*The Best Friend*

A One-shot

Completed: 12/10/08

"Get me out of this car or else, I'm going to… to break down the windows!" I screamed.

He merely rolled his eyes and shot me this cocky look like he was saying, 'Sure you can.'

"I'm not kidding, Oliver! As much as I don't want to injure your perfectly beautiful car, you're leaving me with no choice—Aaaow!" Okay, so breaking the windows down for my desperate escape was not only impossible, but exceedingly painful as well.

"Quit being so restless, will you? You're acting like my six year old nephew." He said.

"There isn't much to compare between me and a six year old, smart ass."

"Except the fact you're being such a brat right now." He retorted.

Annoyed, I glared at him with the most wicked glare I could offer (which takes a lot of practice in front of the mirror). "Is this what you're really trying to do? Drag me into your car and child-lock me into it, too—just to insult me? And where do you get off, huh?"

"Look, stay put and I'll explain." He said. "It isn't as if I wanted to do this in the first place."

"Oh, really? Me too." I sarcastically replied, faking a smile.

"I'm serious, Brianne" He continued. "This wasn't plan A, nor was it plan B… this is sort of more like…plan Z."

"Get to the point." I spat.

"You need to help me." He said.

I cocked my head back, disbelievingly. "And what makes you think I'd do that?" After what he was doing to me? This guy was ludicrous.

"I know you wouldn't, but you hafta."

"And you gotta try harder. Now unlock this door."

"Its—its Maya." He said.

I stopped trying to push the door open (as if it magically would) and looked at him with incredible shock on my face upon hearing the name of my very best friend, Maya Brinks.

"What?" he asked, arching up an eyebrow, curious with the look on my face.

"What's with Maya?" Well, I knew what he wanted from me already—especially since he had revealed it was about Maya—I just wanted to get it out of him. This wasn't the first time it happened, anyway.

Maya is exceptionally beautiful with brunette hair and pretty green eyes. She's got a genuine smile and a very petite body. All the boys found her cute and were always chasing her ever since middle school. The only thing about Maya is that she's really conservative; you'd think she came from back in the days. The boys try to get her attention all the time, and it isn't as if she never notices—she notices all the guys that come after her, but she never entertains them. She claims they're all the same and that she doesn't find anything special. I asked her how she could tell if they had something special in them and she replied saying that the stars didn't show any sign of her falling in love.

One, I didn't find that very practical. Hel-lo! It's the 20th century! Who looks at the stars for answers nowadays? And two, it's not like some ray of light will shine down on the guy to tell her he's the one. Jeez, sometimes, that woman is just far too superstitious.

And since the boys grow oh so desperate to catch her, they come up with this excellent plan (and as Russ just called it—plan Z) to get to the person who would get them to Maya.

And the unfortunate best friend just happened to be me.

But none of this would have happened if she only noticed them. But no, she just plays hard to get and then the boys end up bothering me. I love Maya and all—we've been friends since my 3rd birthday party, but it was never necessary to drag me into her complicated 'love' life. And I guess I'd have her to blame for all this.

"Look, this will only be between you and me, alright?" he said.

And here it goes again, the whole 'no-one-should-know-about-this-except-you-because-this-is-the-lamest-thing-a-guy-can-ever-do-and-if-this-does-get-out-then-you're-going-to-be-dead-meat' talk. (As if they would really dare to kill me. Ha! I'm the only link to princess Maya.)

"Sure thing." I rolled my eyes, sighing as I listen to him lay down rules about the whole ordeal.

For the record, I never signed up for this.

So the deal was this:

Russell wanted Maya's attention. And since he's tried in vain to get it (and in return, was only being ignored), he came to me for help. He wanted every bit of detail of what Maya liked. I guess for him that was the quickest way to get noticed. And since I was reluctant to do this, I made a compromise: that this arrangement shall be terminated within 2 weeks. But he said that it didn't really have to be 2 weeks long. If Maya could just say yes to being his date for homecoming (which was the ultimate jackpot for him), then I was off the hook.

We shook on it.

I guess it all went well. He got what he wanted in the end, so it's safe to say that it was all successful. She finally—finally—agreed to go to the dance with him. I wasn't really sure as to why she agreed to. Either it was a change of heart, or mind over matter, or it was coincidental because maybe love was written in the stars—either that or she fell madly in love with Russ.

I know I did.

And maybe it was accidental, or coincidental, or on purpose. I wasn't sure as well.

But how could you not fall in love with someone like Russell? If it weren't for him, I would've thought that chivalry had died not long after Romeo did.

Really, who in this time or age would do something so dignified: to go to the extent of asking help from the best friend to impress someone he loved; to sacrifice so much for her—to bear deflating his ego for her?

I know it sounds cheesy, but Russell was no joke. No, he wasn't joking at all. You could see that he was substantially devoted to impressing Maya. And though I knew very well that what we were doing was all for her; that we would meet every afternoon, after class so that we could talk about what she said about his daily surprises for her or what she liked, I still felt a little part of me get bitten away bit by bit because it only made me realize even more that it was Maya and only Maya that he was after, even if he did want to know about me and the day I was having, too. But I guess he only did that so I would feel less awkward about the situation of us talking endlessly about just Maya. (But I did fantasize once about the possibility of him really wanting to know about me and only me. But I guess it's quite impossible. She's got him completely wrapped around her finger.)

Every single day, my tiny crush for Russell grew. And I couldn't even tell my own best friend about it since she finally—finally—noticed him and (I guess) fell in love with him as well.

And they were going to the dance together.

She looked stunning and he looked oh so debonair. The perfect pair—so totally Ken and Barbie. And I only wished that he dressed that way for me, too.

"Brianne, are you sure? You could always borrow my back-up dress." Maya tried, for the nth time, to convince me. (Trust her to have a 'back-up' dress for homecoming. And it was equally spectacular as the one she was in.)

It was the night of homecoming, and Maya decided to go to my house to dress up, hoping I would with her. But I backed out and told her I didn't feel like going since I was allegedly down with the flu.

"I wish that I was in better spirits to go, Maya. But I can't enjoy homecoming when I'm sick like this." I reasoned out, stuffing tissue under my nose for effect. I also won't enjoy it when I'm all alone and you get to dance with the boy of my dreams.

"You won't seriously waste this night, sprawled in your lumpy couch in a blanket watching FRIENDS re-runs with popcorn!" she exclaimed. She was such a drama queen.

I rolled my eyes. "I don't know about you, but that sounds perfectly okay with me."

I know she was getting frustrated with my stubbornness. "Brianne!" she whined, and in exasperation, she dropped the pair of earrings she was trying on.

She was wearing a nice plum colored, A-symmetrical dress that really showed off her petite silhouette. She wore it with silver strappy stilettos. Her long wavy brunette mane was tied up into a loose bun; tendrils flowing over the sides. Her make-up was shimmered and soft, bringing out her jade eyes.

I sighed. "Hey, you're pretty much glammed up already. You go. I stay." I told her. And frankly, I felt like I was giving her a 'you Tarzan, me Jane' moment of some sort.

"You could always have fun the me, you know." She offered.

"You mean you and Russ?" I muttered, thinking out loud.

She stared at me for a moment, blinking only twice. I arched up an eyebrow at her, confused with her look.

"Is this what it's all about?" she asked.

"What?"

"You going alone? Is that why you're planning not to go at all?"

Close enough, I thought. "I' m not planning on it. I'm not going." I clarified.

"C'mon, Brianne. That's the craziest reason for not going to homecoming! You'd be missing out the fun. And I know you're not the type to miss a single moment of fun."

"I'm not the life of the party, Maya." You are.

She sighed. And from the sound I was hearing, it seemed like she was giving up on me. I silently celebrated my victory. At least she would drop it already.

"So, which pair looks better?" she queried, changing the subject, raising up two pairs of earrings.

"I'll be back later tonight okay? When its over." She said, getting her back and hopping into her car. She was heading back home where Russell would meet and fetch her. I heard he was taking her in a limousine. I tried not to let the green eyed monster get to me.

"Yeah, sure." I nodded. And I knew it was going to be a long night, especially when she comes back to crash at my place. And I just had the feeling she would be telling me what a great time and what great fun she had with him.

She looks at me, scrutinizing. And I hated when she did that because I was such an easy person to read. I couldn't possibly mask all the jealousy I was hiding (or rather trying to hide.)

"Don't worry, he'll come." She said, giving me a small smile. I didn't know what she meant by that, so it felt kind of awkward. "You'll probably have to wait a bit, but great things come to those who wait, right?"

I returned a smile. "Well, nonetheless, I hope you have a nice time."

"And I hope you'd change you mind and come! There'll be time to change and get ready!"

I rolled my eyes at her last futile attempt to persuade me to go to the dance once more. That woman should seriously stop already.

"G'bye, Maya!"

Ding dong!

Hearing the sound of the doorbell ring, I lazily stood up and stretched, rubbing the sleepiness out my eyes.

Ding dong!

"I'm coming!" I called from the living room, fighting a yawn.

So I guess I fell asleep watching those FRIENDS re-runs. Maya was right. It wasn't too fun at all. But it didn't matter. I've seen them probably over a hundred times now.

Ding dong!

I muttered about the impatient person by the door. I'd like banging the doorbell at his face, if he'd like that.

"What?!" I rudely answered as I opened the door.

"Hey sunshine."

Oh.

My.

Lord.

Russell Oliver.

At my doorstep.

Looking so charming and refined. (Not that he isn't always, because he really usually is.)

I subconsciously glanced at the clock.

9:45?!

It was too early to leave the dance. And where the hell was Maya? He couldn't have possibly left her there alone!

"What are you doing here?" I demanded.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that question?" He replied. Then he looked at me and what I was wearing: a sweatshirt, some comfy plaid jammies and giant slippers. My hair was a mess, and I clearly looked like I came from bed.

Nope. Not too appropriate for homecoming.

"Didn't Maya tell you? I'm sick." I told him, sniffing and rubbing my nose.

He stared at me blankly. "I didn't believe her then. And the more I can't believe your lame excuse, seeing you right now. I'm sure you're perfectly fine. So what are you doing, wasting your time here?" He asked.

Why did he care too much, anyway? He was beginning to sound like my non-existent girlfriend number 2, persuading me to go to the dance. What was up with that? And where was Maya?!

"I don't feel like going." I said honestly.

He looked down at his feet. Aware that we were still standing, with my front door open, I offered him to sit by my porch. He took a seat on the step. I closed the door behind me and sat beside him. I couldn't stop all the assumptions running through my mind. Maybe something went wrong?

"I was hoping you'd go." He said, facing me with intent look on his face. I smiled, seeing his eyes. They were this nice hazel shade, and in the light, it almost looked golden. I always liked his eyes. They were pleasant to look at. But tonight, they looked sad, or pained. I didn't understand.

"I'm sorry." I said. "But I didn't think I'd have much fun. I mean, besides, it'd be pointless."

"How so?"

"I just thought that while everyone would be dancing with their partners, maybe I'd be the one sitting out, just waiting"

"You were afraid of the embarrassment?"

"Exactly."

He chuckled like there was something funny in it.

We sat there silently for a moment. I didn't know what to think or what to say. Then suddenly, I see him lending his hand to me, his palm was open, like he was asking for something.

"What?" I asked.

"Dance with me." He said, grinning widely.

"Wha—n-no!" I sputtered.

"And why not? C'mon, what's holding you back?" Then he grabbed my hand and pulled me up.

"There's no music." I said, trying to come up with reasons not to dance like this.

"We don't need music." He insisted.

He wrapped his arms around my waist, resting a hand at the small of my back. Jitters shot up my spine, and I couldn't help not squirming. I just hope he didn't notice that.

He let out a laugh.

…Maybe he did notice that.

"You look terrified." He commented.

"Actually, I am." I gulped.

"Why?"

"Because I don't and can't dance."

"Ridiculous."

"No joke."

"Just move with me. Go with the flow." He instructed.

"I'll try."

"And loosen up. Just relax." He laughed. "I feel like I'm dancing with a mannequin."

I felt my cheeks burn. I wondered if it looked like I had blood on them.

"Okay." I sighed. Then I draped my arms over his shoulders and wrapped them around his neck.

And he began to sway. And I followed his lead. And for a moment, I liked it that way. I closed my eyes and silently wished that I could dance with him this way just a little bit longer. He gently pressed my head onto the arc of his shoulder for me to rest it on. And we continued dancing—swaying to no sound but just the quiet rustling of the autumn leaves and the sounds of the crickets in the evening. The moon and stars were high above us, giving us enough light. And it didn't matter if I was too underdressed for him. I felt beautiful. And I felt like that moment was forever.

After a minute or two, I suddenly opened my eyes and I stood in my full height, stopping that little moment we were having. As much as I wished for it to be forever, the thought of Maya that was invading my mind couldn't end.

So this time, I decided to ask him.

"Where is Maya?"

"Back at the venue." He replied. "She stayed with some friends. I asked if I could come get you, and she was the least bit reluctant to allow it. So I came. Don't worry."

Of course Maya wasn't against him coming to find me because that's what she really wanted. I bet she asked him herself to come and get me because she knew I wouldn't be able to resist the invitation from him. Nice try, though. But, no luck.

"I guess you should go now." I said.

"Why? Do you want me to leave?" his brows furrowed.

"Maya's waiting for you."

"I told you, she's okay with it."

"Why do you want to stay here anyway?"

"How about you?"

"Seriously, if I did decide to go right now, which I'm not going to do, it'd be too late. There would be no point. The dance will be ending in a couple of hours or so."

"That's plenty of time, if you ask me."

"Oh sure. I'm so going in this." I sarcastically said, pointing to my clothes.

He rolled his eyes. "Fine, I get it, you're not going."

"Thank you!" I threw my hands in the air, and looked up to the sky dramatically. "Finally! Someone who gets it."

He smiled, shaking his head a little.

"But seriously, Russ, get back." I told him. "You got what you wanted. Don't waste it."

He looked down to his feet again, and this confusing look on his face surfaces once more.

It got all quiet for a minute. I bit my lip, mentally begging him to say something.

He finally looked up. "What about you?"

I scratched my head, puzzled. "What about me?"

"What do you get in return?" he asked.

I forced a smile. I really wish I knew an answer to that, because I obviously didn't have one." I don't know." I replied.

"Aren't you supposed to get what you want, too?"

"Not all the time, I guess." I said.

"Why not?"

I shrugged, trying to hide the little frown tugging on my lips. I wished he hadn't asked that question because it only made me sadder to dwell on the fact that in the end, I didn't get what I wanted because what I wanted wasn't what he wanted. I guess it wasn't meant to be.

"I'm just the best friend, remember?" I grinned.

"Aren't best friends entitled to get what they want, too?"

I fought the tears starting to gather and I tried blinking them back. I couldn't help it. Out of all the boys that came to me for help with Maya, Russell was the only one that got to me the most. And I didn't even know why. Maybe because of the way he charmed people or because he was naturally a good guy or because, well, he's just simply the guy I've been waiting to meet—the one that would sweep me off my feet every time I was with him.

To be quite honest, I wanted him to want me. I wanted him to want me instead of Maya.

I forced another smile, but this time it was harder to do. "Don't worry about me." I said. "Maya's waiting."

"No!" he interjected, which startled me a little. "Do you know why I was waiting for you at the dance? Do you know why I insisted on coming here to take you?"

I shook my head in reply, biting my lip.

"Because, Brianne, I realized that I didn't get what I want." He said.

"What?" I cocked my head back, confused.

"I went to the dance, and at first, I was positive I was going to find what I was looking for. But as the night dragged on, I realized that I didn't actually get what I wanted because I didn't find it. I couldn't."

"Russell, what more could you want? You said you wanted Maya's attention and you're lucky you got it. You said that you wanted to go to the dance with her and that's exactly what happened! What more could you want?"

'Listen, sometimes we look in the wrong places." He said. "For the past couple of weeks, I've been looking in the wrong places. I thought I'd find it, and in the end, I didn't."

"Then what do you want, Russell?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. I huge clump rose to my throat and it was hard to talk straight and at the same time, hide the sea of tears that would come flowing any second.

He hesitated, and argued with himself silently. It was obvious. But I patiently waited.

"Close your eyes, Brianne." He whispered, his voice turning all low and husky. "Close your eyes."

I closed my eyes, and as I did, I felt a hot prickly tear slide down my cheek. I mentally slapped myself for being such a giveaway. Then, I waited for him. My eyes were closed and I waited.

I felt his thumb brush against my cheek, wiping the little tear away. Then, he placed a stray lock of hair behind my ear. I felt myself heat up. As he touched my face, I couldn't help not getting this fluffy feeling inside of me. And I became happy. That little frown I initially had, gradually turned into a tiny smile.

He gently cupped my face with both his hands, and drew it close to his. Through closed eyes, I could feel how close our proximity was. I could feel him breathe.

And as I guessed, the next he did was press his lips on mine, stealing away my first kiss.

And I couldn't describe anyone better or worthy of taking away my first kiss because with Russell, it was special. Because from that kiss, I knew I've been wrong all along. From that kiss, I knew that he wanted me the same way I wanted him.

He wanted me. :)

A/N: ew. what a fluff. major cheeseball overloadddd. xDD nonetheless, hope you liked it!