Chapter 12

Ryan hadn't slept all night with the thought of betrayal swirling around in is mind.
"How could they do this to me?" he thought. "She's supposed to be my girlfriend." But his mood saddened even more when he thought about Seth, his best friend, his brother even. Ryan never imagined that Seth, of all people, would do this to him.
Ryan was startled mid-thought, by a knock at the door. It was Seth.
"Ryan. We need to talk. Can I come in?"
Ryan, glad that he'd locked the door the night before, didn't answer.
"Look man, I'm really sorry. You have to let me explain."
"No I don't!" he shouted back. "I don't have to do anything for you."
Seth could see the anger building in Ryan's face. "Please." he begged. "I need to explain."
Ryan just looked at him with sadness and turned away.
Seth, knowing Ryan would not listen by choice, started to talk through the glass.
"I know what I did was wrong but I'm sorry, man. I think I'm falling in love with her."
Seth slid down the glass into a sitting,leaning position. "And there something I want you to do for me."
Ryan remained silent.
"I know you shouldn't do anything for me but it'll make us both feel better."
Under his breath, Ryan said to himself "Why should you feel better?" He turned around to look at Seth. "What do you want from me that you haven't already taken!"
"Hit me."
"What!" Ryan said, puzzled.
"Hit me."
Ryan looked at Seth, shocked. He really wanted to but this was still his best friend. "I'm not going to hit you."
"Why not? You want to, don't you?"
"You're my best friend Seth! I wouldn't hurt you like that."
The two boys stood in silence. "Ryan, I'm really sorry." Ryan could feel a lump forming in his throat. He knew that Seth was not a bad person but he could not understand how he could do this to him.
"Look," Ryan started "I just want to know one thing. Was it worth it?"
Seth looked confused by Ryan's question. "What do you mean?"
Ryan repeated it. "Was the risk of losing our friendship worth what you have with Marissa!"
Seth couldn't reply.
"Tell me!" Ryan exclaimed.
Seth's eyes started to well up. It was a catch 22 situation. If he told the truth and told Ryan yes then there friendship would be over, but if he lied, it would have the same end result.
Seth told a deep intake of breath and looked into the face of the best friend and brother he had betrayed. "I'm sorry Ryan, but I love her. I couldn't help it."
Ryan's whole heart dropped. "I want you to leave."
"Ryan, please. I want you to understand that I didn't do it on purpose. Please believe me." Seth pleaded.
"I do but you have to leave. I need to think about this."
There was nothing that Seth could do. For last time he said "I'm sorry Ryan." and headed for the door. He walked slowly so that maybe Ryan would reply but nothing else was exchange. Seth walked towards the house when he cell rang. It was Marissa. Instead of answering, he headed straight over to her house. When he knocked on the door, he was greeted by Julie. "So Seth, where's Ryan?"
"At home." he replied. "Is Marissa here?"
"She's in her room."
"Thanks."