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fragments of the kind of person he must be. And finally: the "third meeting" the actual moment where she met him in person.

It was at Miranda's surprise birthday party held by Melissa who invited all of her friends, including Joseph in an attempt to lure her out of her loner mentality. There was laughter, excitement, and embarrassment for those who were the subject of a humorous moment that was beyond their control. The moment when she met Joseph, he jumped at her and gave her a big hug as though she were an old friend. It caught her by surprise, but the gesture was very welcome.

From then on, the two remained in semi-regular contact. The spoke online, they occasionally greeted each other on campus. They had almost everything in common. Miranda knew it was far too good to be true, as she tried to kick Joseph out of her mind. It was never her intention to have feelings for anyone until after college, but still her frigid heart insisted upon it. It was an internal battleground over what to do: should she tell him? Should she go on with just being friends? Her assignments lay, ignored as she weighed her decisions. Just when she was about to come to one, she jumped and almost yelped as her cell phone rang. She scrambled to answer the phone, after she came out of her surprised stupor. It was Melissa.

"Hi, Melissa!" Miranda answered, the surprise leaked through her voice.

"Miranda! Hey, I know you just finished studying, and I know I'm probably bothering you, but I just can't hold it any longer!"

"What is it? Tell me!" She replied with concern, pessimistic as usual.

"Joseph and I are dating! I'm so happy!"

There was a long silence as Miranda replayed Melissa's words in her head. It was a full minute before her mouth regained the ability to form words.

"That's... that's great, Mel! I'm happy for you both!" Never has Miranda ever been so false as she was then. It wasn't great, she wasn't happy. Yet, part of her scolded her into being at least a little happy for her friend. The two continued to talk about the newly formed relationship, among other things. The entire time she numbed herself for Melissa's sake and laughed along with her. And she was still numb long after the conversation was over.

"Well, at least I didn't have think anymore for my answer," Miranda thought.

A year later, Melissa and Joseph announced their engagement. Miranda was solemnly happy for them. She was a year more mature, no longer the over-reactive, pessimistic young woman she was. Seeing her friends happy together made her happy, but it did not mean there were moments of jealousy; those, she kept solely to herself. Not ever telling either one the emotions that were once invoked. If there was anyone she loved far more than Joseph, it was Melissa. A friend, like a sister.

Learn more about this author, Karla Aguirre.
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