Chapter 31: Two Lovers
"Hey," Zach said as he went out to talk to Arnie, "So...What's up? That was..weird," He said, recalling how Arnie went inside the choir room and asked him to come talk to him.
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry," Arnie said, "For everything."
"Arnie, it's not me you—"
"I always knew you loved Beth," Arnie said, "And I guess, a part of me always envied the friendship that you have. And...I guess a part of me always wanted to be you, so I...I did all the things I did."
Zach took a deep breath, "You really loved her, didn't you?"
Arnie nodded his head, "Yes," He said.
"I do, too," Zach said.
"I know," Arnie said, "And I...I'm letting her go."
"Arnie—"
"I'm going to rehab and I know Beth deserves better. I should've let her go a long time ago. She doesn't deserve me."
"I don't think she deserves either one of us,"
"Don't be silly, she loves you."
Zach laughed lightly, "I don't think it's the proper time to talk about this...but for what it's worth, Arnie, I know she loved you, too."
Arnie smiled lightly, "Not as much as she loves you."
Zach took a deep breath, "I think we should go see Emily now."
Arnie just nodded his head.