“She came onto me.” He said.
Morgan stood then, and rushed over to me.
“Ronnie! I would never-”
“Sexy cowboy.” I said, interrupting her.
“What?” She laughed. “That's different. You were with Derek, and clearly you weren't interested. I was just trying to-”
“And Alex? He approached me first at the boutique, remember?”
“Any man that jumps women like that isn't someone worth spending your time with.” She countered.
“Oh, so you're protecting me?” I scoffed.
“Yes! It's what I've always done.”
“Tell me the truth then. Did you come onto Owen?”
“Yes.” She admitted freely.
“Why?”
“I was testing him.” She said, smugly. “When I walked in on the two of you about to hook up, I was worried. He's not your type, Ronnie. He's a bad boy with a motorcycle, and absolutely no responsibilities. A girl like you; you need someone dependable.”
“Like Derek?” I asked. “Because, look how well that worked out.”
“Dammit, Ronnie! You're not me!” She nearly yelled.
Owen was standing in between us like a deer in headlights. I could tell that he was feeling uncomfortable, but it was his fault that I was reacting this way. He had challenged me by asking why I let Morgan do the things that she does. Seeing her with the man that I wanted, had somehow given me the courage to unleash everything. To let her know that the way she was treating me was not acceptable.
“Well thank God for that.” I said, devoid of any emotion.
Morgan's jaw dropped, and she took a step back.
“Why don't you tell me how you really feel?”
“OK.” I said, stepping towards her. “I've been living in your shadow ever since we met. I always do what you want to do, and who you want me to do it with. I started dating Derek, because you told me to. You said he was what I needed. I got the degree that you wanted me to, so that we could go into business together. I gave up everything so that you could shine, and the one time a man is interested in me, and not you; you want to take that away from me too.”
She started to blink back her tears, before wiping her eyes as a few managed to escape. Normally, seeing her upset would make me upset too, but right now I was letting my anger control my emotions. She nodded in understanding before quietly brushing past me, and back into her room. She shut the door behind her, and I could faintly hear the sound of the lock engaging.
I let out a deep sigh, and then I sat down on the edge of my bed. I sat there for a few seconds, before the floodgates inevitably opened. I laid my head in my hands, and I sobbed. I had never been so harsh with her, and to do it in front of someone else had probably only hurt her more. I felt the bed dip beside me, and Owen placed his arm around me in a show of support.
I laid my head on his shoulder, still keeping my face covered. He ran his hand up, and down my shoulder, and kissed the top of my head gently.
“It needed to be said, Ronnie.” He said softly.
“I know.” I sniffled. “I just- I could have handled it better.”
“Just give her time. I'm sure in the morning, when you've both had time to cool down, things will be better.”
I nodded, as I wiped my eyes.
“Excuse me.” I said, as I went into the bathroom to clean myself up.
I washed my face, and hands, and grabbed a cool washcloth to place over my eyes. They were red, and puffy, and I barely recognized myself. The last time I cried like this was when I caught Derek with his pants off. I had never told anyone the real reason that I chose my major. Yes, I enjoyed my work, and I was damn good at it, but it wasn't always my first choice.
Morgan was the first person to believe in me, but over the course of our friendship I began to wonder why. She helped me choose my college classes. She chose my major. It was her idea to open a boutique, but she needed me. So she groomed me, and I let her. I let her, because the thought of working with my best friend, and having our own business appealed to me.
What girl doesn't dream of striking it out on her own, and becoming something? Morgan needed me, and I needed her. So I didn't question any of the decisions she made for me. She knew what was best for me, and for our business plan. I followed her blindly, even when it concerned love. Looking back now, I know I never would have accepted Derek's proposal if I didn't have her blessing.
“Ronnie?” Owen called from the other side of the door. “The police are here. I'll be right back. Will you be alright?”
“I'm fine!” I called back.
When I heard the door shut behind him, I finally came out of the bathroom. I glanced around the room, realizing that I left my pillow in Morgan's room.
“Shit.” I sighed, before laying down on the bed with my hands behind my head for support.
I closed my eyes then, going over everything I'd said to Morgan tonight. The more I thought about it, the worse I felt. I was harsh, when I didn't need to be. I could have pulled her aside, and had a conversation like an actual adult. Instead, I let my jealousy get the best of me. Seeing her straddling Owen like that... it just made something snap inside of me. A part of me that I never even knew existed.
I was jealous, and I had no right to be. Owen, was nothing to me. He made it very clear that he didn't want to be anything
