My Dearest Girl

Don't you trust me?

You were thankful that band was quickly over. The anxiety of wondering why Nathan thought talking to Eddie was okay, well it was enough to make you want to climb back behind your wall for another year.

Your mind was spinning as you continued to your free period. You just wanted to make it to the library, no more socializing, no more friends from the past. You knew there were going to be more and more interruptions as others wanted closure to their involvement with you as much as you did. Your eyes scanned the halls as you suddenly see Chrissy, she is staring in your direction, her eyes glossy and timid. You knew her better than that, she was strong and independent, but she played coy. She also played a lot of games that you can only fathom were worse now that she was older. You find yourself smirking and then you wave.

Her face lights up, she jogs over to you and then takes a breath, "You waved!"

"Hi Chrissy." I can barely get her name out of my mouth, "Did you want something?"

"Just to say I'm sorry for Cynthia at lunch. There are a lot of misunderstandings from three years ago." Her voice got soft, and you realized her strength may not be as apparent as it was when you were friends. You smile, "No worries, Chrissy. She is entitled to her misunderstanding."

Chrissy looked at you confused, "You've changed Ellie."

"I grew up. You have changed as well, I thought you were stronger than this." As I said the words she visibly shook, and I could see a tear go down her cheek. Something was wrong, someone had hurt her too. Against my better judgement I hugged her, pulled her into my arms and smiled, "It was nice to talk to you again."

I pulled away, her eyes were big, and she started to cry, "Chrissy, I know you don't believe me, but I regret not letting you in when I needed a female friend. I hope you found some kind of happiness."

She didn't reciprocate the embrace; it was almost like she was just letting me touch her. I started to walk away, and I could hear her crying. I couldn't turn around, she didn't deserve to be miserable, but you couldn't be her crutch, not knowing all that she knew. She had chosen to stay and support Jason; you didn't need that weighing you down. Gareth had been there for you, even in his small missteps, so you would push forward for him. That didn't mean you would be cruel to her, just that you didn't need to be friends with her.

As you walk to your locker you pass by a quiet girl, she had two braids coming down that cinched at top of her head, she wore big glasses and a grey dress. She looked like she moved from some religious cult, she looked over at you and you saw the melancholy in her eyes. Smiling softly, you noticed a red mark across her face, someone had hit her.

You stop and rub your cheek, her eyes dart to you infear and she goes to close her locker, but you smile, "Sorry for botheringyou." Her face softens, "No bother." She looks at the ground then smiles, "You're in my science class, AP Chem?"