You need me, but you dont love me, right?

Its a rhetoric question. She knows the answer, doesnt expect one from me. Still, I feel impelled to offer some sort of explanation. Shes my best friend, and shes hurting. I want to sooth whatever pain I have caused. This is what Shane and I are about we hurt each other but hide our intentions under the guise of friendship. I guess we are finally even now.

In the past, she has caused me pain by taking everything I am, sucking me bone dry. Taking advantage of me in my most vulnerable state. And now, Im hurting her because there is nothing left to take. It has all been burned to ashes.

Im in lo I begin to say, but she has crossed the room in quick strides and has shushed me with a placating finger laid over my lips.

And I almost laugh when reality sets in. She knows. Shes always had me completely figured out. After all this time, I know close to nothing about her and yet she knows everything there is to know about me. I realize that she has always been one step ahead of me. The realization doesnt scare me as I would have expected. Perhaps Ive known all along.

~~

Im entering yet another dark room. This time knowing exactly what to expect. Closing the door quietly behind me, my eyes take in my surroundings before landing on a small, huddling figure in midst of a pool of blankets on the unmade bed. With a sigh I move towards the windows, hastily pulling the drapes back. Suddenly, the room is filled with streaming sunlight. Its a bit disorienting at first.

Dana flinches visibly as the blinding rays irritate her downcast eyes. I take a seat facing her at the end of the bed. She looks up, offering me a small smile that could be mistaken for a grimace. Her hands are fiddling with some unseen object. I place my palm over them. Scooting closer, I examine their contents. Her ring.

Im a divorcee.