What The Heart Wants

The Plan

Elizabeth Brooks

High Rise Condo, LA

Present day

Sara entered through the front door slowly, trying to sneak back in without making a sound.

"How was the date?" I laughed as I watched her.

She jumped and let out a surprised screech. She held her hand to her heart and walked over to the couch after closing the door.

She looked at her watch and then at me. "Its 2 o'clock in the morning, why are you up?"

"I'm a grown woman, thank you very much. The real question is, why are you coming in so late."

"It was a late movie..." she defended.

"Right..." I laughed, knowing damn well they couldn't keep their hands off each other.

"I'm glad you're up though...do you have anything planned for next week?" She asked, taking a seat beside me. I rest my head in her lap as I continued to watch Family Feud.

"Work."

"Keith said we could take the week off since its March break."

"This isn't university anymore Sara. I don't need to take a week off work. What would I do at home for a week anyways?"

"Jason asked me to go away with him that week," She whispered as if she was confessing something.

"That's great. You guys are really getting serious, huh?"

"Well yeah, it's been six months and the s*x is amazi-"

"I get it," I cut her off.

She laughed and then sighed "I don't want to leave you here alone."

"I'm not a child. I can care for myself." I rolled my eyes.

"Well, I told him that I wouldn't be going if you didn't come along."

"Are you insane? He probably thinks that I'm the one messing with your relationship. No, Sara. I'm not coming. I refuse to be the third wheel."

"That's the best part. He told me that since you were coming, he would bring along Jake. You remember him, don't you?"

I remember Jake clearly; Tall, grey eyes, and high cheek bones; hard to forget. I remembered how he entered the dinner hall with such grace, commanding everyone's attention. It was around Christmas and Jason invited Sara as his date; and Sara dragged me with her to the charity event.

People with wealth and status filled the room, superficially watching each other and placing judgment on one another. Even though I didn't want to go, I was glad I did; the food was delicious!

Overall, I only said two words to Jake Carter; hello and goodbye. Those were the two words I used all night because there was nothing really to say to anyone.

"A bit and I'm not going anywhere." I finalized.

Sara looked down at me on her lap and pouted her lips. I looked up at my best friend and sighed. Ever since that night I found out about Liam's unfaithfulness, Sara has been with me every step of the way.

After we graduated, she asked her parents to buy us a two bedroom condo, and we have been living together ever since. Her dad used his connections to get her a job at one of the most internationally integrated banks in LA and she got me a job alongside her.

She really is a great friend. I couldn't imagine where I would be without her pulling me and pushing me through life.

After three years, I still haven't found my lost interest in men. I haven't been on a date since then but Sara hadn't stopped trying to hook me up.

I sighed once more. After all the things she's done for me, the least I could do was to comply with her wishes. She has denied or cancel dates with Jason numerous times because I didn't want to join them. I really don't understand why she felt she had to protect or watch me constantly.

It's not like I'm suicidal. Geesh!

"Fine," I mumbled.

"OhmyGod! I love you so much. It's going to be great, I promise. You don't have to worry about a thing; I'll even pack for you!"

I laughed "That's not necessary. When do we leave?"

"Monday night" She said getting up from the couch. "I'll let Jason know. I'm so excited!"

Seeing her so happy made me smile; almost making up for the idea of spending a week out of my comfort zone.