The Friendship of the Maze

Chapter 1

Cade-

I sat in the park by the junior high. It was Friday afternoon. School has recently ended for Christmas break. I was thinking and sketching the other people that were in the park. How in the world was I going to tell Averi without her getting mad at me? I let my sketchpad drop to my lap. Well, I am going to get the chance soon. I saw Averi coming this way. I slumped forward. What kind of friend am I if I try to avoid my best friend?"

Averi-

"Hey Cade," I called. He sat on an old wooden bench with his sketchpad. He looked at me with his blue eyes, smiled a little oddly, but scooted over to allow me to sit down. For a few minutes, I watched over Cade's shoulder as he drew people feeding the birds. He's rather good at drawing. Cade could turn a blank meaningless page into an awe-inspiring masterpiece. When I write stories I always have him illustrate them. Then I heard footsteps so I looked up from the sketchpad. Two girls from school were walking by. I don't know their names but they hang out with the 'popular girls' and only wear the newest clothes. I have never seen them wear the same outfit twice. This kind of girl is so annoying. When they looked over and saw me they tried to subdue their giggles like something about me is worth laughing over.

"What?" I asked.

"You haven't heard?" the first girl scoffed in disbelief. She showed me her phone, and on the screen was a picture of me in an embarrassing princess gown. Oh no.

"Where did you get this," I asked frantically. There's no way this could be on the internet.

"Oh, everywhere," replied her friend. They giggled again and walked on. Cade had stopped drawing and was looking at me. I turned and faced him. Cade had helped me decide on a costume for a party a couple of weeks ago. He had also insisted on taking pictures of each one. My hands clenched into fists.

"I told you to never show those to anyone."

"I didn't," Cade's face displayed his horror.

"Yes," my voice was getting louder, "You must have, no one has that picture but you. You promised." "Averi-," he pleaded.

But I cut him off. "No, I thought you were my friend. Now you betrayed me. How could you? I have never done anything to you." By now I was yelling. "How could you?"

"Averi, I promise, I didn't give the picture to anyone," he yelled back at me, "I would never betray you."

"Then how did it get out," I questioned.

He looked down sheepishly and said, "I didn't want to tell you."

"Tell me what?"

"My phone got hacked and a few photos and a video were copied. I have no idea who did it or why but I did not post that picture of you."

"That is the biggest lie I have ever heard. If you were going to make up a story, try to make it realistic." "I'm not lying!"

"You think I'm going to believe that?"

"Averi." Cade placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Stop," I said yanking back from his touch. I thought he was different. "Leave me alone. I don't want you. I don't need you. Just... leave... me... alone." I stood and walked off. I can't help but then I look back. Cade is looking at me with a grimace like I tore his world in two. For a moment I wanted to run back and apologize. Maybe it is not his fault. No. I will not. Quietly I walk to my home.

When I arrive at my house I run up the stairs to my room having no desire to be questioned by my parents. I close my door and curl up on my bed. Holding my head on my knees I rock myself back and forth. How could he? I think to myself. I thought I could trust him. I thought he cared for me. I knew he was going to betray me just like everyone else in the entire world. When I finally run out of tears to cry I undress and enjoy a warm shower the best I can. Multiple times I hear my phone ding with text messages. They're probably from Cade. After my shower, I put on a pair of fuzzy pajamas and curled up under my homemade patchwork quilt. Then I looked at my phone. Seven unread messages and two missed calls, all from Cade.

Can we talk, please.I know what you're going through. I remember what happened before.I hope we are still friends.I didn't betray you, I promise! You mean so much to me!!!!Are you OK?Seriously, Averi, are you OK? It never takes you this long to respond to my texts.Averi, please.

I wish he would stop. I set my phone aside and lay my head down on the pillow. I know I should talk with him and give him the benefit of the doubt. He's my best friend but I'm having a hard time believing him. And if he did do it, to forgive him? I know that God forgave me. He sent his son to save me even though I sin every day but he still did. If he could forgive me of my wrongs I could forgive Cade of his. I don't know what to think or what to do. I don't want to think about this anymore. I closed my eyes and tried to forget this unforgettable day.

Cade-

"Averi please pick up." Why is she not answering? What am I going to do to fix this? I slumped to the floor with my back to my bed. My eyes were glued to my phone. I understand. She doesn't want to trust me but then again she does. She has been through a lot and I feel like it was my fault. I convinced her to take those pictures of the costumes. She didn't think it was a good idea but I told her that they would make great memories and that we would laugh over them later. My head fell against my legs and I closed my eyes. Wait, what if I call her? Averi had never hung up on me or denied my calls. She's my best friend or was. I don't know anymore. Ring ring ring. No one answered. It's not my fault Averi. I called her again. Still no answer. Giving up, I rose to my feet and dropped my phone on the nightstand by my bed. Then the door swings open to reveal my little brother, Tristan. He's a good little brother but a slightly bit annoying and has the worst timing ever.

"Hey little bro," I plastered a fake smile on my lips.

"Hi Cade," he stopped and looked at me funny. "You looked stressed. Something wrong?" And he is very observant. He jumped on my bed and sat next to me.

"Kinda," I hesitate, I don't want to tell him everything. "Something bad has happened to one of my friends and she is mad at me." I glance at Tristan and quickly add, "Even though it's not my fault." "She," he inquires.

I smiled slightly, "Averi."

His eyes grew big when he registered the information. He and Averi are friends as well. "What did you do?"

"Nothing."

"Really?" He leaned forward.

"Uh, are you interrogating me," I asked nervously.

"I'm not if you tell me." The simple logic of a youngster.

I gave in, "Well, I convinced her to take some embarrassing photos of those costumes and someone got their hands on them."

"So what you gonna do about it?"

I chuckled, "I know my Averi. I'm going to leave her alone. When she feels ready to talk, she'll come." I hope.

Tristan wrinkled up his nose, "but what if it takes a long time?"

I paused thoughtfully, "I can wait, for Averi."