Nick's View

I stumbled towards Brian's door, almost smashing my head into his thorn bush. 

"Damn you, Brian.  Thorns hurt," I grumbled angrily.

"Nick?" I heard Brian call from inside the house.  "That you?"

"Yeah, man… your thorn bush almost killed me."

He opened the door with a sympathetic smile on his face.  He revealed his bruised arm from behind his back, and I GASPED in shock. 

"It got me too," he muttered sadly. 

"Bri… maybe… well, maybe…" I swallowed hard, wondering if I could ever find the courage to say what I would have to say. 

"Nick, what's wrong?"

The concern was obvious in Brian's gentle voice. 

"It's just… maybe you should cut that thorn bush down."

"You… you whore!" he screamed, jumping at me full force and knocking my body to the ground. 

"I'm sorry!" I gasped, struggling even to breath as his hands tightened around my throat.  "It was a suggestion, I didn't say you had to!"

"You know I can't take this anymore Nick," Brian cried, pushing me once more against the pavement before getting up.  "First Colleen - now this!  My thorn bush!"

"I'm sorry Bri," I whispered, looking away.  I couldn't even look into his eyes.  They were so sad and angered at what I'd just suggested.  What was wrong with me?  What kind of a dick was I?  Ben always told me I was a dick… and well - I guess he was right. 

"Brian, man, I am so sorry," I stuttered, reaching out my hand so he could help me up.

"I'd rather see you fuck Col then help you up!" he shouted in disgust.  "You can stay on the ground!  Live on the ground for all I care!"

But all of a sudden I had an idea.  A marvelous idea.  He had mentioned Colleen.  Colleen! 

"Brian… I'll tell you what…"

"Nick, I don't even wanna hear it," he muttered weakly.  "All you do is bring me pain and grief."

"No, listen… what if I said you could have Colleen?  Would that make up for the whole thorn bush thing?"

All of a sudden, Brian's eyes lit up and he eagerly helped me up.

"You've got it buddy!  Friends forever!"

"Friends forever, Brian," I agreed, "Friends forever."