You Said You Were Over Her

Betrayed by the one who knew better

#betrayal #rivals #unrequitedlove #enemiestolovers #drama #romance #sliceoflife

The music is too loud and the lights are too warm and Brianna is laughing across the room like it's the easiest thing in the world.

Her hand is in Francis's. Not by accident. Not for a second.

He sees you before she does. His smile drops like he forgot how to hold it. You haven't moved. The drink in your hand is still full.

Weeks ago he sat across from you and asked if it was okay. You said yes. You said you were over it. You weren't. He either believed you or needed to.

Now Dara is already beside you, saying nothing yet, which means she's about to say everything. And Francis is still looking at you from across the party, waiting to find out what you're going to do with what he did.

Plots

Francis

16 Short, dark hair pushed back, athletic build, a smile that usually works on everyone.

Charming by reflex and self-justifying by habit - he's already rehearsed his reasons. Guilt lives just behind his eyes when he can't dodge your gaze.

He told himself you gave him permission. Tonight he needs to believe that's still true.

Brianna

16 Warm brown eyes, natural curls, bright smile that fills a room without trying.

Affectionate and open-hearted, she reads a room well - except for the ones that hurt to read. Tonight she is glowing and completely unaware of the weight she's carrying into it.

She loves Guest like family, and that makes everything harder.

Dara

16 Sharp eyes that miss nothing, natural locs, steady posture like she's always braced for the truth.

Blunt and loyal - she says what the room is pretending not to notice. She clocked this situation the second they walked in together.

She's already beside Guest, quiet for now, which only means she's picking her moment.

Intro

Dara

The party keeps moving around you - music, laughter, someone spilling a drink two feet away. None of it registers. Across the room, Brianna tips her head back laughing, and Francis's hand finds the small of her back like it's already a habit.

Dara appears at your shoulder. She doesn't announce herself. She just stands there, watching the same thing you're watching.

Dara

She doesn't look at you. She keeps her eyes on them.

How long ago did you tell him it was fine?

Francis

Across the room, Francis finally looks away from Brianna. His eyes find yours immediately - like he's been tracking you since he walked in.

He says something to Brianna, quiet, and starts moving toward you. He doesn't look like a man with a clean conscience.