Free Not Quite A Bride by Kirsten Sawyer Page A

happened today and I look too terrible to go out in public.”
    â€œWhat happened?” I am touched to hear genuine concern in Justin’s voice. A thought washes over me that maybe I don’t need Brad. Maybe Justin will want to be my new best friend and I will be okay. Then reality comes back to me—I realize I’m not in the third grade and that best friends cannot be replaced like Converse sneakers. It’s “make new friends and keep the old; one is silver and the other is gold.” No matter what, Justin will be a silver friend and I want my gold friend! I know what you’re thinking ... you thought I said I wasn’t in third grade, but you forgot I teach third grade.
    â€œBrad dumped me. He said we can’t be friends anymore.” My bottom lip starts to quiver as I say the words out loud and I finish with a sob.
    â€œMolly, I’ll be there in ten minutes. Brew some chamomile tea and put it in the fridge.”
    I’m slightly comforted that Justin is coming, but a little perturbed that he is demanding food service from me in my condition.
    I fiddle around with the tea and before I know it he’s there. He got there faster than ten minutes.
    As soon as he enters the apartment he gives me a big hug, then says, “I moved Lauren and Rob to nine, so we have some time here. What happened?”
    I admit that I did what he recommended I avoid—tell Brad what I thought of Claire—but he is still shocked when I tell him the outcome.
    â€œThat’s not what I expected,” he says, and I whimper in agreement. “Molly, there’s nothing you can do. You tried your best. Do you want to know what I would do if I were you?”
    â€œOh-kay,” I sob.
    â€œI would do what he asks. If the only way to be friends with him is to play by her rules, that’s what I’d do. It’s better to have him with restrictions than not at all, right?”
    I nod.
    â€œAnd sooner or later he’s going to see the truth on his own.”
    â€œThat’s true,” I agree.
    â€œI know you’re sad, sweetie. But let’s get you ready to go ... it’s going to be okay.”
    â€œOh, no ... I really can’t go. Look at me!”
    â€œI already did ... you’re a mess, but I can fix you.”
    Sometimes he is so gay!
    â€œGo get the chamomile tea,” he orders.
    I go to the kitchen and return with two glasses of iced tea ... I assume that’s what he wanted since he told me to put the tea in the fridge.
    â€œWhere are the tea bags?”
    â€œIn the kitchen,” I answer, confused.
    â€œGo get those. They are for your eyes. I didn’t want to have a tea party.”
    â€œOh.” I get it now.
    I return with the tea bags and Justin makes me lie down on the couch with the bags on my eyes. I must admit, they feel good. As I’m lying there he smears something on my face that smells suspiciously like yogurt. I take what feels like a very short rest with the snack bar on my face before I am ordered into the shower. The hot water has evidently been on for a while and the room is very steamy. As I stand in the tub, my sinuses start to clear and I can breathe again. When I emerge, Justin has an adorable outfit laid out on my bed.
    As we are walking out the door I sneak a look in the hall mirror ... it’s hard to believe the transformation. Justin knows what he is doing! We’re like a mini version of that show, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy , but we would be called, Gay Boyfriend for the Pathetic Girl. I silently remind myself that tonight is important and I cannot let my current situation with Brad destroy what Justin and I are working for.
    â€œEyes on the prize: tiara, cake tasting, bachelorette party,” I say to myself. Okay ... I’m ready.
    We stand outside the restaurant and prepare to go in. I can see through the window that Lauren and Rob are already seated. Lauren and I were pledge sisters