A/N: Late update again, but thanks for sticking with it! Hope you enjoy.

I've realized that even though I still like Ned, I can't live without Suzie. She's my oxygen, my heart, and my soul; I need her. But somehow, I need to figure out how to break the news to Ned in the least painful way possible, which will be a considerable feat when looking at who I like. If it were any other girl, maybe, just maybe, he might have understood. However, with Suzie, his ex, being the other girl, it just complicates matters so much more.

The incident at school occurred about a week ago now. Apparently the guilt has been negatively affecting my health since Suzie claims that I've gotten a bit thinner and I have small bags under my eyes. I tell her that it's just from lack of sleep, but I know that she doesn't buy that excuse for one second, and she demands that we tell Ned at once. Despite my efforts to put it off, I realize that it has been getting harder and harder to look him in the eyes each passing period.

"Jennifer, please, promise me that you'll tell Ned soon. Promise."

Suzie made me swear that we'd say something, so I told him that all three of us should get together to see a movie, like old times. He agreed with much enthusiasm, and for some reason, it amplified my remorse. I do care for Ned, but as greedy as this sounds, I just want Suzie.

And so, just like any other day, the three of us meet at a nearby movie theater area. It's a pretty large area, with a large bookstore and clothing shops nearby, as well as endless amounts of fast food chains. The theater itself is situated towards the back spot of the entire plot of land, since it has a wide-open park complete with an adjacent circular fountain. It's quite the hotspot for many teenagers, especially at night when homework is either finished, or ignored, and everybody just wants to hang out with friends.

Looking up at the electronic signs flashing the latest movie showings, Ned points to a rather violent and gory movie, which I personally don't mind myself. Suzie occasionally has problems with them, depending on how many heads and blood are spilled.

"Oh! Oh! Let's see that one! I've always wanted to see that one! C'mon, let's go, there's a showing at… 7:30! That's in…" he glances at his watch, squints, then smiles widely, "…about an hour and a half. We can catch some dinner beforehand at this pizza place next door and then come back here. How about it?"

Suzie shoots a look at me and I sort of understand what she's trying to convey to me through her expression. Should we tell Ned before the movie, or after? It would certainly be in our best interest to say something as soon as possible, otherwise it mind end up with us putting it off again. But on the other hand, is an hour and a half really enough time to explain everything? It seems feasible, but then again, we both don't know how Ned will react; that's what concerns and scares me the most. I don't want to lose him as a friend, but if he doesn't take this well, then… no, I can't think like that.

"Before," I say shakily. Suzie nods and Ned looks at us oddly, but then instantly chuckles.

"Okay, so… you both do want to see it, right…? Yes, of course, and you want to get the food beforehand, that's what you mean? Alright, let's go get our tickets!"

Ned dashes towards the lines and starts fumbling around in every single pocket for his wallet. Suzie walks up to me while digging around in her purse looking for the desired wallet and then smiles at me. After fishing out a peach-colored wallet with a volleyball design on it, her head darts left and right before sneaking a quick peck on my cheek. The action stuns me a bit, since we are out in public, but she merely grins adorably and runs to the lines to buy her ticket. I chuckle slightly and run over to the lines as well. Ned appears out of the crowd with two tickets in hand and shoves one in my direction with an accomplished look on his face, "I bought tickets for the both of us, don't worry."

He smiles the absolute sweetest smile in the world, and guilt surges through me uncontrollably. Suddenly, I feel a bit too weak to stand, and clutching my forehead lightly, I walk over to the middle of a nearby bench. I rub my temples as Ned sits down next to me and drapes his arm around my shoulders.

"What's wrong? Moze, talk to me… you know you can tell me anything. If you're feeling sick, just say something. I know how headstrong you are, but just say the word and we can go relax at home or something."

I look at him and much to my surprise, I feel a minute drop of liquid slide down my face. A total accident, but it was a considerable slip that should never have happened. The more he cares about me, the more it hurts because of what's going on between Suzie and I.

"Ned… I-"

He cuts me off with a gentle kiss on the lips, and I'm silenced. He brings me in close, as if he is trying to protect me from some unseen harm or danger, and as much as I want to push him away, I can't. I fall deeper and deeper into his warm embrace and the security it offers.

"Jennifer, can I talk to you?"

My heart stops cold at the unnervingly calm voice, and my eyes shoot open as I push Ned off me a little rougher than intended. Ned frowns slightly as I stand up and walk with Suzie over to a more isolated area so that nobody can see, or hear us. It's pretty dark outside now, but we're in between two walls. Suzie faces me with crossed arms and creased eyebrows. She usually makes that face when she's thinking hard, and it makes me anxious. She sighs heavily and looks me directly in the eyes.

"Jennifer, are you sure you like me? Or do you really still like Ned?"

I open my mouth to speak, but then close it immediately knowing that every word I choose to say may affect our shaky relationship. Nothing but the sound of a nearby fountain can be heard as all words seem to just elude me. Another tear escapes my eye out of frustration and Suzie's hand tenderly wipes it away as she begins to caress my cheek.

"Is this how it's going to be? I admit that I've been selfish in the past, but you're the only one that I don't ever want to share. Not with Ned and not with anybody else."

My hand reaches up to overlap hers and I smile weakly. Bringing my other arm around her waist, I pull her in loosely and brush my lips up against hers to give my reply to her question. No words are needed right now, but neither of us have any left to say at this point. She pulls back, takes a deep gulp of air, and nods. We can do this.

Now is the time.

We walk over to Ned, who's still sitting at the bench all alone. After seeing us walk over, a smile brightens his face and he stands up.

"Hey Moze, you feeling better?"

Looking into his worried eyes, I bite my lip and shake my head. His concern for me forces me to fight back tears, but Suzie comes to my aid and is the one to speak.

"Ned, we need to talk about something important. It's also private, so let's go over to the fountain since nobody is there right now."

He bobs his head up and down and starts walking over to the aforementioned place. Suzie flashes me a brief yet supportive smile before grasping my hand in hers. She squeezes it tightly to let me know that she will be with me the whole way, and together we walk down a few steps towards Ned. I think he notices us holding hands, but he probably doesn't think too much of it since we're best friends, in his eyes anyways. He folds his arms loosely and stares at both of us.

"What's bothering you Moze?"

My mouth goes dry and words choke up my throat.

"Well, I… in… in these past few weeks, I've realized that I like you a lot, you know?" he nods thoughtfully as he probably knows where this is going.

"Moze, I know that you've like me, but come on, I know that's not the real reason why we're talking right now. What is it? Is it me?"

I shake my head.

"No, I'll always like you the way you are, and I hope that we'll be friends forever but… there's someone else who I've developed feelings for. It was certainly unexpected. I truly hope you believe me when I say that I never wanted you to get hurt, but I can't continue our relationship as it is now. I want someone better for you who will give you one hundred percent of their love and attention, which is something I cannot provide you anymore. Please, please understand what I'm trying to say…"

As I was talking, Ned's expression morphed into one of sorrow. Staring at the ground after my speech, he inhales before speaking.

"I appreciate that you've told me the truth Moze. And, even if it isn't me who's going to be with you, as long as you're happy, then that's all I can really wish for. You mean a lot to me Moze, but if happiness lies in another person, then I'm willing to give you up to let you be free."

It is perhaps the cheesiest thing I've ever heard, but also the sweetest and most heartfelt. Throwing my arms around his body, I bring him into a bone-crushing embrace as tears trickle down my face.

"Thank you Ned. Thank you…"

He laughs softly before pushing me back to speak.

"I just have one question though."

Oh no. No Ned no, don't say it.

"Who's the other person?"

My heart falls and I glance in Suzie's direction who was seemingly invisible throughout the entire conversation between Ned and I. From the look on her face, she doesn't know whether to tell him or not, since things have been lucky for us so far.

"Is it Faymen?"

I shake my head.

"Seth?"

I shake my head.

"Loomer?"

I shake my head. His eyes bulge as he stares at me, then Suzie, then back to me.

"No way…"

I nod slightly and he gasps.

"It's Coconut Head!?"

…

What the hell? Is he stupid or something? Both Suzie and I exchange dumbfounded looks as we burst out into laughter in spite of the dire situation. Ned takes the laughter as a sign that it actually wasn't Coconut Head. It was a huge relief for him before I let the truth slip without even realizing it.

"It's not Coconut Head you dope, it's Suzie!"

No more laughter. Not after that. Ned goes silent as his expression suddenly turns stoic. Nobody says a thing for a few seconds, but it feels like an eternity before he rips his gaze from the ground only to pierce my eyes with icy daggers of his own.

"That's… that's just gross."

Without a second glance, he walks away from the fountain and into the parking lot. There are no tears escaping my eyes, not after what he just said. Maybe they froze up after the cold look he gave me, but it doesn't matter anymore. What happened to him wanting me to be happy? Did that speech he made earlier mean nothing to him? I fall to my knees and hit the ground with a clenched fist.

"Jennifer, we need to go find him now. We need to talk to him!"

Suzie tries to pick me up off my knees, but all I feel like doing now is sitting.

"What's the use of finding him Suzie? He apparently did all the talking he wanted to do, which wasn't much or what I was expecting. He hates me. He hates us."

I hoist myself up and start walking over to the nearby bookstore. At least I can go and get lost among the rows of romance novels and fairy tales where there's always a happy ending. The night air feels cool against my skin as I walk briskly with Suzie beside me, clutching my hand tightly as if I'm going to die any second. Bright lights blur around me as I open the double doors to the store and immediately start weaving in and out of each row of book genres. I keep walking faster, but Suzie doesn't say a thing. Ned's words continue to replay through my mind like some nightmarish broken record.

After a few minutes of aimless wandering, I find myself in the romance section of the store and flop down on the floor hopelessly. Suzie sits down beside me, our hands and arms intertwined, and rests her head against my shoulder. The aisles are pretty empty at this time since most people are at the movie theaters, but honestly, neither of us really cares who sees now. I'm emotionally exhausted, but I'm sure Suzie feels the same way.

"Do you think I'll lose Ned forever?"

My words are shaky and uncertain as Suzie's thumb rubs my hand. She sighs, unsure of what to say since she herself doesn't know if Ned will ever come around to talking to us ever again.

"Give him time. This is a huge shock for him, so it could take quite a long while."

My eyes mist over as tears from out of nowhere almost overtake me. That is, until a familiar voice is heard.

"Or it could take no time at all."

Our heads shoot up to look at who had spoken, though we both know to whom the voice belonged to. Ned walked closer with a slightly apologetic grin on his face. He twiddled his thumbs awkwardly and sat down in the aisle opposite of where we are sitting. Suzie separates herself from me and we both sit cross-legged. After moments of uncomfortable silence, Ned finally musters up the courage to look us both square in the eyes. Holding up his hands as if he were getting ready to grab something, he starts talking in a slow but steady voice.

"Look, I'm sorry about what I said. I still want to be a friend to both of you; it just was kind of startling. Please forgive me! It was just a stupid moment I had, honest."

Suzie and I exchange glances before giving him a tight hug.

"Oh please you three. Buy a book or get a room."

All of us look up from our group hug and see one of the store's employees making a sweep of the aisles with books in tow. The three of us laugh heartily and walk outside into the now refreshing night air. We walk a few feet and sit down on nearby cement stairs in content peace. Ned exhales loudly and turns to look at me.

"Hey Moze. Um… could I ask you a question?"

Another question? Well, he already knows who I like, so what could he possibly want to know now? Maybe he needs to know how long this has been going on or something. I nod, "Ask away." His eyes squint seriously.

"Was it my fault that you… um…"

"No Ned. I like Suzie because I do. It didn't involve anything that you did."

Suzie grins, "Although I'm much better with my tongue-"

I jokingly slap Suzie and Ned grimaces a little. He's still trying his best to adjust to our relationship thing, but I don't think he needed to hear that, even if it is the truth. She makes a pouting face and rubs her arm like a hurt puppy.

"How could you hit someone like me? You're mean!"

We snicker playfully and I steal a quick peck on her lips and her eyes flutter briefly. I guess I was sort of caught in the moment, but then we both forgot that Ned was here, so we look to him to judge his reaction. He has some unreadable look on his face, but begins talking anyways.

"Hey, do that again."

Suzie's eyes widen and she laughs.

"Ned you pervert!"

What I said earlier about me just liking Ned, I see that it's now actually a lie. I can't live without him or Suzie. I treasure my relationship with both of them equally, and without one or the other, my life will always be just a tiny bit incomplete. It seemed like Ned didn't accept us at first, but now it looks as if things might just work out for all of us.

We join in the laughter and it seems like everything's going to be alright after all.