Steffie and Melanie had been very close friends until Steffie had received a promotion to the main office. Steffie didn't really care about the promotion, she enjoyed the hustle and bustle of working at the satellite with the crew that had become her friends. However, it would mean working half an hour closer to home and provide a modest salary increase too, she still didn't seek the position when it became available. Besides, she knew Melanie really wanted to job to help her pay off her student loans; and worked very hard to try and get noticed for the job. Much to both their surprise though, when management had made a decision, Steffie had received the job. It's not like it wasn't deserved, she worked very hard and had been passed over several times already for similar positions, so it was overdue. Despite this fact, Melanie didn't take being passed over kindly and had taken it out on Steffie by making some rude remarks before she left for her new duties. Melanie tried to remain composed to the end, but on Steffie's last day she let her displeasure be known by uttering some rude remarks to Steffie. First off, she started with what seemed like a harmless good-bye, but quickly turned into a bitter remark. "It was great working with you that past three years," she said, "But you should seriously consider taking advantage of the shorter commute time and addition income to join a gym; you know they feed you well up there and you won't be on your feet as much there; you don't want to pack on anymore weight!" This had caught Steffie totally off guard; besides, she hadn't gained any weight while working there and was just as fit as Melanie. Anyway, she knew she was bitter about not being promoted and wrote it off, believing she'd come around and things would get back to normal between them again soon. Regardless of the remarks Melanie had made, Steffie left with expressing that she knew how she felt and some kind words, telling her how much she was going to miss working with her, and hoping once things settle down a bit they could get together for dinner and the usual ladies night. Melanie said nothing, but Steffie left with a simple, "When you'd like to, call me!" and left. Weeks had passed, and Steffie couldn't image that Melanie didn't get over it yet, but patiently waited for a call. The call never came, and none of their friends could explain why. Months later, it was time for the annual company appreciation dinner, and Steffie knew she'd see Melanie again; and hoped maybe things would be different now. She also hoped that the fact Melanie was right about joining a gym and the spiteful warning about gaining weight would somehow feel bad about what she said and make a mends. Well, it didn't quite turn out that way though. Steffie didn't see Melanie coming, but suddenly she was right there in front of her, reaching a hand out towards her now bloated belly; Melanie exclaiming: "I knew you'd get fat, but I didn't think you'd get knocked up too!" Steffie was totally taken aback, but all she could do was utter; "I'm not knocked up, just fat, sorry to disappoint you." Then she turned and walked away. It took a day or two for it to sink into Melanie how cruel she had been to such a good friend, but she finally did. Several days later she worked up the courage to cal Steffie and apologize for her remarks and behavior. It came as a relief to Steffie, and they began to rebuild the friendship they both thought was forever lost. Thanks for taking the time to read such a long story tonight... I'm just trying to say, be good to your friends, be happy when others experience good fortune, even if it is what you hoped for yourself.