Aliyah stared ahead at the man she loved. A genuine smile made it's way onto her face as she saw him laugh along with his boss who had been scowling not too long ago. Adam Key always had the ability to put a smile on everyone's face even when no one else could and that was one of the many things she loved about him. She watched as he ran a hand through his shaggy brown hair and she let out a sigh.

       She'd been in love with him for nearly 5 years, yet they'd established nothing but a friendship. Her love for the Key was unrequited; one-sided as she never had the courage to tell him how she felt about him and he never showed any signs of feeling the same. Whenever she had even the slightest glimmer of confidence to tell him she loved him, it'd all wash away. She feared the denial and a decline in what friendship they held. So, instead of taking any chances, she decided to keep to herself and gaze at him from afar in hopes that he'd approach her..

..but the chance was seemingly nonexistent.

       Aliyah's breath hitched whenever he looked at her. Their eyes met. He smiled and began making his way over to her. She nervously placed a strand of hair behind her ear as her heart beat wildly within her chest. "Hey, Aliyah. Are you busy tonight?", he asked, causing her heart to beat ten times faster. She stared at him blankly as scenarios began to run wild within her mind. Was this it? Was he finally going to ask her out? After all this time?

       She sat up straight in her chair. "No.. I don't have anything planned." The brown-haired male seemed to light up at this. "Well, then..", he spoke again. "..when you get off work, could you come by? I have a surprise."

       At this, Aliyah smiled. "O-okay." Adam then smiled and nodded to her before walking away. She wanted right then and there to jump out of her seat and scream in victory. If she was not mistaken, she'd just been asked out by Adam Key. By the man she loved. She wanted this more than anything. It was like a dream come true.

       After arriving home, Aliyah ran up the stairs to her room and began searching through her clothes. She wanted to wear something that caught Adam's eye. Something that would make him stare at her in awe. Her heart beat began to pick up at the thought of it. She held up a sleeveless green dress to her torso. The back was cut out and it fell just above her knees. She knew his favorite color was green, but she didn't know if it was right for a date. She wanted to make a memorable impression, After spending what seemed like hours pondering over what to wear, she eventually decided to settle for the green dress.

       When she looked herself over in the mirror, she smiled to herself. She hadn't expected it to look so nice on her. She wore it with a pair of golden earrings and a light gloss coated her lips. She also liked the fact that the dress slightly dipped, but not enough to show any cleavage. She twirled around in confidence. Adam had to like this. At least, she hoped.

       When the time came, she arrived at his house. There were a number of cars parked outside and she could hear music playing. Confused, she walked up the steps and knocked on the wine-colored door. Not a second later, the door was swung open and she stood eye to eye with Trish, Adam's older sister. "Oh, Aliyah! Glad you could make it!", she said with a grin plastered on her face.

       She directed her inside and immediately her eyes fell on the crowd of people with in. Seeing everyone there laughing and conversing with each other, she immediately felt over dressed. She'd dressed for a date, yet this was clearly a party. She began to feel a little down. Had she gotten her hopes up for nothing? Well.. then, what was the surprise?

       Aliyah slightly jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked to the side and was greeted with a smile from her lifelong friend, Faith Thompson, who held a drink in her hand. "Hey. I like your dress." Aliyah sighed and then gave a little smile. "Thanks." Faith rose a curious brow at her best friends behavior. "Are you alright?", she asked. She opened her mouth to reply, but then decided against it when she saw Adam walking towards them.

       The smile on his face could not have been bigger. He seemed so excited. "Thanks for coming.", he said before hugging her tightly, causing her heart to beat even faster. She never wanted him to let her go and when he did, she instantly missed his warmth. He began to nervously rub the back of his head as he looked at Faith. "I wasn't so sure you'd come." Faith began to laugh lightly. "I almost didn't, but I forgive you for wrecking my car. I got it fixed." Adam once again smiled, but this time sheepishly. "That's always good to hear." He then looked toward Aliyah. "Are you guys ready for the surprise?"

       Aliyah found herself eagerly nodding. She sincerely wanted to know as she'd gotten dressed up for it. Adam once again smiled. "Okay.", he said before hurriedly walking off. "He's like a child with a new toy.", said Faith in the midst of her laughter. Aliyah turned to look at her best friend. "Do you know what the surprise is?" Faith shook her head. "Not a clue."

       They simultaneously turned their heads towards the center of the room as Adam asked for everyone's attention. As did everyone else at this gesture. "I have an announcement to make." he said as everyone looked at him with expectant gazes. They'd all been waiting for the so-called 'surprise'. Aliyah looked at him with a hopeful stare.

       He held out his hand to a girl with long dark hair and equally dark, but bright eyes who'd obviously dressed for the occasion. She wore a dark purple dress that highly complimented her skin and lips of red that added to her beauty. "Jalisa. Care to join me?" She slightly hesitated before slowly taking his hand. It wasn't hard to tell she was shy.

       Aliyah began to get a bad feeling as she saw the way he looked at her. Like a man in love. Adam had never once looked at her that way. He turned back to re-face everyone and smiled. "We're getting married." At this, the room roared with applause and cheers. They began gathering around the both of them, congratulating the bride to be and ruffling Adam's hair.

"I knew it, man!"

"Nah. She's too good for you Adam! Haha."

       ..but, all of the noise went unheard by Aliyah. Her heart stopped. Her world had been shattered. She received knowing glances from those who knew of her feelings for Adam. They knew she was breaking. She was rooted to her spot. She tried to smile, but the tears in her eyes were no help. She was breathing rapidly as the tears cascaded down her cheeks.

"I'm going to be the best man, right, Ads?"

"No! I've known him longer than you!"

       This was truly torture. Before she knew it, she was making her way down the street. She heard her name being called by Faith, but she didn't want to go back. Somewhere inside of her, she wanted it to be Adam calling her name, but she doubted he even knew she left. He was too enveloped in the sea of congrats from his friends and family.

       Tears continued to escape her eyes. The one person she could actually see a future with was getting married. He was in love with someone else. And that someone wasn't her. She was nothing special to him. She never was and never would be.

"Hey, Aliyah... are you alright?"

       She layed in the bathtub, tears streaming down her face as she let all of the calls go to the answering machine. She just wanted to forget that this even happened. Her chest was hurting and she didn't want it to. Why did it have to be Adam? Why'd she have to fall in love with someone who didn't love her back?

"Please, answer.", She heard Faith plead once more.

She just wanted it all to go away.