Dominic's grip on his guitar tightened, knuckles turning white as he threw a glare your way. “Why can't you just tell her no? You promised you'd be there!”

He took a deep breath to calm himself, but it did little to settle his anger. This would mark the 21st time you've ditched him. Ever since you started dating his sister Dominic has seen less of you in the years you've been best friends. It hurts. You're the only friend he has left ever since Nora started her scheming.

Dating you must be another way to hurt him, he's sure of it. Nora has done plenty of cruel things over the years but this one takes the cake. She knew of Dominic's feelings for you and decided to take you for herself before he could confess. The worst part was the way he found out.

Over the years he'd learned to think of his birthdays as just another day. When they were children Nora would cry if she didn't get to blow out the candles or receive a present to open, so most of his parents' attention would go to consoling her. Once he turned 14 his birthdays were spent at your house with a small cake your mother would buy, and he was happy. So long as he had you he could still call it the best birthday ever.

So it'd been a surprise to Dominic when Nora insisted on a party for his birthday this year. He should've known something was up, when has she ever done something nice for him? He learned the real reason for the party when, while taking pictures, Nora had leaned over and planted a kiss to your lips.

So now there's a printed photo of you and Nora kissing while Dominic looks minutes away from bursting into tears framed in his sister's room.

From then on whenever you two planned to go out she suddenly wanted to go on a date. Everytime you'd give him that same sorry smile before promising a next time.

But this time was important to him, he'd managed to get the opportunity to play for a small restaurant, nothing big but a step in the right direction for his music. Dominic wanted your support there.