Chance Encounter
By: Steven & Stephanie 01/09/07

Alex had never viewed James as more than a best friend.

They had met in first grade when the school bully was picking on Alex because of his feminine build. When he started pushing Alex around, James showed up and smashed his nose. Since then, they’ve been best friends.

Through elementary school, junior high, and high school, they were closer to each other than any girl could try to be. In fact, James had had a few girlfriends who dumped him because he was closer to Alex than them.

That had made Alex upset, but James had just waved it off saying, “If they’re jealous of our relationship, they’re not worth my time.”

Now they were in college, making sure they stayed in the same dorm. Both Alex and James had their own rooms since their school was somewhat expensive.

James had to work late at the Jubilee Oaks, a pub in the city, and promised Alex that he would join the party when they reached his pub.

By the time they finally got there, the party was thoroughly drunk, and had only 10 people left. Alex wasn’t enjoying himself too much because he refused to drink, but he liked watching parties.

“Well aren’t you Mr. Sour-puss. Not having fun?”

Alex spun around on his stool and saw Neal, one of the waiters who recognized Alex. Alex usually came by to walk back to the dorm with James, but recently James’ work had been keeping him late. “Hey Neal,” said Alex, “parties aren’t fun if you don’t know the people, or you’re sober.” He paused. “When does James’ shift behind the bar end?”

Neal had to think a moment. “He’s done in about 10 minutes, just hold tight till then.” He patted Alex’s shoulder sympathetically. “Can I get you a drink while you wait?”

Alex chuckled, “Sure, I’ll have the usual.”

He watched Neal take his order to the bar, where he caught his first glimpse of James that night. For some reason, his pulse rate jumped. ‘What’s wrong with me?’ he thought. James saw him and smiled that warm smile that melted so many girl’s hearts, and at that moment, Alex’s too. ‘Why am I reacting like this? He’s my best friend!’

Neal brought Alex his drink, a blend of non-alcoholic cocktails, and noticed him blushing. “What, did you get embarrassed by a drunk or something?” He laughed as he went to the next table.


Alex’s party was still drinking and talking by the time he finished his second drink. He looked at the bar for the seventh or eighth time in ten minutes, and noticed James, in his normal clothes, walking towards him. A smile inexplicably lit Alex’s face, so he turned his head slightly to try and hide it.

When he looked back, a girl was pulling James aside. Alex could just barely make out her words over the bar noise.

“You see, I’ve liked you for a long time, and I was wondering, would you consider going out with me?”

The words hit Alex like a brick. ‘Other girls have gone out with him, it’s no big deal.’ But it was. Alex didn’t know why, but the thought of James dating a girl was unbearable.
Alex stood up and walked towards the door. He couldn’t take it any more. Maybe James had spiked his drink. ‘Yeah, that was it; James had spiked his