Internet

5

After everything, I was back at my house, locked up in my room. I didn't say anything, I had just ran out of the van after my mom parked and ran inside. I felt guilty for leaving her like that, but I needed time alone.

I didn't even know what to feel. Sadness, anger, pity, embarrassment, shame, humiliation; it was far too overwhelming, so instead, I decided not to think. Which was hard to do, considering I didn't have much to distract myself. I sighed and pulled out Chasing Redbird.

~~~~~

As the book almost neared to the end, the tears I've grown accustomed to in the last 24 hours started to pour out. Why couldn't I have a happily ever after? I never did anything wrong.

I clutched my book tightly in my hands, willing the tears to stop. It worked, eventually. I rocked back and forth, lost in a daze. I almost didn't hear the light rapping at my door. Almost.

"Go away," I mumbled, not really wanting company.

"Hey. I'm not going anywhere until you open the freaking door, thank you," it was Lenny.

I sighed, still not answering the door. Whenever I was sad, I withdrew myself from people. Back then, Lenny always understood and left me alone, so I didn't see why this situation should be any different.

"Adaline, if I have to force open this fucking door, I will do it," by her tone, it sounded like she was getting irritated.

"Did you not hear me? Go away!" I threw my book at the door, satisfied at the loud thump.

After that, it grew quiet. I assumed Lenny had called it quits and left. It was actually kind of disappointing, I thought she wouldn't give up on me that easily. That was before I heard the loud banging on the door. Lenny hadn't left after all.

"Bitch open it!" She said, determination clear on her voice.

At first, I didn't answer , but after five minutes of relentless banging, I went to open the door. I gave her the worst glare I could manage, but she just ignored it.

"You look like shit," she informed me, after examining my face.

"Fuck you," I replied, my voice getting angry.

"No thanks," she said. "Now. You're gonna take a shower because you also smell like shit and then we are going shopping."

"What makes you think I'm just going to agree with you?" I defensively crossed my arms over my chest.

"Well, Adaline, I thought you knew me, but I guess not, because if you really did, you know that asking that question is dumb. You know I can strip you naked and bathe you myself if I had to," she said in surprisingly calm voice.

I glared at her, knowing she was very capable of doing just that.

"Fine," I spat out. "But don't expect me to be all happy."

"I wouldn't expect that from a sour, boring person like you."

"I hate you."

"Well I love you."

~~~~~

After about three hours of Lenny doing my makeup, styling my hair and picking out a cute outfit for me, I was ready. For exactly what? I don't know.

I looked at my reflection in her hand held mirror. I looked pretty, but I knew that inside I was tainted. I didn't feel as pretty and pure as before. Some part of me felt ruined. As if Lenny knew what I was thinking, she plucked the mirror away from my hands.

"You can't keep on being pathetic Adaline."

I sighed. "I know, but I can't help it."

She went to say something else but bit back her words and instead shook her head at me.

"Anyways, we are going to the mall, then to the movies and after that we are going to get some ice cream."

I nodded, a bit reluctantly, and stood up from my bed. I grabbed my phone and purse from my bedside table and followed Lenny.

~~~~~~

It was actually really fun. The movie was funny and made me laugh; something I hadn't been really doing. After the movies we went to go eat ice cream like Lenny said. I chose the coffee flavored ice cream with Kit Kats while Lenny chose bubblegum. It had always been her favorite, ever since I can remember.

We walked out and spotted a bench. We took a seat and started talking. We talked about the past of us and about the present without. It seemed like we spent hours reminiscing about the past. We also talked about random things, like how we imagine prom to be, caught up on recent school crushes, talked about the new friends we made. It was fun just letting go and not worrying about anything. It was perfect.

"Hey Lenny, I just want to thank you for not giving up on me," I looked down at my almost finished ice cream, smiling.

"Now what kind of a friend would I be if I didn't, dummy?" She answered back, nudging me in the side.

I grinned. "A pretty horrible one."

"Yeah..." Lenny trailed off.

"What's wrong?" I asked, looking up at her.

"I know I shouldn't bring this up but I'm sorry. I feel like I've never been there for you as much as I should've. We never even talk as much and I just...maybe if I were there for you more ribs wouldn't have happened and-"

I cut her off.

"Lenny what you did for me today was the best thing you could've ever done. You shouldn't feel guilty either. None of this was your fault. It was mine. I was too excited to go to that stupid party."

"Now that's where you're wrong. You just wanted to have fun. You didn't know and you shouldn't blame yourself for it. The only one at fault was that douche bag and when he gets caught, because he will get caught, justice will fall hard on him. You're the victim here, so don't be thinking anything different. I don't think you're different. You're still the same emotional awkward bitch now that you were when we first met. Alright?"

A tear slipped out of my eye. I set the ice cream down and bit my lip. Lenny saw and wrapped me in a huge hug.

"You know I love you don't you?" She muttered, slowly rubbing my back.

I nodded, not able to form words.

"You're the best friend that I've ever had and I want to help you through this. I am going to help you through this and I won't leave you again," she whispered, hugging me even tighter.

"You promise?" I said, my voice raspy.

"I promise," she gave me one last squeeze before pulling away. "Now let's get your ugly ass home. All that mascara and eye liner ran down your cheeks."

I let out a small laugh. "Yeah. Let's go."