What Love Has Lost (3 page)

♠♣♥♦

After we had our lunch, Rhiannon and I head back to the apartment.

It's funny to say that Rhiannon, Grady, and I live in the same apartment. As we arrive at the apartment, Rhiannon will not stop talking about all the possible diseases that Nathan can carry. I roll my eyes on some suggestions that she came up. I want to wring her neck, so she can stop. Her opinions are very offensive towards him.

Rhiannon unlocks the door, as we see Grady, talking to a stranger.

I start to become curious about our strange visitor. "Oh, there they are!"

Grady gets up out of his seat and so does the other boy. Suddenly, I see those familiar emerald eyes, but he's not wearing his dorky glasses anymore. Is he wearing contacts?

"Rhiannon, this is Nathan Hampton; Inna's ex-boyfriend." Grady smiles, as he walks towards his fiancée and wraps an arm around her.

Before going any further, Rhiannon never met Nathan in person. She only heard of him. After I told every little detail about Nate and I, she suddenly has a huge distaste towards him. She doesn't appreciate the break-up, either.

Suddenly, Rhiannon does the unthinkable. She just extends her hand to shake his. Then, he walks towards me, making me feel so uncomfortable. How much of a percentage do ex-couples see each other? Slim to none, perhaps? I don't know, but this must be the worst day of my life.

This is so awkward. "Hi,"

"Hey," he greets, and then tilts his head downwards.

"Um, what are you doing here?" I ask, breaking the awkward silence. I watch Nate open his mouth, until Grady interrupts him.

"He's my best man for the wedding!" Grady exclaims. My eyes widen as I stand there in utter shock. "Surprise..." he trails, as everyone creates more awkwardness around the area.

"Um, who's up for a movie? I hear that the fourth book of the Twilight Saga is already out." Rhiannon suggest. Somehow, Grady and I stare at Rhiannon, wondering if she's acting insane, or is being polite.

Why do I want to watch a movie with my two best friends, who are getting married, and tag along my ex-boyfriend, who dumped me four years ago? They must be out of their fucking minds!

"Uh," I stutter, ruffling the back of my head. "I don't know..."

"Sounds great," Nathan agrees and smiles at me with those taunting eyes of his.

June 14, 2008

Nathan drives my car to take us to the movies. Of course, it's too cliché to have an event that occurs with movies in the movie theater.

"What movie do you prefer?" Nathan asks me while he's holding my hand. I place my hand onto chin and contemplate. Nathan speculates me as he starts giggling. I cock an eyebrow.

"What's so funny?" I ask, placing both hands onto my hips.

He shakes his head. "You're funny, babe."

I hum, "That's why you love me so much, darling!"

He creates a small smirk across his face and starts attacking me with his hands. I start running away as I continue laughing because I don't like to be tickled. It's not fair that I am ticklish. I think that shows some weakness in myself. Knowing Nathan, it gives him pleasure to tease me.

"Okay, I'll choose a movie, unless you stop tickling me!" I make a deal.

"Hmm, truce." Nathan surrenders. I tell him that I want to watch a scary movie with him. It might make him think that I'll be cuddling into his arms, but I really am craving for a scary film.

"Aw, do you really want this sexy body of mine?" Nathan jokes as he wiggles his bushy eyebrows.

I roll my eyes, "You are such a dweeb!"

"And a hot one at that, too!" He adds as we continue to enter inside the movie theater.

♠♣♥♦

Remembering the memories that he and I shared, makes me wonder if I am ever going to love Nathan again. Sometimes, I wonder if he will ever love me in return. I shake my head and agree with them.

"Yeah, a movie sounds good." I admit. Rhiannon and Grady look at me with huge smiles upon their faces. Nathan looks at me with sorrow or agony. I just hope this torture will end very soon.

Chapter Three

Dinner for Schmucks

Maybe watching a movie is a mistake. I know it's already awkward to bring Nathan, but it's more awkward to see my two best friends, chewing their faces off. Seriously, they are literally chewing their faces off during the movie! What's the point of watching a decent movie, when all they are doing is making out?

When Nathan and I were dating, we both agreed to disapprove on public display of affection.

When the movie was over, Rhiannon drags me towards the women's restroom. For a woman, she sure knows how to manhandle somebody!

Galloping into the restroom, Rhiannon takes out her makeup out of her purse and starts applying them onto her face as she ogles at her reflection. "So, what did you think about the movie?"

Are you fucking serious, Rhi? "You and Grady were practically smashing each other faces onto each other! Why would you ask such a question?"

Rhiannon huffs as she drops her lipstick into her purse and turns around, facing me, instead of the mirror. "At least, Grady and I have class; unlike you and Nathan, flinging your bodies into each other."

My eye starts to twitch. "It was over the summer, and we were in a secluded area! Who's going to watch us - a bear?"

I watch Rhiannon pursing her lips together. "Look, I'm sorry for judging you and Nathan's relationship. I haven't been a good friend to you, at all, today. If it makes you content, I will drop the complaints about Nathan and his secret diseases, and let you two figure things out."

"Thank you, Rhi. That's all I ever wanted." I smile as I give Rhiannon a hug.

As we let go, she inhales, "I knew that going to the movies might take your mind off of things; however, I'm not sure if I succeeded," she trails as she stares at the floor. Then, she shakes her head, while letting out a sigh and smiles. "Anyways, how's my makeup?"

I giggle and roll my eyes. "It's perfect." I say, truthfully.

♠♣♥♦

Rhiannon and I exit the restroom as we see two handsome looking men, standing before us.

"Finally, it takes that long for girls to use the restroom?" Grady exaggerates. Rhiannon playfully punches Grady onto his upper arm before wrapping it around his.

Nathan and I were behind the lovebirds, listening to them as they are acting as if they are a married couple. They aren't even married, yet! Unfortunately, it means that they belong together. I can feel a pang of jealousy, because I want what they have.

"So, what do you guys want to do next? Do you want to eat at a local restaurant, or do you want to order take out? Oh, we could cook an amazing dinner for our guests! Ah, Grady, I've always wanted to prepare home-cooked meals! I've been watching the Food Network." Rhiannon giddies with excitement.

All of us stare at her as if she has gone insane. To be correct, I have known Rhiannon almost all my life, because we've became friends since middle school. "Honey, you've never touched a single pan or spatula in your entire life."

"At least, I've touched a stove! And I was seven." She corrects, and we all start laughing.

"Maybe we'll try cooking at home, but if Rhi burns our food, then I'm calling Chinese." I chime as Nathan and Grady agrees with me. See, Chinese food is everyone's favorite meal. I think it makes people satisfied because they have a variety of foods, or maybe it's because they have awesome rice and chow mien.

As we arrive at the apartment, Rhiannon rushes into the building and starts grabbing everything out of the kitchen. She grabs a spatula, a chef hat, and an apron. She definitely looks the part. I can somewhat picture Rhiannon as a chef. However, does her culinary capability suffice?

"Attention, lady and gentlemen; I will now grab this pot and pan out of the drawers and place them upon the stove." Rhiannon narrates, while speaking in a French accent. Nathan, Grady, and I pulled out chairs to sit and watch the show. It's a good thing that we have three high chairs because they are used for the countertop, which divides the kitchen and the dining room.

"Next, I will get the cooking oil and pour it into the pot and pan as I turn on the stove." We watch her continue on her fine cooking skills. "All right, I think I poured too much cooking oil, but we're all so damn skinny; we might as well fatten ourselves a bit."

We all laugh at her joke, and she continues to walk to the refrigerator. "I will take out the chicken, and cut it into small pieces!" Rhiannon raises the chicken up in the air, as it stays sealed. We all start laughing at her.

Rhiannon tries her best to ignore us, so she continues lecturing. "I will now open this sealed compartment and release the dead beast!" Then, she adds dramatic effect. "Bum, bum, bum, bah, bam, bam..." she sings and slowly swings her arm, which is holding a kitchen knife, towards the chicken.

"Oh, no, don't cut me!" she voices over the chicken. Our laughs turn into loud cackles.

She proceeds on cutting the chicken. "Viola, this step is finish! Now, I will put it in the pots and pans."

"Wait," Grady interferes.

"What do you want, Grady? I got this under control." Rhiannon backfires.

"You forgot to batter the chicken." Grady reminds her. Rhiannon raises an eyebrow.

"I know, I was just getting to it." Rhiannon fibs. Grady rolls his eyes.

"How about I call Chinese?" I advise. They all nod their heads as I start dialing the number. I order the food that we want. Rhiannon looks disappointed because her cooking skills faltered. I comfort her by telling her that she can try again, some other time. Gladly, she agrees. She needs more help, besides the cooking channel. Her entertainment is very presentable.

♠♣♥♦

Our Chinese food finally arrives at our doorstep, and I decide that I shall pay the delivery boy.

"Here, keep the change." I smile, as I greet the delivery boy goodbye.

I place the food onto our glass table. Before I could even sit down, I see Grady and Nathan digging into the food and placing them onto their plates. Rhiannon seems upset, but I mouth to her, "Boys will be boys."

She starts giggling and nods as an agreement. Dinner isn't always quiet when I'm with Grady and Rhi. It seems to me that we are all ravenous, tonight. Rhiannon and I haven't eaten lunch, because we stayed at the department store, searching for wedding gowns. It's not easy being female.

"Oh, I have an important announcement to make!" Rhiannon states after she finishes swallowing the remains in her mouth. "I bought a bottle of wine for us to celebrate. No, it's not because I'm a great cook; it's a celebration for friends to re-unite." She clarifies.

Grady kisses Rhi upon her cheek as a small, pink blush appears. We all watch her jump out of her chair, and she reaches for the bottle of wine, out of the cabinet. She opens the bottle with her bottle-opener and grabs four glasses. Then, she walks towards the table and starts pouring as she gives one to each of us.

"Do not drink it, yet, because I'm not done with the proposal." Rhiannon adds. "I want to thank Inna for being there for me, as my loyal, best friend and my maid of honor."

"Aw, you're so sweet." I compliment.

"I also want to thank my fiancé for all the love in his world." Rhiannon places a soft kiss upon Grady's lips. "Last, but not to say the least; I want to thank Nathan Hampton for caring about the two people whom I dearly love."

"It's no big deal." Nathan shrugs as a small smile forms across his broad face.

"Cheers," Rhiannon finalizes. We all repeat whatever Rhiannon concluded and start sipping.

??

Tonight is the best night that I can imagine. Rhiannon starts giggling at the utmost absurd things, because she drank three glasses of wine. Yes, wine sometimes can make her a bit tipsy. I can't picture a better dinner. I have everything that I hope, right here at the right setting.

"I want to announce something else!" Rhiannon exclaims, laughing and hiccupping. "Grady, I want you to know that our little Inna is keeping a secret from us."

Grady cocks an eyebrow. "Oh, c'mon, Inna, tell us."

"Should I tell him?" Rhiannon whispers to me. I am utterly confused. What secret is she informing us? I don't have any secrets. Lord knows that I tell everything to Rhiannon and Grady. Never in my life have I kept a secret from these two! Instead, I just gave Rhiannon a shrug. She doesn't bother second guessing, so she announces it.

"Since Inna is too afraid to tell Grady her secret; I decide to pitch in for her." Rhiannon winks at me. I pop a small piece of chicken into my mouth before she proceeds with her announcement. "Our darling Inna was forking with Nathan Hampton."

Suddenly, I start choking onto the piece of chicken. WATER! I need water!

To my dismay, there's no water placed onto the table, so I grab my cup of wine and start gulping the fine liquid into my throat.

"Woo, hot dog. Our Inna finally got laid!" Grady cheers. My can feel my eyes start to bulge. My attention focuses on this piece of chicken, which is stuck in my trachea, compared to the urge of me slapping Rhi and Grady across their heads. "Say, Nate, how was it? Did you take her to home base?" Grady wiggles his eyebrows.

To increase the embarrassment, I spew wine all over Nate's head.

OH. MY. GOD.

"I am so sorry!" I apologize, rushing to get paper towels and give them to Nathan.

Nathan just laughs. Why is he suddenly laughing? Isn't he supposed to be angry with me? No, he should be angry with them! They are the ones who are embarrassing us by spilling our secret!

"May I use your bathroom?" Nate asks. Rhiannon nods and tells him the location of the bathroom. I watch Nathan walk out of the dining room and into one of the bathrooms. Then, I quickly turn around with rage in my eyes.

"Why the hell did you guys mention this?" I question. Rhiannon and Grady finally realizes that spilling our secret was a horrible idea. They feel completely ashamed of themselves.