Three Makes One

Tears cloud my vision as I tried to unlock the door. My hands were shaking, and my clumsiness made me cry harder. Mumbling under my breath, I managed to get the key in the lock and twist it open. The door swung open, and I stumbled into the apartment.

I see my best friends inside and the walls around me crumbled.

A pair of strong arms grabbed me before I hit the ground and a hard chest smothered my face. And a familiar smell. That familiarity made me cry even harder. I grabbed any part of him that was close to me, trying to keep him closer.

"Mia!"

"What on Earth is happening?"

"Oh my God, Mia!"

Both men were around me now, my childhood best friends, Tommy and Jack. Tommy had me in a tight embrace, a hand buried in my hair as he tried to calm me down. Another hand rubbed down my back, it must be Jack trying to help. With them here, I could not stop the waterworks.

"Mia, tell us please."

It was hard to breathe. My throat had clamped up. The sobbing rattled my lungs, making it difficult for me to form a coherent sentence. I struggled to speak, desperate to tell them what happened. Tommy wiped away the tears from my eyes and pushed my hair back.

"Tell us what happened." He was firm.

"It was C-caleb ... he ... h-he -"

"What did he do?"

"I will fucking kill him!"

"Calm the fuck down, Jack!" Tommy exclaimed. "Let her speak."

"He and ... Makayla ... they w-were sleeping in ... our bed," I sobbed. Snot and tears running down my face in rivulets. I was in too much pain to care about how I looked. "I found them naked ... e-even had his arms a-around ... her. I even b-brought his favorite game and food! I-I can't believe how-"

I cannot believe how he'd throw five years away like that.

I broke down crying again, unable to complete my sentence - burying my face into Tommy's chest as he held me to him. The anguish. The pain. The sorrow. I could hear my voice wailing, I could hear how sad and heartbroken I was. It was terrifying to hear.

"I swear I'm gonna kill him!"

"Jack! We can do that later," Tommy reasoned. "But Mia needs us now."

Jack seemed to calm down when Tommy said that statement to him. I felt a kiss on the top of my head and then Jack left the apartment. Tommy remained, keeping me in his warm embrace, and started humming a soft melody.

The image of them on the bed was forever seared into my brain and I tried so hard but I couldn't get them out of my head. Jack had returned to the apartment armed with my favorite foods and snacks.

Tommy offered a glass of warm water, and I took a sip, my body wreaked with hiccups from all the crying that I did. Jack made the living room cozy and put on my favorite movie. Tommy shifted places to the sofa so I could have a good view of the movie.

I was numb.

I cried too much.

, I extended my right arm to the back, knowing that Jack would reach for my hand without a word, and he did. I smiled and rested my head on Tommy's chest as I watched Rapunzel sing. My two best friends are with me when I needed them the most.

I could not ask for more.

...

I woke up on Tommy's bed.

The apartment was quiet, and I rolled around until I was resting on my back. I stared up at the ceiling as I recalled the moments that happened last night. Even though it tightens my throat and my heart clenched in pain, I took a deep breath and sat up.

Plugged and charging by the bedside table was my mobile phone. The charger that I had gifted him on his eighteenth birthday. It brought a smile to my face as I inched over to grab my phone. I was hesitant to unlock the phone and see the notifications, but I did it anyways.

Tommy must have muted all notifications because I slept like a baby all night. My heart clenched upon seeing them from Caleb, Makayla, and the rest of his obnoxious friends.

I ignored all their messages and informed the family group chat. I kept the message straightforward. I told them that Caleb cheated on me with a close friend and asked them to block him on all social media. I added that I was safe with Tommy and Jack.

Then, I went to block Caleb on all social media accounts and removed him from the joint financial account. I emptied the account and switched to a different banking account so my money was still safe.

I was on a call with the phone company when Jack and Tommy returned - bringing in bags of groceries.

"Hey, Mia."

"Mia, we're back!"

"Welcome home."

"Hey, what are you doing?" Tommy asked as he popped his head into his room, seeing me seated cross-legged on his bed.

"I'm changing my number," I said. "Give me a sec."

Tommy nodded and went to the kitchen to help Jack unload the groceries. After the negotiation, I managed to get my number changed. I erased the photos, videos, and messages that I have with my ex.

Leaving my phone aside, I got out of the bedroom to join them in the kitchen. Jack saw me approaching and brought me into a bear hug - earning a laugh from me. He wasn't a hugger, but he was the last one to let go whenever I needed one.

"How are you feeling?" he asked as he accessed my face.

"Better."

"Do you need to take anything from your apartment?" Tommy quipped.

I sat on their stool and rested my arms on the kitchen counter. I invited them to join me. Both had serious faces as they waited for me to speak. I licked my lips as I looked at them, assessing their facial expressions as I thought of what to say.

"When I found Caleb and Makayla in bed, I knew my suspicions were true. I had a gut feeling in my stomach for the past six months that he was fooling around behind my back," I explained. "So, I started to get things ready. I hatched a plan."

"Oh, this is juicy."

"I knew that I wasn't about to end things with no job, or no apartment, waiting for help," I said. "I wasn't allowing him to hurt me more than he did. It hurt like hell, but I made damn sure I had a new job and a new apartment waiting for me as soon as the ball dropped."

"You didn't breathe a word about this to us."

"I had to," I said. "If I told you any earlier, I knew I couldn't keep the secret for long."

"Oh my God, Mia."

I took a deep breath. "It was six months of planning," I said. "My current job allowed me to work in this city. They found me an apartment within two kilometers of where we are. It is a three-bedroom apartment overlooking an exquisite view of the city."

"A three-bedroom -"

"Mia, are you asking us to move in with you?" Tommy interrupted.

"Yes, I am."

Jack gasped. "But what about your ... your stuff!"

"All my belongings and important documents are packed and shipped to the new apartment as we speak," I said. "As I said, I was ready to move the hell out. I was waiting for the right moment for him to make that mistake."

"But how did you know?"

"Yeah, how did you know he's fooling around with that Makayla girl?"

I turned thoughtful. "You know they were being very discreet," I said. "I couldn't even tell it was happening right under my nose but there was a dead giveaway. Makayla started acting more obsessed with Caleb. Then, she let slip that there was a beauty spot on the dimple on his back."

"What the actual hell!"

"That's fucking gross."

"And she began controlling him, getting all upset if I were sitting on his lap or if Caleb made me a drink," I explained. "She's always around and that made me have the ick."

"We thought she was being a pick-me," Jack added.

"Yeah, being her usual idiotic self," Tommy said. "And Caleb being a fool as per usual."

"But are you okay?"

I smiled. "Yes, and all will go well."

"Can we start packing? When are we shifting over?"

The excitement on Jack was obvious.

"Are you sure you want to shift in with me though?" I asked, a bit concerned that I was being pushy with them two. "I didn't give a heads up about this situation and I have sprung this on to you two. I'm sorry."

"No! We're very excited and happy that we'll be shifting in with you," Jack cried. "It's a dream come true actually."

"Oh?" I asked, relieved. "How about you, Tommy?"

Tommy looked thoughtful but then his face relaxed and he nodded. "We wanted to live together when we were younger, didn't we?" he asked. "I guess that turned into reality far quicker than we expected."

"I'm glad!"

"Alright, let's get something to eat."

...

The day of the move to the new apartment loomed ever nearer.

I woke up to the smell of breakfast and soft music. Jake hummed as he worked in the kitchen. A sleepy Tommy appeared from his bedroom murmuring about breakfast.

Even though both men insisted I take their beds and they could take turns on the sofa, I insisted on taking the sofa. I was guilty for coming to them so and then springing the news of the move on them.

Finally, the day was here.

I can finally start a new leaf in life, with my best friends with me.

The move to the new apartment was smooth sailing. The movers arrived bright and early, and they began to take over. The three of us went to the car, carrying some small fragile items with us before we headed over to the new apartment. We had visited the place before, looking at the view and choosing who will take which room.

After we all agreed upon the rooms, I called in the movers to move in my items and furniture first. We let the movers do their work. So we went to look around the neighborhood, wanting to get acquainted with the new place.

The new town has many amenities within walking distance. Grocers were ten minutes away. There were a few shops, restaurants, and bars that were within walking distance. They had a florist and a bookstore nearby. It was a better choice than the current place.

We were excited.

I was excited.

Through the drive, I stared out of the window with a relaxed smile on my face and I felt a hand on mine. A new chapter in life without Caleb. Will I be able to function without him? Turning to see Jack with his hand on mine, we smiled at each other, and I squeezed his hand.

"We're here with you every step of the way, Mia."

"You won't be alone, anymore."

"I know," I said. "I'm glad I have you two with me."

A new life. A new beginning.

...

Yet it all came crashing down one fine afternoon.

As I had deactivated all my social media, I was ignorant of what was happening in the old life I had left behind. Tommy and Jake were not. Informed by one of our mutuals, who had caught wind of the situation.

Appalled was the least I felt.

Those screenshots contained a post written by Caleb, who had posted it on Facebook. Written from his point of view and filled with accusations about our relationship. It stemmed from me being disingenuous with him, even claiming that I was manipulative.

He wrote a long paragraph, riddled with grammatical and spelling errors. Tommy had the Facebook post on his phone, and he was looking at the comments. The ignorant were claiming all sorts of nonsense while those who knew were arguing back.

As none of my mutuals nor my relatives could get a hold of me, they contacted my family members. Soon, it turned into a bigger thing than I had hoped it would be.

I sat there, shocked while my life was spiraling out of control.

I felt a hand on mine, a concerned Tommy hovering in my line of vision. I snapped out of my thoughts and focused on the two men who were looking at me - anger in Jack. I took a deep breath and let it out, before getting up from the sofa to head to my bedroom.

"What're you going to do, Mia?"

I got out of my room carrying my iPad with me and scrolling through the apps to find my gallery. "You can send these to the mutual friend, and let them see who Caleb is," I said.

I sat back down on the sofa and heaved a sigh.

"I'll make you tea," Jack quipped as he went to the kitchen.

"I've told the mutual that he's free to wreak havoc with the screenshots that you gave," Tommy said. "And everything else will fall into place. The fact that he aired his own dirty laundry on Facebook is abhorrent."

I sighed. "This makes me feel exposed," I said. "I hate this feeling."

The silence was uncanny. I looked down at my hands, staring hard at my fingers. What did I do to deserve such backlash? So, they were people who despised me. I can't satisfy everyone, and I should be grateful that I have a roof over my head, a stable job, and two best friends.

"You know we can treat you better than him," Jack interrupted.

I stared at him. Surprised at his statement. What does that mean? Is there more to that statement? What is he trying to tell me?

"Jack." Tommy's first warning.

"We?" I asked, looking at the two men in confusion. "The both of you."

Tommy took a deep breath and closed his eyes while Jack seemed determined as he nodded. "We promised not to say this now - not when she's - Jack!" Tommy cried as he turned to him in anger. "She's hurting! Do not do this to her, please! We promised that we would never hurt her!"

I looked at them. I was assessing the situation. My two best friends love me. Not in a platonic way. When did they start developing romantic feelings for me? Should I be wary? Should I act on my carnal desire? Or should I be the same old Mia as always?

"Mia ... Mia, this is not how it's supposed to be," Tommy was saying.

"Then what should it be?" I asked.

"We were hoping that it wouldn't come down to this - not when you're hurting," he said. "We don't want to take advantage of this situation. Not when you're vulnerable."

I swallowed hard. My heart was pounding out of my chest. I was nervous, unsure of what to think or do. My mind was swimming - I can't think straight. Tommy and Jack were looking at me, one of concern and one of determination. Both were waiting for my answer.

Should I wait?

Should I take my time?

No.

"I don't mind if it's with you two."

Both had similar reactions. Jack immediately wanted to pounce me into a hug, but Tommy held him back, a hand on his arm as he looked at me with concern. It was always Tommy who was calm and cool-headed while Jack was the spontaneous type.

"Mia, you're not saying that to make us happy, are you?"

Tommy was more cautious than Jack.

"No, I'm not saying it to make you two happy."

"I don't want us to be a rebound," Tommy said, his eyes hard and serious. "We can wait for you when you're ready."

"Mia, it's not just Tommy," Jack added. "It is the both of us. The three of us will be together. We are going to be in a three-person relationship. A triad. So, I suggest that we sit down, and talk about it before you agree on anything."

"Okay."

"Okay?" Tommy questioned. He looked surprised at my answer. "You are kind of more open-minded about this than I thought."

"I told you, didn't I?"

They must have discussed this topic at hand with each other, to be able to know how I'd react lest they pop the question at me. I looked at them and wondered when they started being okay with liking or loving the same person.

"You have a question you'd like to ask," Jack said as he came over with a tray, three cups filled with tea. He set the tray down on the coffee table and handed one over to me and another one to Tommy before he took the last cup. "Ask away, and we will answer it."

"When did you start liking me?" I asked.

They glanced at each other.

"And when were you two okay with liking me and that you were okay with the three of us like ... being together?"

"We knew when we turned eighteen," Tommy said with a shrug. "Jack and I were celebrating your birthday when we came to that realization. It was like a lightbulb moment."

"But I was in denial for months," Jack added.

"Yeah, the fucker couldn't accept the fact that he's in love with you," Tommy said with a laugh. "He thought it was him being a best friend that got him all jealous and angsty."

I was quiet.

Tommy seemed to take notice. "Are you nervous, Mia?" he asked. "I'm sorry. We'll stop and continue once you have time to think things through."

"I'm fine," I said. "You can continue."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Jack and Tommy looked at each other -- a telepathic moment. "We confessed to each other when we were getting drunk," Jack added. "We were trying to drown out our pain -- this is when you got together with that terrible ex of yours, Hunter."

"Jack came into my apartment carrying a 6-pack beer, claiming that he wanted to get drunk," Tommy took over. There was a sad smile on his face. "We were both hurting, and we didn't know who to tell, so we sought comfort with each other."

"And it turns out I am a sleazy drunk. I confessed to Tommy that I was in love with you and Tommy blurted it out as well," Jack continued with a wry laugh. "We stared at each other. Too dumbfounded. Drunk and miserable. But it clicked in our brains about one thing."

"What is that?"

"We weren't okay with other men being with you, but we were okay if either one of us is with you," Tommy explained. "We knew that none of the men were good enough for you and either one of us could step up. We could bring you the happiness you deserved and then we realized that both of us are better than one."

I was speechless but I understood.

"So, how does this work?" I asked. "What should be the arrangement like? What is going to happen between the three of us?"

"We should take things slow," Tommy decided.

"Yeah, you just got out of a long relationship."

"I know, I don't want to start another without a break and some healing first," I said. "It is not fair for you two and it's not fair for me. This Caleb thing is not over either."

"Agreed."

"We waited for you for eight years," Jack said. "We can wait some more. There is no need for you to rush, Mia."

"We don't want to rush you either."

I nodded. "Give me some time to think, and to decide what I should do," I said, looking at both men. "Even though I said that I don't mind being with you two, I don't want to jump in headfirst without thinking. I don't want to throw away our friendship and I would want to start this with a better knowledge of how this triad work."

"And we would feel better if you enter this without any regrets and distrust," Jack said as he scooped up my hands in his. "This is a whole new thing, a whole new step for you and we want you to feel safe, comfortable, and in love."

I smiled. "Can I get a hug?" I asked.

"Sure, sweetheart."

"I'm about to burst into tears, this Caleb issue has brought in a whole ass drama, and I cannot handle this without you two."

Both men cooed at my statement and buried me in their arms. I let out a sob and pressed my face onto the nearest chest. I felt a hand running through my hair and warmth radiating through my skin as both men cuddled me in their embrace.

...

After a week, Caleb finally brought down his post and everyone saw his wrongdoings. Texts of apologies came, and I realized how foolish some people could be when they do not fact-check.

I kept to myself; focusing on work and healing from the hurt I had suffered. I did not allow myself to pause. I threw myself into joining a gym and following Tommy on his runs or accompanying Jack to his Muay Thai classes.

I know just how freeing they must have felt as they were now allowed to love. How much they had to offer to ensure that I was comfortable. They are aware that I wanted to take the time to heal, and they made sure that my needs were met.

With both men living with me, the apartment is lively. There were no more quiet nights. No more darkness. There is always music playing somewhere. A light essence filled the apartment. A soft glow of light radiated from the living room. The smell of cooking from the kitchen.

Most importantly, there was laughter.

There was banter.

Finally, I don't feel alone anymore.

...

"Good morning, Mia."

I woke up to a Jack peering down at me. The room still looked dark, so I glanced at the digital clock. It was not morning. It was three in the morning. "What is it, Jack?" I asked with a groan, shifting around so I could curl up into a comfortable position.