Two weeks had passed and I had not seen or heard one word from Tina, she was avoiding me at all cost. It was tearing me up inside. All my friends had sensed my depression and wanted to comfort me, but I wanted none, they’d just tell me it was all for the best. Or that I had no business bringing a married, straight woman into our circle. What’s worse is they all knew I had fallen for her.

“You shouldn’t have kissed her,” Alice said.

“Thanks Al, I’ll remember that next time, oh wait, there won’t be a next time,” I say angrily.

“Alice we were all drunk, we would have done anything,” Shane said, “you know I would have done anything.”

“Thanks Shane,” I say laughing a bit, “You’re right, we were both drunk when we kissed. But the fact is, she kissed me back.”

“Whoa, you never mentioned that little tid bit.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter now, she obviously didn’t like it,” I say getting up and I walked out of the cafeteria.

I spent the rest of the day sulking in Dana’s office. She was out for the day so she asked me to tend to her administrative duties. I was answering phone calls and emails most of the time, and when I had some down time, I studied. I had started my classes for my doctorate and whenever I could get my books out, I did. I had all morning classes, so I had to cut back at work in order to do both without killing myself. Dana had taken the same classes not too long ago, so she understood and helped me. She let me study at work while I helped out in the gym, and I was a backup just in case we were busy. As I was packing my bag to leave, I heard a small knock at the door.

“Yes, come in,” I said and heard the door open and shut, I didn’t look up, “can I help you?”

“Bette,” I heard and I immediately knew the voice.

“Tina,” I said finally looking up, I spoke trying to sound cool, “um, what can I do for you?”

“I wanted to apologize.”

“Apologize? For what,” I asked sternly, she kind of winced, but I paid no attention. I had to keep this act up; I couldn’t let her see how hurt I had been.