I remember the time my hands, red raw, fell by my side, after they had been held tightly over my face, concealing my eyes from any sign of anger, pain, sadness and tears. I squinted to adjust my blurry eyes to the unfamiliar surroundings. It was so quiet. I could hear every breath you took. I shuffled awkwardly towards the opposite end of the couch, trying so very hard to hide my obvious fear. I knew you were one hundred percent in control of the situation, yet I couldn’t help but wonder if it would remain this silent if it could have been the other way round. I tapped my foot anxiously, praying this moment would end soon. And sure enough, it did.
“Well?” The silence was broken, with a whisper so gentle; I finally began to feel more at ease. I gulped hard, fighting the lump in the back of my throat, and responded, trying to be as brave as I possibly could.
“I never imagined it would end up this way. I thought everything was fine until..” I took a deep breath and froze. I kept replaying the scene over again in my mind. Did I really deserve such harsh treatment?
“Look Beth, if you’re not going to explain to me exactly what has happened, how can I possibly help you?” you spoke firmly but with reassuring kindness, as you knew I was hurt. Physically and emotionally.
“It all began when Andrew invited us all over. I figured it would be harmless fun. You know, talking, laughing, a bit of drinking” A tear rolled down my cheek and burnt like acid rain. I reached for a tissue, but you beat me to it. Our hands grasped each other’s, and as we began to slowly let go, my gaze fell from your eyes to the floor, bewildering into a lonely stare. You moved closer, and took hold of my hand again, this time much tighter, obviously realising I was in need of some comfort. Immediately, I felt better, so I continued.
“Natasha knew I was coming, and I knew by seeing her car in Andrews driveway that she was already inside when I arrived. As I walked in, she made it as blatant as she possibly could, as always, that she was seriously flirting with Mark. My Mark. My boyfriend of almost a year..” My voice was starting to croak, as I fought back the tears, only then coming to the realisation that there was no me and Mark anymore. Reading my mind as if it were an open book, you gently put your arm around me, and held me close.
“I watched from the hallway, as they giggled like school children. My anger finally caught up with me, and I stormed into the lounge, knocking a half full bottle of Merlot onto the cream carpet. But that was the least of my worries. I tapped Mark on the shoulder, and he swung his head around, shooting me a blank expression. It was then I noticed that their hands were linked together.” I took a few short breaths, and you calmed my nerves by stroking my hand.
“I asked them what the hell was going on, and all Mark could do was shrug his shoulders. But nothing, and I mean nothing, could have prepared me for what happened next. Natasha leapt up, and positioned herself directly in front of me. She reeked of cheap beer and cheaper perfume. I don’t really want to explain the rest..” I couldn’t control it any longer, and I fell into your arms, sobbing like a baby. I knew you were going to get it out of me either way, so without thinking about the words that were leaving my mouth, I went on.
“Natasha gave me a deadly evil stare, and asked me what the hell did I think was going on? I was sure all the colour drained from my face when she said that. I knew she was seeing Mark. All of those excuses about him working late were a load of bullshit. She then said, with such spite, ‘I’ve been sleeping with your boyfriend for six months darling’. I didn’t even want to look at Mark. I was afraid I might cry, and I didn’t want to show any emotion at that point other than absolute disgust. Feeling the fury gradually building up inside, I reached out and slapped Natasha, with only a fraction of the force she deserved. Thinking that was the end of this horrific encounter, I turned away to leave. But Natasha grabbed my arm and swung me back round, shooting an enormous hate fuelled punch at my face, knocking me to the floor. And Mark didn’t even flinch.”
I pointed out the swelling on my cheek, not realising how obvious it was to you already. You cocked your head, and gave me a beautifully sympathetic smile.
“It was then I came rushing round here to you. I don’t know how I drove; I was almost blind from the tears. I just can’t believe in one night I’ve lost my boyfriend, and so called friend. I just never knew anything like this would happen to me. I am so lucky, and eternally grateful to have a friend like you Martin.”
You held me so close I could feel our hearts beat in sync. There was no one who I will ever feel more comfort and security than with you. No matter what the situation, through thick and then, you are there for me, guiding me towards that light, that you promise is at the end of every tunnel. Thank you for being you, and thank you for sharing your endless wisdom with me. Partners will come and go, a friend, like you, is for life.


Story ends