As I was putting the dishes in the sink, Effy came in.

"Shouldn't you be with lover boy right now?" I said, referring to Freddie. Ever since they've gotten back together, they haven't been able to stop sucking each other faces off and making googly eyes at each other, and it fucking sickened me.

"He's busy. Why are you in such a sour mood?" she said, grabbing some dishes and putting dish soap in them.

"Well, one, two years ago today my dad died, if you remember," I snapped at her, "And two, you've abandoned me for Freddie and Panda, why? Effy, we've known each other longer than anyone in our friend group. What's going on? Did I do something? What is it??"

"Bri, what are you talking about? No one could ever replace you! And yes, I know I haven't been spending as much time with you, but that's why I wanted to come over here, to make it up to you. I miss you a lot, Bri."

Suddenly, as if on cue, I burst into tears. Effy dropped the dishes in the sink and hugged me as I cried into her shoulder.

"Everything's so fucked up, Eff. I miss my stupid dad, and I'm in love with Cook," I said. Wait, did I just let that last part slip out?

"What?" she said, pulling away from me.

"Effy, I need to tell you something," I said, taking in a breath, "Over the summer, I slept with Cook, multiple times. But things between us seem more than just mindless fucking, at least to me they do. I hope you're not mad. I know you guys had a thing last year."

"Bri, I'm not mad at all! I'm with Freddie now, and I love him. Trust me, you should follow your heart, but don't let him hurt you, ok?"

I nodded, he had already hurt me a fair bit, but I was determined to let him know I felt, somehow...