Author of the novel Distorted Perceptions, Paula has also written flash fiction and short stories. She is interested in exploring relationships, including family relationships and friendships, as well as romantic relationships. This collection includes a small selection of Paula's fiction.
From the book:
Her Best Friend's Boyfriend
Best friends Ava and Heidi had been inseparable since childhood, sharing everything from secrets to clothes. They were the kind of friends who finished each other's sentences, and knew each other's quirks like the back of their own hands.
But there was one secret that Ava had been keeping from Heidi for quite some time now. Her secret crush on Heidi's boyfriend, Mike. It wasn't something she was proud of, but she couldn't help the way she felt, whenever she was around him. He was charming, funny, and had a smile that could light up a room.
Ava tried her best to keep her feelings hidden, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. Every time she saw Mike, her heart would skip a beat, and she would feel a flutter in her stomach. She knew it was wrong to feel this way, but she couldn't help it.
One day, while the three of them were hanging out at the Red Lion, their local pub, Ava found herself lost in thought, staring at Mike as he talked animatedly about his latest novel. Ava had been ridiculously impressed when she'd first learned that Mike and crime novelist Michael Rollins were one and the same. The surname being his mother's maiden name. But right then, even the actual content of Mike's words was lost on Ava. She was lost in the man.
Heidi apparently noticed her friend's distant expression. "You okay, Ava?" she asked.
Ava snapped out of her reverie, assuring Heidi that everything was fine. But the truth was, everything was far from fine. She was struggling to keep her feelings in check, and it was starting to take a toll.
As the weeks drifted by, Ava found herself actively avoiding Mike and Heidi's company, afraid that her secret would be revealed. She knew that, if Heidi ever found out about her crush, it would ruin their friendship forever.
But one day, while out for a walk in the park, Ava found herself face to face with Mike. It had never been just the two of them before. They struck up a conversation, and before she knew it, they were laughing and joking like old friends. It was then that Ava realised that her feelings for Mike were more than a passing crush.
She had to tell Heidi the truth, no matter how difficult it would be. So, one evening, she sat down with her best friend, a bottle of red wine between them, and Ava confessed everything. Heidi was shocked and hurt, but ultimately, appreciated Ava's honesty. Hugs and tears ensued.
Heidi forgave Ava, and they remained friends. Mike, on the other hand, was a different story.
"I'm going to tell him, Ava," Heidi had said. "I don't think secrets are healthy, and he knows there's something going on with me, and that it involves you."
Mike subsequently confronted Ava, turning up on her doorstep, and was apparently furious that she had kept her feelings hidden for so long. And then again, he told her he couldn't understand why she would risk their friendship for something that could never be. So, was he blaming her for saying nothing, or for speaking up? Mixed messages were hurled in Ava's general direction.
"You shouldn't even be here," said Ava, attempting to remain calm. "Heidi's the one you need to talk this through with. You might want to sober up first, though."
"Are you telling me what to do, Ava?"
"No," she said, but he absolutely reeked of alcohol.
Ava understood that sometimes, it was better to keep your feelings to yourself, especially if they could hurt the people you cared about. That was what she had tried to do for so long. But honestly, Mike's reaction was out of proportion. A little insane. Her feelings for him were dissolving, as the real Mike revealed himself to her. Ava was going to have to make Heidi understand that, before advising her friend to dump this loser. He wasn't nearly good enough for Ava's best friend, never had been.
