I've been waiting for this chapter the entire time I've been writing this book. I hope you'll like it. Maybe.

Ed's POV

She's just my best friend.

I liked the way she smiled, the way she talked, and the way her eyes screamed a thousand words, but we were just best friends.

But our story wasn't an ordinary best friend story. It was something more.

Ever since we were kids, we were best friends. We would always play together at the park, and I would always visit her in their house, since I didn't like staying in mine. I had and still have family problems.

My mother left me. I got stuck with my cruel and sadist father who had always beaten me up for every single mistake that I made. The marks on my skin were gone, but what he had hurt inside me will never heal. His belt hitting my back still haunted me every night.

He married this woman named Cassandra who was 10 years younger than him, and she thought that she could actually replace my mother. But no. No one can replace her.

Sidney always tried convincing me to sort out my family problems, but she just couldn't understand how hard it is. Even I myself couldn't understand how hard it is.

Cassandra may be nice to me, but everytime I see her, she just reminds me that my mother left me. I never told that to Sidney.

Sidney was everything to me. I didn't know how I could ever live without her. Seriously. She's like my oxygen, only sometimes when she plays with me and covers my mouth and nose so I couldn't breathe, she may actually be the reason for me to end my life. Of course she would never kill me intentionally. Maybe.

Sometimes I make her so angry, that I wonder how could she not kill me yet. Not that I wanted her to kill me but, you get what I mean.

Also, she was a tardy teenage girl. Every morning I pick her up, so even though I wake up early, I always get late. I always get in trouble for being tardy because of her. Not only at school, but also at home.

But hey, that's what friends are for right? She even had this really old alarm clock so she could wake up early. Even I would've never used that alarm clock. It was just creepy.

But sometimes, she's just too hard-headed. Harder than a rock. For example, prom.

The year before, I admit she looked stunning at prom. Even though she wasn't smiling and looked like someone who got robbed while wearing a prom dress, she was still the most beautiful girl that night.

I couldn't keep my eyes off of her, but that was just my little secret.

But I liked Aubrey Hart. I didn't know why, but her beauty just captured me. We never really talked or anything, but every night I dream of her and me being together (I know I sound like a girl).

It was a simple high school crush, and Sidney knew everything about how I liked Aubrey. She hated her and I had no idea why.

At prom, I wanted both Sidney and Aubrey to be nominated as prom queens. I didn't know who to vote. My best friend, or the girl I liked.

Sidney didn't want to get nominated, and Aubrey wanted to win. I thought that maybe Aubrey already had a lot of voters, so I voted for Sidney. Both of them did get nominated, but Sidney acted like an ape in a dress the whole pageant.

A cute little ape, though.

I didn't know why, but I found it funny and cute. I was laughing the whole time, but it wasn't because she looked stupid, but because she looked so adorable (she did look stupid, though).

She didn't win. Aubrey did. But that was okay with me. Sidney was still the prettiest girl that night for me.

I liked staying in Sidney's house. Not only because I could get away from home, but also because I liked Sidney's mother. She always treated me like her own child.

Everytime I look at her mother, it's like I could see Sidney in her. Both of them were funny, caring and understanding. I sometimes wish that she would be my mother. Maybe, that way, I would stay in our house more often.

Her mother took care of me whenever I needed someone to, so it was only right that I take care of her when she got sick.

I was going to visit Sidney that day. But when I came inside their house, her mother was lying on the floor, looking exhausted and very pale. I carried her towards her room and immediately called Sidney.

While she was on her way, I took care of her mother as much as I could, but I wasn't a doctor. All I could do was make sure she was still breathing. I thought about calling a nurse, but thought that it was Sidney's job. She was a few minutes away, so I decided to wait for her.

I was still sitting beside her, tapping my shoes while waiting for her daughter, when she mumbled something. I had to lean in closer to understand what she was saying. I couldn't make out what she exactly said , but the words 'Sidney, your father is Mr. Johnson' was pretty clear to my ears.

I was shocked to hear it. I almost fell off my chair. It had never crossed my mind that Mr. Johnson could be my best friend's father. I paced back and forth in the room to think the statement through. I asked her mother once again, but she was too sick to understand me.

When Sidney finally arrived, I didn't know if I should tell her or not. But then I decided to ask her mother about it first. If she had no idea, it had to be her mother to tell her, not me.

Sidney had this news that Mr. Tott asked her to come to Mexico. I was happy for her. I knew that she deserved it. But when she went to the kitchen to get something, I took the chance to ask her mother about Mr. Johnson. It was true. Mr. Johnson really was his father. She also told me that the reason why she was exhausted that day was because she came across Mr. Johnson's cruel mother and didn't have a nice conversation with her.

She told me not to tell Sidney and let her tell her about it when she's finally ready. She's her mother, so I said okay.

Sidney didn't know something. She didn't know that I heard her confessing her feelings for me. Twice.

When we were writing our song, my earphones were actually on. I really didn't get to hear what she said at first, but while she was talking, I got to take it off and turn to look at her. She was crying, but she didn't see me.

I heard her saying that she liked me.

I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what to say to her. I was too shocked to do or say anything.

So when I sensed that she would turn to see my expression, I placed the earphones back on my ears, turned around, and pretended that nothing had happened.

She bought it.

She ran to the bathroom, crying, thinking that I hadn't heard her.

When she was gone, I went to the trash can where she threw the lyrics she first wrote and took them out. I read them. I couldn't believe that it was what she felt about me.

I crumpled it and placed it inside my pocket. I'll have to read it again later before she sees me holding it.

I got back to my seat and tried acting normal, like I really didn't hear her, but it was hard. Every time I looked at her, I try to let the fact that she likes me sink in, but it just wouldn't. I still couldn't believe that my best friend fell for me.

But hey, our song got an A.

Then there was this time when I picked her up at her house one morning. I was exhausted from our projects and my tiny sleep, so I laid on her bed hoping to get some rest even for just a few minutes. I almost fell asleep.

Almost.

Again, she confessed. I heard everything that she said, but I acted like I didn't hear her, again. I acted like I was asleep.

That moment, I finally believed her. She really did fall for me.

She went downstairs to have breakfast, and I stayed in her room for awhile so she would think that I really hadn't heard her.

I sat on her bed with my palms on my forehead. I thought of all the moments that we were together. All the times that we laughed together like we owned the world. All the pillowfights, the teasing, and the jokes. She fell for me, but I didn't.

But just because I didn't fall for her, it didn't mean that she's not important to me.

Back in sixth grade, we had this classmate named Jonathan. He always bullied Sidney. We were kids, and teasing is a childish thing, so at first I didn't stop him. But when he poured ketchup all over Sidney's face, he crossed the line.

After classes, I talked to him. I didn't punch him or threaten him. We just talked. I wasn't a violent person.

I asked him why he was doing those things to Sidney, and he said that he liked Sidney. I was shocked. I was angry.

I told him that he was stupid. I told him that because of what he did, he blew his chance with Sidney because she hated him with all his guts.

He felt ashamed. He told me that he will transfer the following year. He did. But before he left, he made me promise one thing. That I would never tell Sidney about him.

I said yes on one condition. He will never come back to see her because I didn't want Sidney to get hurt. I didn't want to see Sidney ever get hurt. If she gets hurt, it's like I get hurt too.

I never told Sidney what happened. I was shy because she might think I was being over protective, which I was. I know that she deserves to know that the guy who bullied her actually liked her, but I couldn't. I had no idea why.

Sidney asked me a couple of times what Jonathan and I talked about, but I kept my promise. We almost fought just because I wouldn't tell her, but in the end she gave up and kept her mouth shut.

But the thing with Jonathan was also a good thing, because after he poured ketchup all over Sidney's head, I got to take her to my favorite diner. She loved it there.

Ever since, it was our usual hangout place.

But everything started to go wrong when Aubrey befriended me.

I was suprised that it was her who talked to me first. Sidney's mom was going to lecture Sidney about prom that day. I wanted to hear their conversation, because I wanted to make Sidney more miserable, but Aubrey texted me to meet her. I didn't tell Sidney about it because I was too nervous.

When I got to our meeting place, I couldn't help but stare at her. She was gorgeous, there was no doubt. Her skin was flawless and her eyes were always captivating.

But the longer I looked at her, the more I felt that it was all wrong. That liking her was wrong.

I had liked her for months, maybe even obsessed, but I felt confused when she told me something.

She told me to leave Sidney.

I couldn't understand her. Why the hell should I leave Sidney just because she told me so?

But she also had an answer for that.

Kevin Tott, my music class classmate, had a father who was a record producer and he wanted Sidney as a songwriter, and maybe someday, a singer.

Aubrey told me that If I won't leave Sidney and hang out with her often, she would tell Mr. Frederick to not get Sidney signed. To tell all producers not to get Sidney signed. She had that kind of power.

I knew that Sidney wanted to be a songwriter, but she just never admitted it. She deserved to be a songwriter. But would I be willing to risk our friendship for her to be a songwriter and a singer?

I was going to say no. I could never risk our friendship for that simple reason. But Aubrey said something more. She said that if I would say no, she'll hurt Sidney.

I thought of the time we first met. We were 5 year olds back then. She was crying alone at the park in her oversized Aeropostale shirt.

I had no idea why, but I sat beside her and asked her what was wrong. I was glad she didn't run away because a stranger just sat beside her. But then I was a little kid just like her.

She first hesitated, like I was a monster that came out of her closet, but then she told me the reason she cried. She was still sniffing when she told me that she asked her mother where his father was, and her mother told her that he might never come back.

She cried on my tiny shoulders. My sleeve got wet by her tears, but I didn't complain. I let her cry on my shirt.

I patted her back to calm her down and told her that it would all be okay, even though it was only the first time that we had met. But I felt what she felt. My mother left me and never came back.

My mother left me when I was 3. I also cried when I found out she was never coming back. I cried when I found out that she left me for a man.

My father beated me for his anger towards my mother. He said that I reminded him of my mother's betrayal.

There was even one night that he beated me up for no reason. I couldn't fight back. That night Sidney came to my house from Kevin's Sister's party. I told her that it was just a bruise from a picture frame. I hated lying to her, but I had to. I didn't want her to get worried about me.

I should've hated my mother, but I didn't. She was the one who gave birth to me. Our blood is still connected. She was still my mother. And for years, I still look out my window, hoping and waiting that she would come back. She didn't.

I made Sidney calm down. I told her that it will all be okay, because I myself accepted the fact that my mother left me.

Honestly, I had no idea why I came and sat down with Sidney while she was crying in the first place. When I saw her, it was just like some magnetic force had drawn me to her. Maybe it was because I understood what she was feeling, but I knew in my heart that it was something more.

Her black hair was messy and some were sticking on her face due to tears, and her eyes were red, but something about her just made me interested in her. Something made me want to know her more.

After I told her that everything will be okay for about 30 times already, she finally stopped crying. I also told her a joke, which I forgot what since was I just a kid, but it made her laugh. Her laugh was like music to my ears.

We talked about childish things and somehow we made a connection. We made a friendship.

Her mother finally came and hugged her so tight while crying. She was so happy to find her daughter. She had been looking for her.

When they left, Sidney waved goodbye to me and told me to meet her at the same park the next day. We did meet.

That moment, I just knew that we would become best friends. I was so happy that I met her. She was always there for me. She was my best friend.

I looked at Aubrey once again. Sidney hated her but I didn't understand why. But that moment, I understood.

Aubrey was a beautiful teenage girl, but she was selfish and bossy. She always wanted everything to go her way. She thought that the world revolved around her. Only that moment did I realize who she really was.

I didn't like her anymore. In fact, I hated her. I hated her for making me choose.

But I knew I had to choose. Sidney deserved to be signed and to not be hurt. She had been a great friend to me, and I knew that I just had to give her what she deserved.

I said yes to Aubrey's offer.

Kevin arrived a few moments later. He told me to give him a copy of Sidney's song and to go to his father's office with her in two days. I was confused of why he was there. It was like him and Aubrey were partners in the plan.

I even thought that Kevin was angry with Aubrey because she had a higher grade on their song than him when he did much better than her. But here he is with Aubrey, making me want to get away from Sidney. I decided not asking him about it.

That evening, I went to Sidney's house to tell her about Kevin's father. I didn't expect it to be hard. I was drowning with guilt. But I told myself that it was for her. I was doing it for my best friend.

The next day, Aubrey's plan started. We always talked and with every single chance that I had with Sidney, she would always pop up like a spider (No, I'm not afraid of spiders. Of course I'm not lying! Oh, shut up) and ruin it.

I wanted to be with Sidney so bad. It was only a few hours, but I already missed her. When she told me that she had a project, I knew she was lying. I could see it in her eyes. I was guilty.

That night, guilt was already all over me. I could tell that she was upset. I just knew that I had to make it up to her, so I brought her cookies. It was her favorite. That girl just had enough room in her stomach for all kinds of food. Trust me. Her stomach is like as wide as the earth.

I was in front of their doorstep with the cookies on my hand and debated with myself if I should ring the doorbell or not. But my cowardness beat me. I stood there for half an hour, already freezing with the cold wind.

I finally decided to call Sidney to tell her I was on their front porch, because the cold was killing me. (But atleast I'll die cool, right?)

She really was upset with me. But I was glad that I came because she finally wasn't upset with me anymore. Though until now, I still ask myself if she forgave me because I went to say sorry, or because I brought cookies.

Every thing was okay at first. Aubrey wasn't a good company, but it wasn't that bad as well. It was also okay with Sidney that we wouldn't get to hang out much often anymore, since she thinks I'm courting Aubrey.

I wasn't courting Aubrey. I stopped liking her  when I got to know her real attitude.

Then Kevin came to Sidney's life.

I was okay at first. Sidney did seem happy with him, but Kevin was suspicious. I knew that him and Aubrey were hiding something, so I knew I had to find out what. And after my deal with Aubrey, he suddenly became close with Sidney? Who wouldn't wonder why?

Sidney and Kevin became so close. Too close, in fact. I never would've thought that I'll say it, but I got jealous.

Sidney never said yes about going to prom with me, but she said yes to Kevin. I admit that it hurted me when I found out about it. She rejected me and I'm her best friend, but she said yes to a guy she barely knew. Where's the justice in that?

But I didn't ruin their growing friendship. I still wasn't sure what Kevin's motives were. When I find out that he's playing with Sidney, that's when I'll teach him a lesson.

I tried accepting the fact that I was hanging out with Aubrey for Sidney, but I just couldn't take it anymore when she made Sidney cry.

She ripped Sidney's ice cream project.

We had a deal, but she was just too much. I asked her why she did it, and she said that she just wanted to. We agreed that if I hang out with her, she will not hurt Sidney. I guess emotional pain doesn't count. I was so angry at her.

I ran out of the room and tried to find Sidney. When I did, she was crying on the floor. Every bit of me ached. I felt like crying too. Just by looking at her cry, it made my whole world shatter.

That afternoon, I talked to Aubrey. I dragged her in the Janitor's closet, whether she liked it or not, and tried to get out of the deal.

But she refused. She said that if I back out, Sidney will never have a career and will have a bruised face instead.

I was so angry. I screamed at her and told her that what she did made Sidney hurt. Aubrey looked hurt with the way I screamed, which I didn't understand why, so I calmed down.

It was confusing. The way her eyes avoided mine, it looked like she never wanted to do it.

I asked her why she was doing it. Why blockmail me to hang out with her. Her answer made me surprised.

She hesitated at first, like thinking for the better reason. But she finally said, "she's better than me in everything. She's prettier, smarter, more talented and everybody likes her. She even has you. Everybody said you liked me, but I couldn't feel it. I feel like she's the girl you love. And then Kevin. This whole plan was supposed to be about me! But he's falling in love with Sidney! Why does it always have to be her?"

She ran away, crying. I stood there in the Janitor's closet trying to process what she said.

She was jealous with Sidney. She thought I liked Sidney. She said Kevin fell inlove with Sidney.

She was jealous of Sidney. All these time, I had liked Aubrey. But I didn't like her, I just thought I liked her. Sidney had been telling me the whole time that she's a bad person, but I didn't believe her. Aubrey was a monster. She did everything out of jealousy, but it wasn't enough reason. It just made me realize that Sidney really is better than her.

She thought I liked Sidney. I used to say, she's just my best friend. Why would I like her? But then I thought of all the times that she laughs and I couldn't help but love it. I thought about the times that she makes fun of me and I would just let her. I thought of all the times I was willing to do anything for her.  Aubrey thought that I liked Sidney? Well, she was right. I like Sidney. Wait, no. I love Sidney.

She said Kevin fell in love with Sidney. Sidney likes me, and I finally like her, but Kevin would be in our way. What if Sidney fell in love with Kevin too? One time, when she asked for my help to pick her up, I couldn't because Aubrey wouldn't let me. So Kevin got to pick her up. What if she thinks that Kevin is better than me? That maybe Kevin would be the great guy to fall inlove with?

Aubrey called me to meet with her. I was confused because she said it was so important. When we met, she told me to be her girlfriend.

No, she didn't tell me. She ordered me to be her girlfriend. She also ordered me to tell Sidney about it immediately.

I had no choice, so I did. I was about to call her, but I was surprised that it was her who got to call me first.

We agreed to meet at Amelia's Diner.

When I got there, she was talking with Ms. Amelia and it seemed like they were in a deep conversation. When they saw me, Ms. Amelia stood up and left Sidney. Probably to give us some time alone.

I wanted to know what Sidney was going to say first, but she told me that I should go first instead. I did. I told her that Aubrey's finally my girlfriend.

When I told her, I had no idea what was wrong with me. I knew that Sidney liked me, but why was I torturing her by telling that Aubrey's my girlfriend?

I saw her hands shaking and her eyes about to cry. What had I done?

She congratulated me and left the Diner. I just sat there not knowing what to do.

Ms. Amelia sat in front of me. "What's the matter, Dylan?" She asked.

I shrugged. "I screwed up." I told her.

She stared into my eyes and analyzed me. "Let me ask you a question, dear. Did you fall in love with your best friend?" She asked me.

I smiled at her. "Yes." I sighed. "I fell in love with my best friend."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next chapter will be prom. Weeeeeeeeh!

It's probably going to be the last chapter. PROBABLY.

I would like to thank my best friend charlalingg for the new book cover 💕

Z.