A loving husband, a newborn daughter, and a best friend who felt like family—I thought I had it all. But one night altered everything. Ten years later, when I had moved on, she appeared at my door like a ghost of the lady I once knew.
A best friend who felt like a sister was probably everyone’s closest buddy. Someone who knew you completely. That best friend shattered my life.
Katie and I became friends in school and were inseparable. School projects, birthday celebrations, sleepovers—we did everything together.
We were called twins despite looking nothing alike. As we aged, we became more diverse, yet our friendship never suffered.
Katie was always the life of the party, free and confident.
She was the one dancing on tables and laughing loudest, attracting attention without trying.
When I told her I was getting married, I expected her to say, “Well, never mind, I will have fun for both of us.”
Because Katie and I spent so much time together, Katie and my fiancé Dave had to become friends.
To be close to me, you had to accept Katie. She cried during my wedding despite her pledge not to.
“Do you want me to throw the bouquet for you to catch?” Midway through the wedding, I asked Katie.
“If you throw the bouquet at me, I’ll never forgive you. She said, “My soul is not ready for commitment,” and we chuckled.
Katie was as excited as Dave and I when I got pregnant. She stayed with me during pregnancy.
Holding my hair during morning sickness, helping me pick out baby items, and cleaning the house when my belly was enormous. I was forever grateful to fate for sending me such a friend.
Katie stayed with Maya following my traumatic delivery.
She lavished Maya with gifts and assistance. She began staying overnight to help me.
Katie and I had tea in the kitchen one night. Maya slept upstairs. The home was peaceful.
Maybe you want a kid? Asking as I poured her another cup.
She shook her head at me. “Oh, no. Way too much. Too much duty.”
“But you’re so good with Maya,” I remarked. “You feed, change, and rock her to sleep. Nobody helps more than you.”
Katie smiled briefly. “But she’s your child. Not my. That differs. I like helping, but not for myself.”
You don’t want kids? I requested.
“No. Not now. Maybe never. Don’t want one man, house, or life. Feels like a trap.”
A minute of silence. I want it. Want this life. With Dave, please.”
Katie looked at me. You got lucky. Rare Dave. Not many men are like him.”
Dave entered then. Behind me, he grabbed my shoulders.
Here again, Katie? saying with a smile. Maybe we should give you a key. This is nearly your home.”
All laughed. But later, I understood the joke was plausible. Katie was family. Maybe she wanted more.
Katie returned one night when Maya was three months old. The infant developed colic.
She sobbed and woke up regularly at night. Katie wants to assist. “Aunt Katie” stated she didn’t mind losing sleep.
It was late. My house was peaceful, yet something woke me. I sat up in bed after hearing a noise.
I thought Maya was weeping again. Though I listened intently, it wasn’t her. Sound came from downstairs.
Reaching out, I felt the empty space beside me. Not Dave in bed. The feeling was odd.
I got up and slowly went to the kitchen. I was partly asleep when I heard quiet murmurs as I approached. I saw them.
Dave and Katie. Exactly there. In my kitchen. I froze. My heart pounded. Unable to speak. Unable to move.
Katie saw me first. Her eyes widened. She raced to get her clothing after pushing Dave away. Dave moved slowly. He stood calmly, as if nothing was wrong.
Home was mine. My child is upstairs. And they did.
Katie stood trembling. She dropped on her knees and cried. Tears covered her cheeks. She spoke loudly and brokenly.
I’m sorry, Alex! I’m sorry, I didn’t intend to—please forgive me,” she repeated.
Just stood. I had freezing hands. The whole body shook.
“Why?” I requested. My voice sounded feeble. Why would you hurt me?
Katie looked at me. She had crimson eyes. She looked pallid. I have no idea what happened. Please pardon me. A mistake. It won’t repeat. I assure you.”
While crying, she reached for me. Dave grabbed her arm and pulled her up.
“Don’t humiliate yourself before her,” he urged. Then he faced me. Alexis, you caused this. Months have passed with no action.”
I watched him. Because I was pregnant with your child! A shout. I had our daughter! You know what happened to me? You say this now?
“I’m your husband. I need, he said.
“And I’m your wife!” I yell. “You still slept with my best friend!”
Katie wept. “I’m so sorry.”
Dave spoke loudly. “What should I do? It’s instinct. Let Katie stay. You let her sleep. I couldn’t resist.”
“Instincts?!” Screamed. “What instincts?! Are you animal?
Dave’s expression changed. He looked drained. “I won’t explain. “You won’t understand,” he continued.
Take Katie’s hand and walk to the door. Crying continued. She kept looking at me. “I’m sorry,” she repeated. Door slammed.
I sobbed in a chair. The whole body shook. My chest hurt. Hard to breathe.
How could they hurt me? Best pal. My hubby. I kept seeing them in the kitchen.
Dave’s chilly voice and Katie’s crying persisted. I could not comprehend it. Nothing made sense.
Dave never returned. Never once. He abandoned everything. I packed his clothes, books, and everything else.
Outside, I put everything. Filed for divorce. I removed his parental rights. Not even He fought me. I got the house.
I struggled with divorce. Every day was a struggle to stay strong.
I carried a young child alone. Maya cried much. As did I. My parents assisted me as much as possible.
They alternated holding the baby, cooking, and cheering me up. I still felt betrayed. It stung terribly.
Still, time passed. Ten years. Maya became educated, kind, and gorgeous. I changed jobs and progressively rebuilt my life and career.
I accepted the past. I stopped thinking about Katie and Dave. My world seemed to be without them forever.
I heard the doorbell one day. Freeze when I opened the door. A woman stood.
She looked like Katie, but not my Katie. She appeared pale, exhausted, and slender. She had empty eyes. Her smile vanished.
Saying “Hello, Alexis,” Her quiet voice was nearly inaudible.
I fixated on her. My heart accelerated. “What are you doing here?” I requested.
Katie glanced down and cried. “I have nowhere else to go,” she remarked. As she talked, her shoulders shook.
I paused. I retreated. “Come in.”
She entered slowly. We sat on the couch. I observed her intently. I saw a shadow of the girl I used to know.
“I’m sick,” she said. Need therapy. I need cash. I have no one else to ask.”
I stared at her. “And Dave?”
She laughed dryly. We split after two years. He cheated again. I was not his only companion. He never changed.”
I nodded. “No surprise there.”
You’re entitled to despise me. “You can expel me,” she said. Again, her eyes flooded. “I harmed you. I feel like life is harming me.”
I shook my head slowly. Please let me one request. Why? Why did you?”
Katie averted. No idea. Maybe I was jealous. You owned everything. Good man. A home. A kid.”
“You never wanted that kind of life,” I add. “And it was far from perfect.”
I know. I denied wanting it, but maybe I did. Maybe I didn’t know how to react. My mistake was big. The explanation is beyond me. Sorry, just saying. Sincerely sorry. Forgive me, Alexis.”
“Apologies won’t change the past,” said I.
“I know,” Katie muttered, lowering her head.
“I think this conversation is over,” said I. Standing, I left the room.
Katie was at the door with her bag when I returned.
“Wait,” I said. “I didn’t tell you to go.”
She turned, shocked. “But I thought…”
I gave her envelope. These are for your therapy. Need more? Let me know.”
Her hand shook when she took it. Not sure how to thank you. I pledge to repay you.”
No time to think about that. Focus on improvement.”
“So… u forgive me?”
No idea. Maybe I did. Maybe I just accepted it. You were my friend. I can’t let you suffer.”
Katie said, “Thanks.” She embraced me.
Though I struggled, I hugged her back. Not because I forgot her act. Not because suffering was gone. She needed it, so I did.
Her eyes showed her brokenness. Life had punished her in ways I couldn’t. She lost everything. I shouldn’t have harmed her more.
Now my life was fulfilled. I had Maya, home, and serenity. Katie may have saved me unintentionally. Continuing with Dave could have hurt me more than I thought.
Example only. | Source: Midjourney
Example only. | Source: Midjourney
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