Chapter 2

I looked up at Alvin, my tone anything but gentle. "What's wrong with me?"

Esther quickly jumped in. Her eyes were red. "Daph, did something come up with your test results? If something really is wrong, don't even think about shouldering it alone. You've got me for everything!"

She took my hand, exactly the way she used to when we were kids—the way she had when she helped me escape my family, and when she took me to buy the first piece of clothing that was truly mine.

This was how it had always been.

"The doctor said it's psychological," I said, looking up at her. "He said I keep imagining that the people closest to me are betraying me."

She stiffened, looking awkward.

Alvin, who had been trying to salvage the cake, also paused. The cream was smeared over his fingertips.

"Why would you even think something like that?" Esther let out an awkward laugh and hooked her arm through mine, her voice going all soft. "You must just be exhausted, right? Or did Alvin piss you off again? Tell me what he did, and I'll help you straighten him out!"

Alvin was quiet for a long time before glancing our way. "With your best friend staring me down all day like I'm some criminal, would I dare?"

I dropped my gaze, staring at Esther's hand. "Lately, I keep having these dreams. I dream that you and Alvin both leave me. I dream that I'm not the one you love most anymore, that it's…"

Before I could finish, Alvin set the birthday candles on the table. The dull thud was jarring.

"Daphne, it's been three years. Don't you think that's enough?" He looked at me with exhaustion written all over his face. "All these years, you haven't stopped doubting me. You've been suspicious of every woman who so much as gets close to me.

"And now, you're doubting whether I even love you. What more do you want from me? Am I really that untrustworthy to you?"

Esther's eyes were red again. "Daph, I swear that no matter what happens in the future, you'll always be my number one. Even if Alvin cheats, I'll never stab you in the back!"

As she spoke, she hooked her pinky around mine. It was the way we used to make up as kids. For 17 years, no matter how bad a fight we'd had, as long as we hooked pinkies, everything went back to normal.

However, now, nothing was the same.

I closed my eyes for a second, then slowly slipped my hand out of hers.

"In that case…" I carefully divided the cake and handed her a slice. "If you ever fall for someone, you have to tell me so I can screen him for you."

Esther's smile froze. She took the cake in silence and didn't say a word.

It wasn't until I finished cutting the cake that one of them remembered we hadn't lit the candles or made a wish. Esther lit the candles, and Alvin turned off the lights.

She nudged me gently in the dim glow. "Happy 25th birthday, Daph. Make a wish."

I stared at the mangled cake and slowly closed my eyes, but I didn't make a wish. This crowded relationship of three had finally run its course. It was time to end it.

After celebrating my birthday, Alvin walked Esther downstairs.

I stood at the window and watched the two people I loved most walking so close they seemed like one person. Then, as they passed under a streetlamp, they kissed and became tangled together.

Tears blurred my vision.

…

It was already 11:00 pm by the time Alvin came back. I was cleaning up what was left on the table.

"I'll help," he said.

I dodged his outstretched hands and carried the dishes into the kitchen.

While I was washing up, he walked in. His voice was softer than before. "I shouldn't have said that just now. I'm sorry."

He stood very close when he spoke. The faint scent of Esther's perfume still clung to him. My stomach lurched again, and I slapped a hand over my mouth as I bolted for the bathroom.