Part 1

I can feel their eyes on me.  Everyone.  Though they are all trying not to look at me, they can’t hide their glares.

But I especially feel his eyes.  The eyes of my best friend across the room, watching me intently.  He knows exactly what I’m feeling right now.  He knows I’m embarrassed.  He knows I’m upset.  He knows that what I want right now is to leave this place and never look back.

I look at my watch for the 10^th time in the past five minutes before I pick up my glass of club soda and take a small sip.

And then I feel his hand on my shoulder.  I don’t need to look.  I know it’s him.  After 9 years of friendship, I know his touch anywhere. 

“Dance with me,” he says softly as he reaches for my hand and begins to pull me out of the seat.

I don’t protest.  There’s no reason too.  He’ll win this battle every time.

And now the stares around the room become more obvious.  He’s doing it again.  He’s saving poor little Britney from embarrassment as he’s done countless times before.

He pulls me to him, wrapping his strong arms around my waist as I slide my arms around his neck.

I rest my head against his chest as he moves my body in motion with his.

And finally, the words I know he’s been longing to say come out.

“Where is he?”

I take a deep breath and lower my eyes to the floor. 

“Mayte called,” I whisper, my voice cracking slightly, “She said it was important.”

I feel him tense up against me, pulling me closer to him in the process.

“More important than his girlfriend’s birthday?”

His words cut me.  More important than my birthday?  I guess it is, otherwise he’d be here.

He isn’t expecting a response so I don’t give him one, only allowing myself to pull my body tighter to his.  The pain and embarrassment I’m feeling right now diminishing slightly in his embrace.

I close my eyes as I feel him move one hand up and gently cradle the back of my head. 

And for a brief second, all of my sadness disappears.  All I feel is his warmth.  His safety.  His love.

“Brit.”

I hear the intruding voice but I don’t want to move.  His arms have made me drunk.  I don’t want to loose the safety of them.

“Brit.”

I slowly pull myself out of his grasp and look at him.  His eyes are directed behind me and I turn around to look into Wade’s pleading brown eyes.

“Can we talk?”

His hands are still placed firmly on my waist and I turn to him.  His eyes are full of anger and I nod my head slightly, asking him to release his grip.  He moves his gaze back to Wade and reluctantly releases me.

He shakes his head and begins to walk away as Wade grabs my hand, pulling me out the door.

“I’m sorry baby,” he whispers as we make it out of the view of everyone inside.

“It’s ok,” I lie as I move my gaze downward, staring at the stale gray tile below me, “you’re here now.”

I hear him take a deep breath and I move my head up to see him running his hand through his blonde locks.

“Uuumm, actually, I have to go, Brit.  She had a fight with Tommy and she really needs a friend right now.  She doesn’t have anyone else.”

I scoff at his words as I turn away from him.  He can’t even say her name to me.

“So you’re just gonna leave me here.  On my birthday.”

“Brit.”

I feel his hand softly touch my shoulder but I pull away. 

“I’m sorry.”

I turn quickly, tears now streaming down my face.  I can tell by the look in his eyes that he wasn’t expecting this.  He wasn’t expecting me to fight this.  Sweet little innocent Britney is finally standing up for herself.

“No you’re not.  If you loved me at all, Wade, you would stay.”

He breathes deeply before he takes a step toward me.

“Brit, she needs me.”

He opens his mouth to speak more but I interrupt.

“Then go.  I don’t need you,” my blood boils as I look at him, “Get out.”

Anger shoots through his eyes and he looks at me intently. 

“So that’s it.  You’re breaking up with me over this.”

I nod my head and turn to walk away from him.

“You know what Brit.  That’s fine.  Break up with me.  It’s for the best.”

He walks up behind me and I can feel his warm breath on my ear.

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