Chapter 3: Best friends stick together
That evening Tiffany was thinking hard about her relationship with Gia and couldn't get Becky off her mind. She spent all afternoon outdoors close to her house feeding wild ducks and watching couples hold hands. The last thing she wanted was to go home. So for the rest of the week, Tiffany spends most of her time with Jill, her best friend.
Hi Tiff, what's with the long face?
Tiffany: Do you think I can stay over a couple of days? I need to think.
"Sure, mi casa es su casa. "Do you want to talk about it? I bet you 50 bucks I know what's bothering you. Laughing very hard. "Let me guess you're having issues with Gia again because of her son?
Tiffany: "It's more than that this time.
Jill: "Wow, Tell me.
OK, I will tell you but first promise you won't say anything. Yes, I promise. with a smile on her face and giggling. You know I started school again, right? "Yes, wasn't Monday your first day?
"Yes, Jill and I met someone. What? "No Way. laugh even harder. "shut up Jill, it's not funny. "Yes, it is. "I knew this would happen. "I haven't even told you what happened. "You don't need to. "I can see it on your face. laughing hard again. "I'm surprised she even let you start school again. "OK since you know it all I'll stop here and go pick up some groceries to make dinner. laughing loudly, "Don't get mad I'm sorry. "whatever Jill, be back in a little bit do you need anything? "Yes, as a matter of fact, can you bring some Coke and salt, please? Tiffany starts walking out of Jill's apartment to head to the grocery store not too far from Jill's house.
After picking up groceries for dinner, Tiffany's mind kept whirring as she chopped vegetables and meat, thinking about Becky from class and her increasingly complicated feelings for Gia. Jill's persistent smile and her questions made Tiffany question whether she should confide in her.
"I'm not sure, Jill," Tiffany finally admitted, her voice filled with uncertainty. "If you're going to be acting like earlier, I'd rather not."
Jill's smile faltered, realizing the
seriousness of the situation. "Oh, come on, Tiff. You know I'm just messing around with you," she said, her tone softening.
Tiffany sighed, feeling torn.
Jill's expression turned serious as she walked closer to the kitchen counter.
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. Well, come out with it already. I'm here for you, you know."
Tiffany took a deep breath, pausing her vegetable chopping momentarily. She knew she couldn't keep her confusion bottled up any longer. "Okay, let me finish dinner," she said, her voice filled with a mix of decision and openness. "Then we can sit down and talk."
Tiffany returned to her cooking and tried to shut out the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her with renewed focus. A comforting atmosphere was created by the clattering of pots and pans, sizzling meat in the pan, and the aroma of spices, creating a moment of respite for her.
Tiffany took a deep breath as they sat down at the table with plates full of hot food in front of them, and gathered her thoughts. Jill's eyes were filled with genuine concern, as she patiently waited for her to speak.
Tiffany admitted, her voice barely above a whisper: 'I don't even know where to begin' "I've been feeling so confused lately, torn between my feelings for Gia and this... this connection I feel with Becky."
Jill extended her hand and placed it in Tiffany's trembling hand. "It's okay, Tiff. There are moments when life becomes messy and our hearts don't always fit neatly into boxes.
Tiffany was thankful for Jill's understanding as she looked at her. "I know, Jill, but it feels so complicated. I don't want to hurt anyone.
Hours passed Tiff and Jill were done with dinner. Jill was getting ready for bed. Tiffany looked bright, awake.
Tiff: "So what do you think?
Jill: "Girl you have a decision to make.
Tiff: "I know, taking a deep breath.
Tiffany and Jill spend the rest of the night talking and relaxing until Tiffany's phone starts ringing. Both Jill and Tiffany look at each other freaking out.
Jill: Answer it!
Tiff: No, I don't know what to say
Jill: It's Gia right?
Tiff: Yes!
Jill: If you don't answer she's not going to stop calling and she will start to wonder what's going on.
Tiff: I know, what do I say?
Jill: Just answer! Tell her you're here with me and your okay
Tiff: okay, 'hi, babe
Gia: Hi, love how are you doing? I miss you!
Tiff: I Am fine am at Jill's, I will be staying with her for a couple of days. Okay?
Gia: Is something wrong? Are you still upset about the other night? Am sorry we didn't let you sleep.
Tiff: No, I just need some time to work on my schoolwork
Gia: You can do that here, something is wrong and you're not telling me!
Tiff: Babe, this is not the moment to talk about this, please understand
Gia: Fine, but we need to talk
Tiff: When I get back we will, I promise!
Tiffany Hangs the phone with this sad guilty look on her face.
Jill turns to Tiffany wanting to say something but the look on Tiffany's face silences her as she steps outside for a cigarette.
After finishing her cigarette, Jill steps back into her apartment to find Tiffany in tears. Jill was tongue-tied, wondering what to say, but knew that nothing would make her friend feel better.
Jill: Hey, do you need anything?
Tiff: No, I am just frustrated with all this. You know we have been having problems for a long time now and meeting Becky just made everything toss and turn to leave me confused. I have never felt this way about anyone.
Jill: I understand, and you know you have to decide you can't keep this from showing, GIA will find out eventually.
Tiff: I know.
Days passed it was Sunday night, and it was time for Tiffany to go back home, she seemed, not too excited about this almost as if she was expecting something to prevent her from returning.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone