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"𝗜 don't think it's a good idea if i go to the play," frankie says, picking at a piece of strawberry stuck to the side of her sundae cup.
abby pauses while reaching for the whipped cream. "why not?"
frankie shrugs. "lucas and i haven't spoken in three weeks. you know how many people asked if we're okay?" her voice dips lower. "he and i never separate. i miss my best friend... sometimes."
abby carefully places a cherry on top of each sundae. "why did you two stop talking in the first place?"
frankie sighs and takes her cup. "doesn't matter."
"frankie," abby says gently, sitting beside her at the kitchen counter. "talk to me. i know you need someone."
frankie plays with her spoon, refusing to meet her sister's eyes. "riley has this huge crush on lucas. she doesn't like the idea of us hanging out all the time."
abby scoffs. "so you're telling me she gets to take maya and lucas away from you?"
"it's not like that."
"not like that?" abby repeats, raising an eyebrow. "you and maya have been friends since diapers. diapers, frankie. and riley? she couldn't even show up for danny's funeral. one look at her, and she's already rewriting your friendships like she gets to be the main character."
"i got over it," frankie says, her voice clipped as she rolls her eyes.
"no, you didn't," abby fires back. "she hurt you. and you have every right to be mad."
frankie looks down. "why are you trying to keep me from maya?"
"i'm not. i'm trying to protect you. because you need lucas, frank. i see how happy you are when he's around. i know maya notices it too."
abby leans in, her voice quieter now. "but you have to ask yourself—why would maya choose riley's feelings over yours? why would she ask you to back off lucas, knowing what he's been for you since danny? that boy has practically held you together."
frankie doesn't respond. her spoon clinks against the side of the glass, and her shoulders fall. abby was right.
a knock comes at the door.
"i'm serious, frankie. you deserve real friends."
abby walks to the front door and opens it. "oh hey, lucas. you know we have a doorbell, right?"
