Mixed Feelings

Tiffany arrived back home, she was sitting outside in her car getting ready to face GIA when her phone started ringing.

Tiffany: "Hello,

GIA: "What's wrong? Why are you still sitting outside in your car? I can see you from here!

Tiffany: "Lol, nothing, I'm just tired and I am coming right up.

Tiffany was not even halfway through going up the stairs to their apartment when GIA stood two steps ahead of her.

GIA: "Can I help you with something, babe? I am so glad to see you.

Tiffany was surprised by GIA's strange behavior, she felt a knot in her throat and almost couldn't answer her question.

Tiffany: "Sure.

To Tiffany's surprise, GIA had prepared dinner for her and had purchased something for her wrapped in colorful blue and gold paper with a silver ribbon.

GIA: "Babe I have something to show you it's in our bedroom, come see it!

Tiffany was speechless and she started having problems breathing.

GIA: "Oh my God" babe you are pale I am calling an ambulance

Tiffany: "No" Please I'll be okay, just give me a minute. I think the breakfast didn't sit well on my stomach.

Tiffany continued gasping for air trying to make sense of what was going on.​ I thought to myself "This makes no sense whatsoever, did Jill say something!" "Is it so obvious!" get a hold of yourself, Tiff, it's all in your mind.​

GIA: Well, I see you're getting some color back.

Tiffany: Yes, I am starting to feel better, thanks.

GIA: Are you ready to open your gift?

Tiffany: No, maybe later.​

GIA: Okay then, get some rest.

It was already late and Tiffany was tired, so as she laid back to relax, she flunked her gaze and slowly started to shut. GIA wondered why it was so quiet, she walked to the bedroom to realize that Tiffany was already sound asleep. With a discontented look on her face, GIA lay beside her, thinking 'She didn't seem to like my surprise or even glad to see me. "What's going on?

Tiffany awoke the next morning to the sound of a stereo bass. 'God, I only have 30 minutes to get ready. I will miss class. GIA walked into the bedroom.

GIA: Good morning babe, I made breakfast, are you hungry?

Tiffany: No, I'm sorry I don't have time, I am running late for class.

Tiffany runs out without even saying goodbye to GIA. For a few minutes, GIA just stood there in the kitchen looking at the breakfast she had made, puzzled and confused with watery eyes. She leaned over to open the drawer next to the refrigerator to look for an address book. She walked to the living room, picked up the phone, and started dialing a number.

GIA: Hello, Can I speak with Joyce Clifton, please?

Joyce: Yes, this is I. Who is this?

GIA: You don't remember me? It's me GIA! Come on, we went to school together.

Joyce: "Oh, no way. How are you doing?

GIA: "Am good. I wondered if you want to get together for dinner later.

Joyce: "Yes, Is 5 o'clock OK for you?

GIA: "Yes, where do you want to meet?

Joyce: "Well, if you don't mind the drive, we can meet at a restaurant around the corner from where I live.

GIA: "Sure, Text me the address, and I'll see you later.

It was still early, and social studies class was almost over. Becky leaned over to Tiffany, "Hey, we are hanging out after class, right"? Tiffany looks at Becky with a smile on her face and replies, "Yes", I just need to make a phone call before we head out. Becky answers, "Okay, I have a few more friends joining us later, I hope you don't mind"? Tiffany, looking surprised, answered, "I thought it was only me and you. But I guess I need to socialize more"! With a nervous smirk and scratching her head. Then suddenly Mrs. Lee names Tiffany and everyone in the classroom turns to Tiffany and Becky.

Mrs. Lee: "Tiffany, can you define the 5 things of social studies?

Tiffany: "History, geography, civics, economics, and sociology.

Mrs. Lee: "Perfect, please, try not to get distracted in my class.

Becky: "Showoff, nerd with a smile.

Tiffany: "Whatever, shut up.

Suddenly, the sound of a beep letting everyone know the class was over.

Mrs. Lee: Please, everyone, do not forget, that you only have two months to submit your finals. I expect everyone to finish on time.

Tiffany and Becky start walking out of Mrs. Lee's class. "Hurry," says Becky. We need to stop at the grocery store to pick up some things for later. Tiffany, "But are we having a party or a get-together"? Becky just smiles grabbing Tiffany's right arm and whispers in her right ear, don't worry, you're going to have so much fun. Tiffany smiles nervously, "Okay".

Tiffany and Becky are at the grocery store getting ready to pay when someone says, "Hey, Becky, long time no see". Becky tried to pretend she didn't hear anything, but the voice just got louder and closer to where they were standing. Tiffany asked, are you okay? "I think he's calling your name". Becky quickly responded, "I don't hear anything, what are you talking about"? But it was too late, the man calling her name was standing right behind Becky. With a deep voice, he asks, "Aren't you going to introduce us"? Becky turns around to face him, looking straight at him, "What are you doing here"? He ignores the question with a smile and proceeds to introduce himself to Tiffany. "Hello, I'm Kyle, and who may you be"? Tiffany looked confused about what was going on and quickly realized that Becky was not too happy to see this male figure.

Tiffany: Hello, I'm Tiffany, but you can call me Tiff, a pleasure to meet you, Kyle and how do you know Becky?

Kyle: Smiles, "Becky and I go way back.

Tiffany: "Oh?

Becky: Come on it's getting late Tiffany, we need to get back soon before everyone gets there before us.

Kyle: Oh, of course, don't want to intrude on your plans, maybe another time we can catch up?

Becky: Excuse us, we need to get going.

Kyle: Becky you still live in the same apartment complex, right?

Becky: Goodbye.

Kyle: Laughing louder, I'll see you soon.

Becky was so irritated, that she couldn't hide her dislike of having to speak to Kyle. And Tiffany with nothing to say just stayed silent the whole way back to Becky's place. When they arrived at the apartment complex, there were two young people around the same age waiting outside Becky's apartment complex, one of them got up and started walking toward Becky and Tiffany to help them get the groceries out of the car.

Becky: Hey, guys, you're here early. Tiffany, these are my two good friends Mikayla and Neo.

Tiffany: Hi, guys, a pleasure to meet you.

Mikayla: Becky, are you okay?

Becky: No, guess who was at the grocery store? Kyle.

Mikayla: OMG, I can't believe it.

Becky: I don't want to talk about it right now, I'll tell you everything later.

Mikayla: Okay, But did you say anything to Tiffany?

Becky: "Absolutely not.

Mikayla: Why? Aren't you just friends? Doesn't she have a girlfriend?

Becky: I don't want to talk about it. Please, just don't say anything.

Mikayla: "Find,

Becky just took a deep breath and started walking inside with the groceries.

As more people started arriving Becky and Neo were in the family room welcoming everyone as they started arriving. Tiffany and Mikayla were in the kitchen preparing the snacks and food.

Mikayla: Hey Tiffany, can I ask you a question?

Tiffany: "Sure.

Mikayla: "How long have you been with your girlfriend?

Tiffany: "Almost two years now.

Mikayla: "I don't mean to intrude, but are you happy?

Tiffany: "Well, no relationship is perfect and mine won't be the exception.

Mikayla: "True, but that wasn't my question! Are you in love?

Tiffany: "Think I hear Becky calling me.

Mikayla: "But wait, what spice do I add to appetizers?

As Tiffany rashly left the kitchen, Mikayla couldn't help but feel intrigued. It was clear that Tiffany was hiding something, and this only deepened Mikayla's curiosity. With a determined expression on her face, she vowed to uncover the truth.

Over the next few days, Mikayla closely observed Tiffany's behavior. Tiffany appeared to be distant and lost in her thoughts at times as if she was struggling with a secret. Mikayla couldn't let go of the feeling that there was something significant going on behind the scenes.

Becky was confronted by Makayla over Tiffany's unusual behavior towards her, which she didn't hesitate to take advantage of. As she made her way towards Becky's room, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of anger and concern. Becky was someone she had known for years, but something didn't add up.

After knocking firmly on Becky's door, Makayla drew a deep breath and prepared herself for an uncertain conversation. Becky's surprised expression was uncovered as the door opened.

"Hey, Makayla," Becky greeted, confusion evident in her eyes. "What's going on?"

Makayla made sure not to waste any time. She remained firm and gazed directly into Becky's eyes. "Becky, did you forget that we had an important conversation to talk about? She demanded with a steady and firm voice.

Becky's eyebrows widened, and she retreated, gesturing for Makayla to enter her room. "Come in. She cautiously said, 'Let's talk'.

After following Becky inside, Makayla noticed how tidy and organized the space was. Becky's serenity was so noticeable that she couldn't help but feel perplexed.

Tiffany's actions had left a deep impression on her.

Makayla, "Becky it's time for you to let me know what's going on. The day of the party you mentioned Kyle at the grocery store. And then when I asked you, if you had mentioned anything to Tiffany about Kyle, you said no.

Makayla took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking after sitting down on Becky's bed. Tiffany's behavior has been unusual lately, and her voice was a shade of concern. Her distance has caused her to be torn between her love for Gia and her desire to succeed in college. "Or is there something else going on between you that I don't know anything about? It seems like she's confused.

Becky sighed and nodded with her gaze focused on her hands. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she admitted to having noticed it.

I've been trying to give her some space, believing it's just the stress of starting college.

Becky's words left Makayla with a sinking heart. She had hoped that this was all just a coincidence

Tiffany's confusion seemed more complicated than initially apparent, despite misunderstanding. Becky, I think it's important we confront her together, as Makayla suggested with a voice filled with empathy.

Becky raised her gaze, her eyes brimming with both fear and determination. She acknowledged her mistake and regained her voice. "It's crucial that we find out the truth about Tiffany's situation".

With determination in her voice, Makayla said okay, Becky. That doesn't explain why Kyle is back, and what prevented you from sharing the story about yourself and Kyle to Tiffany?

Becky sighed as her shoulders slumped. "I know I should have told her, Makayla. I just... I was scared. Scared of losing her, of losing everything we have. I never meant for things to get this complicated."

Makayla crossed her arms and fixed her gaze on Becky. We have no other choice but to face the consequences. Tiffany has the right to know the truth, even if it hurts her.

Becky nodded with tears streaming down her cheeks.

"You're right, Makayla. She deserves honesty. It's time for me to be honest.

Makayla felt relieved as they made plans to approach Tiffany together. She was aware that they could uncover uncomfortable truths, but she was prepared to confront them head-on. Tiffany's confusion had affected them all, and it was time to clarify their complex love triangle.