

"Lucky him, he got you-the best trophy wife-to-be."

She laughed in a way that screamed fake and mockery.

"Oh, of course, Bestie... Also, have you been crying? Your voice sounds kinda pathetic."

I scoffed and replied with all the composure I could muster.

"Crying for what?"

"Well, you know... I know you better than anyone. Don't cry too much; it's not the end of the world."

She said softly, feigning concern.

"Like I said, I'm very chilled and not crying for anyone, Kamsy."

I replied boldly.

"Oh, okay... I like that. So then... what do you say about my proposal? Will you be my maid of honor, Bestie?"

My heart raced at that statement.

If I say no,

She would laugh and celebrate my misery.

If I say yes,

I will be a clown stupid enough to accept that proposal.

"...I-"

I felt my mouth go dry.

"Are you suddenly dumb? If you can't be my maid of honor because-"

"Fine, I will do it,"

I cut her off.

"Aww, you never change. Keep it up; a perfect man will get married to you, trust me. You're stronger than you know. I'll send you the package and-"

I hung up without letting her finish.

Why did I say yes?!

How can I face them on that day?

I think I need alcohol at this moment.

I went out of the house and got a bottle from the convenience store nearby.

As a first-time drinker, I didn't know how or when I got to bed that night.

The next morning, I heard noises from my kitchen. I panicked!

I was in a state of shock and alarm, too scared to go check what was happening.

The room looked cleaned up. I wondered if this was one of the effects of alcohol, like maybe I was hallucinating.

I don't remember it being this... this...

My heart pounded harder.

Then Daniel came out of the kitchen, wearing an apron.

I screamed out loud.

"What the-!!!"

"Good morning,"

Daniel smiled.

"How did you... what are you doing here? How long-"

"Calm down, alcohol isn't for the soft, Val..."

He laughed.

I didn't think this was the time for jokes. He saw I wasn't relaxed yet and that the joke didn't land.

"Sorry, I apologize,"

He said, putting down the tray containing fried plantains and corn flour puree.

"I came in and saw you with the bottle, sleeping with your door wide open. That was risky, Val. A stranger could have walked in and harmed you, so I cleaned up and put you to bed."

My eyes widened.

He held out his hands.

"Now, hold on, before you kill me with those eyes. I promise I didn't sleep inside with you. I locked the door from the outside and came back early this morning to check on you. So, I thought it would be nice to make you something to eat."

All this sounded like a movie script to me.

I was mad but, at the same time, grateful to God it was Daniel-the last person to take advantage of me. But still, why would he do all that?

He's in a relationship.

I still don't believe in platonic relationships with the opposite gender.

At this rate, I might find myself in Daniel's arms, trying to find closure, but I can't do that.

What difference would it make?

I would be like my best friend, taking someone else's man.

I sighed and sat on the couch, rubbing my forehead-it ached badly.

I tried to remember, but it was blank.

"How does it feel, your first alcohol experience?"

Daniel's voice came with a hint of amusement.

"I don't know, Dan. I don't know how it happened, but I slept off, though. I thought I wouldn't sleep last night-I had too much on my mind."

He laughed.

"Don't worry, you'll be fine... I have to rush now. The time my girlfriend gave me has expired. She told me to be back in a few minutes."

I just nodded, even though I wanted him to stay longer.

He's such a trophy boyfriend. Lucky lady.

"Thanks so much, Dan. I owe you. I appreciate you making time to check on me."

"Nah... it's nothing. We're friends, and I told my girl before coming."

"She's such a sweet person."

"Yeah, she is,"

He replied and took a spoon of puree and a plantain.

"It's safe,"

He assured me, in case I was suspicious.

I smiled back.

He is proof there are still good men. His girlfriend is so lucky.

I took a deep breath and got up to brush.