Young Writers Society

After

I never could have fathomed that a kiss could blow up a friendship like a dynamite stick. But hey, in hindsight, maybe I should’ve picked up on the signs. I mean, I’ve never really been known for my stellar choices when it comes to matters of the heart or anything remotely resembling a functioning relationship.

So here’s how this dumpster fire started: we were all just goofing around, playing truth or dare like a bunch of High-schoolers. And guess what I picked, when it was my turn? If you think dare, DING DING DING, Obviously. But, that simple dare was the catalyst that sent our lives spiraling into a twisted Rom-Com nightmare.

When our lips collided in that daring act, a seismic shift occurred in the universe. It was like we broke some invisible contract, Ashleigh yanked away from me like I had just sprouted an extra head. Her face looked like she had just swallowed a whole lemon, and my sad, fragile heart was impaled by her shock.

The rest of that night? Total blur.

Luke and I got into an epic brawl? Check.

Ashleigh made a break for it and bolted from the party? Oh yeah.

Oh, and let’s not forget the pièce de résistance: Ashleigh, in her bewildered state, ended up crashing her car. Talk about adding insult to injury. And in the wreckage, along with her memory, our once-blossoming friendship was turned into roadkill.

Yep. Story of my life.

Before

There's nothing like starting the day with a good groan and eye roll session. But hey, at least I had my trusty inspirational posters to give me a glimpse of what I'm lacking in creativity. Oh, the thrill of spending minutes deliberating over the right combination of clothes to dominate the halls of this prestigious academic institution. Casual yet stylish was definitely the way to go, because nothing screams confidence like not giving a damn about what you're wearing.

As I entered the kitchen, the smell of breakfast hit me like a linebacker, probably because my mom was still in her pajamas, sipping her morning coffee. Ah, the life of an artist. Always out late at fancy art auctions, leaving the mere mortals to fend for themselves. But hey, I'm sure the art connoisseurs are blown away by her talent. Meanwhile, I'll be here, eating my lonely bowl of cereal. Speaking of lonely, my best friend Ashleigh was about to arrive, and I couldn't contain my excitement. Someone to share in the misery of being at this godforsaken place they call a school. It's great to know I'm not the only person counting down the minutes until I can escape.

As we walked to school, Ashleigh felt the need to unload about her idiotic boyfriend, Luke. Rumor has it he's been flirting with freshman at parties. Ah, young love. Nothing screams "healthy relationship" like your boyfriend eyeing up other options while you follow him around like a lovesick puppy.. But hey, who am I to judge? I'm just the friend who's always there to help clean up the mess. I tried my best to offer a sympathetic ear, but deep down, I was silently screaming for her to dump him already and take a real look at what's right in front of her. Spoiler alert: it's me, the ever-dedicated, always-overlooked friend. But sure, let's just keep dating the dumb jocks. Who needs self-respect anyway?

In art class, Mr. Meltz had us embark on his latest "experiment." Because nothing screams fun like being a guinea pig covered in paint. As I worked on my masterpiece, I couldn't help but notice Luke's eyes widen as he glanced at my handiwork. His classic move of admiring his girlfriend's best friend's artwork while simultaneou-ly flirting with other girls. A true multitasker , that one.

The day dragged on like a three-hour lecture on the history of paint drying, and before I knew it, it was time to go home. I started checking texts from my oh-so-involved parents. Mom's apologizing for being absent because she's off dazzling the world with her artistic talents. And Dad, always there with the cheesy "second favorite artist" comment. Thanks for the sentimental reminder that I'm just living in the shadow of greatness.

But hey, at least I have Ashleigh. So I texted her to meet me at our secret spot in the park, because I'm clearly just overflowing with romantic abilities. The sight of me sitting there nervously tapping my foot, waiting for her arrival, must have been truly magical. The sun setting, the golden glow... All that was missing was a unicorn prancing by and a choir of angels singing our names.

When Ashleigh finally arrived, I couldn't hold it in any longer. I had to spill the beans about Luke's wandering eye. She looked at me like I had just revealed the secrets of the universe. "Em, what are you talking about? Luke would never cheat," she protested, clearly not grasping the concept of seeing with your own two eyes.

But hey, it's not like I have any ulterior motives or anything. I'm just here to be the beacon of truth in this sea of denial. And after a good cry and some comforting, we decided she could crash at my place so she wouldn't have to face the cheater tonight.

As we sat on the bench in the park, basking in the relief of finally facing the truth, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for our friendship. Who needs a loyal boyfriend when you can have a friend who's always there to pick up the pieces? And so, we journeyed back to my humble abode, where we drowned our sorrows in takeout and laughter, because nothing says "let's forget all our problems" like greasy food and laughter.

And so, the day came to an end, our woes temporarily forgotten in the comfort of companionship. But hey, tomorrow is another day. Another day of groaning at the alarm clock, finding the perfect outfit, and being the best friend I can be. Because what else is there to do when life hands you an oblivious friend and a closet full of sarcasm? Just keep on rolling with the punches and praying for a little bit of actual excitement.

Before

Oh, how heartwarming! The suns rays gently caressed my face, like a Disney movie come to life. And there, like a heroic warrior princess ready to conquer the world, was Ashleigh, already wide awake and perched on the bed. Her eyes had this ridiculously cute sparkle, as if she had just discovered the cure for world hunger or cracked the Da Vinci Code. What could possibly be so earth-shattering to wake up at the crack of dawn?

With a voice dripping with unparalleled determination (or delusion, I can't quite tell), she mustered up the courage to announce her grand revelation. "Em," she declared, in a spot on british accent, "I've had an epiphany. I simply cannot bear the colossal burden of being in a relationship with that pathetic excuse of a human, Luke. The guy is practically a man-whore, I deserve better, like, a million times better." Talk about self-confidence!

Well, let me tell you, I was positively beaming with excitement, applauded in my mind, of course. Oh, Ashleigh, you brave, resilient goddess of perfection. Finally, she sees the light!"Darling Ash," I said, imitating her, "you couldn't be more right. Seriously, the universe must have mixed up its gift delivery system to pair you with such a lowly mortal. Good riddance to that Luke character!". I mean, seriously, who needs Luke? It's not like he was some sort of Prince Charming sweeping Ashleigh off her feet. He was more like a slightly less annoying version of that guy who always stands too close to you in line at the grocery store.

I nodded dramatically, because apparently that's the appropriate response when your best friend discovers her self-worth and dumps her lackluster boyfriend. Ashleigh shot me a suspicious glance, probably wondering how much of my support was real and how much was just an elaborate scheme to get back at Luke. But hey, only time will tell, right?

As I swung my legs off the bed and reached for my slippers, I couldn't help but imagine the possibilities for Ashleigh's newfound freedom. Maybe she'll meet a guy who can actually hold a conversation beyond grunting and talking about football. Or perhaps she'll find herself a partner who knows the difference between a salad fork and a pitchfork. The sky's the limit here! I stretched dramatically, my morning yawns filled with excitement for the future. "So, Ash, any idea how you're gonna break it to Luke? I'm thinking a flash mob in the middle of the grocery store would be a fitting way to end things. What do you think?"

Ashleigh rolled her eyes, clearly not on board with my over-the-top exit strategy. Geez, some people just can't appreciate the comedic genius of a well-executed dance routine in front of bewildered grocery shoppers. Their loss. With a sigh, she shook her head. "I think I'll just have an honest conversation with him, Em. No need for dramatics."I raise an eyebrow, intrigued by this radical notion of maturity and communication. "Oh, come on, Ash! Where's the fun in that? What's the point of a breakup if you don't get to make a scene and storm off in a huff?"

Ashleigh shot me a look that said, "Are you serious right now?" And honestly, I couldn't blame her. I've always been one for the dramatics. But hey, sometimes it's nice to see your best friend grow a backbone, even if it means sacrificing a good show. As I followed Ashleigh out of the room, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The world was Ashleigh's oyster now, and I, her trusty sidekick, was more than ready to mock Luke from the sidelines as he wallowed in regret. So here's to you, Ash. May your future be filled with love, laughter, and a complete absence of ex-boyfriends who are too busy playing video games to remember your birthday. Cheers!