"Okay, are you sure you can control yourself this time?" Nick asked as we stopped in front of the door to Kari's hospital room.
I rolled my eyes at him. "Yes Nick." I opened the door and we walked in. Kari was sitting up in her bed, watching Jerry Springer on a small t.v. "Hi Kari."
"Amy!" Kari shut off the t.v. and reached her arms out to give me a hug. "Thank you so much. You too Nick."
"What for?" Nick asked as he sat down in a chair near her.
Kari smiled at us warmly. "For saving my life. I didn't know what I was doing. I was so upset over the whole Brian thing that I guess I didn't realize how much I was drinking."
I could tell that she was lying. "Kari, you knew how much you were drinking," I said softly.
"What are you talking about Amy, I did not."
"Yes, you did. I've been your best friend for sixteen years Kari, I know when you're lying. Why did you do it?"
"I don't know what you're talking about Amy," Kari answered, her voice cracking and tears coming to her eyes.
"Kari, please just answer the question," I pleaded. "Why?"
"Because I wanted to die, okay! I couldn't except the fact that Brian was with someone else so I tried to kill myself! Is that alright with you?!" The tears were pouring down Kari's cheeks as Nick and I sat in shock. "Why did you have to find me? I was so close!"
"Kari, don't you understand what you've done? You drank so much fucking alcohol that you may never fully recover! Your liver is shot! How could you want to hurt your family and friends like that?!" I screamed, trying to blink back my tears. "Do you know how scared I was when I found you? For God's sakes, I thought you were dead!"
"I'm sorry!" Kari sobbed. "I-I don't want to hurt you Amy... I just want to die that's all."
"But why Kari?" Nick asked softly. "You have so much going for you."
"Like what Nick? I don't see anything going for me. My parents basically disowned me, I've lost Brian forever, and you now own my children. What the fuck do I have left?!"
"You have us," I answered solemnly. "Kari, you're my best friend, we're like sisters. I'll always be there for you and you know it. Now please, promise me something."
"What?" Kari asked as she wiped away her tears.
"That you will never drink or try to kill yourself again."
"I don't know..."
"Kari, promise me!"
Kari drew in a deep breath. "Alright. I promise you Amy."
"Good."
"So how was your honeymoon?" Kari asked. "I wanna know all the dirty details."
Nick blushed. "Maybe you-"
"Um, hi." The three of us looked over and saw Brian standing in the doorway. "I know you're probably gonna kill me Amy, but I just wanted to tell you guys that Melani and I are through."
I felt pangs of guilt shoot through my body. "Was it because of me?" I asked.
Brian shook his head. "No. We're just not right for each other. Anyway, I came by to see how you're feeling Kar."
"I'm fine," Kari answered icily.
"Okay, well I guess I'll see you tomorrow at your house warming party guys. Bye." Brian turned and left the room.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Hey guys!" Nicole said as she and Kevin came through the gate leading to our backyard. Nick and I had bought a house right next to her and Kevin.
"Hey Nicole, Kevin." I gave each a quick hug.
"So how's Kari?" Kevin asked. "Brian told me about what happened."
"She's doing okay. They're running one more test to see how badly her liver is damaged today, so she'll be here later on," I answered.
"Why would someone do that to themselves?" Nicole wondered out loud.
I shook my head and sighed. "I honestly have no idea Nicole."
"Where are Summer and Autumn?" Kevin asked, trying to get off the subject.
"Nick's getting them know, they just woke up from their nap."
"Hey guys!" Nick called as he came out of the house with Autumn and Summer.
"They are so cute!" Nicole cooed as Nick handed her Summer to hold.
I took Autumn from Nick. "Nicky honey, why don't you go start the barbecue?"
Kevin laughed. "God, you guys talk like you've been married for twenty years instead of two weeks."
"Howie's in da house!" Kevin, Nicole, and I looked over and saw Howie and A.J. come walking into the backyard. "My girls!" Howie took Summer from Nicole. "Hey sweetheart." Summer started crying.
"Howie, give her to me. Your face is scaring the poor kid," A.J. joked. Howie handed Summer to him and she immediately stopped crying. "See? I got the magic touch."
Howie made a face. "Big deal. I'm gonna go talk to Nick, see you girls later." Howie, Kevin, and A.J., who gave Summer back to Nicole, left.
"Men," Nicole and I said in unison.
