What A Feeling

Kara opens the door to her flat, expecting to find a happy Becca and Niall. Instead standing in front of her is a shell of her best friend. Mascara streaks on her cheeks, smeared lipstick, and a pained look that breaks her heart.
“Sweetie, what’s wrong?” She moves aside to let Becca in.
Kara can’t understand a bit of the squeals and sobs coming out of her dear friend. “Becca, deep breaths.”
Slightly composed, Becca tries again. “Niall told me to take the job in California.”
“Wait, did you tell him you decided to stay?”
“He didn’t give me the chance.”
Kara shakes her head. “I told him not to be a guy.”
The tears sliding down her cheeks again, Becca says. “He doesn’t want me, Kara. It’s Eric all over again.”
“Honey, it’s not the same. Niall loves you, he’s just being an idiot.”
“It doesn’t feel that way.”
“What are you wearing, Becca?”
She looks down, the tears return. “Niall’s shirt. I left mine at his house.”
“You do realize you aren’t wearing any shoes.”
Becca looks down, wiping away the tears with the back of her hand. “They must be at Niall’s too.”
“Look, I want you to go take a shower at your place. Then get a good night's sleep. We will figure this out, I promise.”

The next morning, Kara lets herself into Becca’s flat. Setting down the coffee, and pastries, she turns to see three suitcases.
“Becca!”
She comes around the corner, looking great. The only sign of her pain is the red rimmed eyes. “Coffee, thank goodness! Morning, Kara.”
“Becca? Did you talk with Niall?”
She looks down, the pain more evident at the mention of his name. “No.”
“What’s going on?”
Becca sits at the table with her coffee, directing Kara to sit as well. “I’ve taken the job in California.”
Kara looks down. “No, Becca.”
“Yes, Kara. I’ve already called them, accepting. I spoke with Sky Sports. I leave in a few hours.”
Kara’s head shoots up. “No. Becca you need to talk to Niall. I know this misunderstanding can be worked out.”
Becca blinks back the tears. “Kara, you weren’t there. You didn’t see the cold look in his eyes. It was no misunderstanding. He doesn’t want me.”
“Then why did he ask you not to hate him?”
“He’s a sweet man, that’s why. Just not in love with me anymore.”
“Then why did he tell you he loved you when you made love yesterday?”
Becca swallows hard. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore, the decision was made for me. I’m leaving.”
As Becca gets up from the table, Kara follows her. “Becca, you can’t…”
“Kara! Stop!” Becca yells. Her voice then returning to a normal tone. “Please, Kara, it hurts too much.”
Kara reaches in for a hug. “I’m sorry, Sweetie.”

Before Kara gives Becca a ride to the airport, she calls Niall. Leaving a short message on his voicemail. “You’re an ass, Niall.”
Letting herself into Becca’s flat, again, she asks her if she’s ready to go.
“I just have to grab a couple more things. The keys to the flat are in my purse, go ahead and get them.”
Kara looks in the bag, finding on the very top, Niall’s t-shirt she’d been wearing. “Oh, Sweetie.” Kara whispers.
“Find them?” Becca asks.
“Yeah.” Looking up at Becca, the pain in her friend’s eyes tearing her apart.

Kara walks Becca into the airport. “This is as far as you can go, Kara.”
“Are you sure this is what you want?”
Looking down, Becca insists. “I will make the best of the decision that’s been made for me. My focus will return to my job, only.”
Kara sighs. “This isn’t right.”
“Please, Kara. I can’t, I just can’t.”
“I’ll let you go for now, my friend. This is not over though.”
Becca smiles. “I’ll miss you, Kara. Come visit me soon, ok?”
“I will. Whenever I miss you, I’ll watch Moneyball.”
Becca laughs. “What will I do without you?”
“Be bored?”
Becca’s face grows serious. “Be kind to him, Kara.”
She doesn’t say a word as she watches her friend make her way through security.
“Fat chance. I’m gonna kill him.”

Notes