The best friend in the world

The best friend in the world

Ann is sitting in front of me. He's been crying and the tears has
spreaded her
make-up all around her eyes. He looks terrible. To see her so screwed
up tears my soul apart. We've been friends since we met in the
playground. That was centuries ago. Now, we're grown-ups, but most of
the time she didn't act like a grown-up at all. I've told her a lot of
times: "We're young women now, darling. Of course, we're supposed to
have fun, but not that way, hon. Not that way." But, of course, she
doesn't pay any attention. No matter how much you tell her, it will be
useless. She will say things like: "Oh, you're right. You're quite
right. Now, I know what to do. Thank you so much sweetie. You're the
best friend in the world" And then, just the next minute she will go on
with her crazy routine. You know, she's been messing around with
assholes since our old school days.
Now, we're at my kitchen's table having a cup of tea. Like so many
times before. And I'm a little angry. I love her so much and all, but
I'm starting to get tired of this. She comes to me with a problem. I
help her, I give her advice. She thanks me and then she just does the
oposite of what I've told her. And because of that she gets into
trouble again and so on?

- I warned you, didn't I?
- Yes, but?
- But what, honey? But what?
- But this time is different, you know. He really loves me?
- Oh, come on!
- It's true. He says that he treats me like this because he loves me
so much.
- Hey! Hey! Hon, cut the crap! Even if he loves you, he doesn't treat
you bad because of that, but in spite of it. And you don't need that
kind of love. If that's the way he loves, he can take his love back and
stick it up his ass.

At the word 'ass' she smiles and releases a short laugh. She's always
found that word funny. I don't know why, but I welcome the smile.
Anyway I keep serious.

- There's nothing to laugh about. You understand? This is serious
stuff you're dealing with. And unless you take it seriously you are
going out of this shit badly wounded. This isn't any high school stupid
affair. This is a fully grown son-of-a-bitch and he can do you much
harm. You understand?
- Yes
- Do you really understand?
- Yes, I do. Really Fionna. Yes, I do. You are right like
always.
- Are you gonna take my advice? Or is this the same old shit you use
to say?
- No, Fionna. I mean it. I really mean it. This time is different.
You're right.
- Ok then. Let's fix your make-up - I say, smiling for the first time
that afternoon.

So we both go to the bathroom and when we're finished we watch a movie
in my old VCR. It's seven thirty when we reach the final credits, and
then she says that it's so late and that she'd better go home. I
accompany her in her way to the elevator. When the elevator bell rings
she hugs me and says: "Thank you so much for everything. You're the
best friend in the world" I hug her back but I say nothing. As the
elevator doors close, I wonder how long it will take her to forgive the
fucking asshole and call him back home. A few hours in the best case.
With that thought poisoning my mind I go back to my apartment.

? D. B. Alonso 2003