My Girlfriend's Keeper

Chapter XI: Who you think you fooling ?

Crystal walked to her locker after the fifth period bell rang. The whispers had died down, and the glares of scrutiny had too. The rude comments here and there from girls that were jealous before Tiffany's stunt, didn't go unnoticed; but Crystal wanted to put it behind her. Tiffany's fake ass apology had no affect on her. It was forced, and anything but genuine. It didn't matter though. She was expelled three weeks ago.

'She's not a factor in either of our lives anymore. Bet on that, ma,' were Chris' exact words.

Crystal closed her locker after putting her books in. She was ready for lunch. She hadn't eaten all day. As she turned, she saw Shelly walking toward her. She didn't know how to feel. Shelly still hadn't told her anything. They spoke seldom. Crystal had found out from Chris, who'd found out from Ty. It hurt her. Why wasn't she the first to know? They were supposed to be each other's other halves. Maybe it was just time they went their separate ways. Shelly leaned on the locker next to Crystal's. She looked down at her black and white Jordan 6's. Her thumbs twirled as she thought of how to start the conversation. Silence wrapped around the two friends as their peers cleared the hallways.

"Shell, look. I—"

"You wanna grab something to eat at Willy's? Tony let me use his car for lunch since he has a few detentions,"

Shelly interrupted with a smile.

Crystal chewed on her bottom lip. She wasn't a big person on letting her pride stop her from doing things that needed to be done. But still, Shelly hurt her. Crystal looked at her friend. She was desperate. She couldn't turn her down.

"Yeah. Sure."

Ten minutes later, the duo pulled into the parking lot of Willy's Diner. He had the best Philly cheesesteaks, and it had been a while since either of them had visited. They got out of the all black Audi, and headed to the restaurant. After ordering their food at the front counter, they quickly got their usual booth near the large window on the side. They sat in silence, something that was completely unfamiliar to them. It was uncomfortable—the two of them fidgeting like little kids.

"Shelly look. I don't want to do this okay. We should at least end this on an honest note. It seems like we are growing apart, and if so—"

"Crissy, I'm sorry. I've been a bitch. You were the first person I wanted to tell. You should have been the first person. I just... I don't know. So much was going on. And then that bitch pulled that shit with you. I just thought you had your own problems, you know?"

A tear fell down the left side of her face.

"Shelly, how could you think that? We're supposed to be best friends. I've never missed anything important in your life. Is that really what you think of me?"

"No! I just... I just, I don't know. I've been so confused. I promise. It won't happen again."

Crystal smiled. She knew then, that there was no way they could leave each other. They still needed one another.

"It better not bitch. Now that we got that that out of the way, tell me how the hell you're living in Tony's sexy ass house, but getting smashed by Ty's little ass. Teach me your ways oh goddess!"

The girls shared a laugh.

"You're still a hot mess. And it's not even like that. I don't see Tony like that. He's kind, and sweet, and just an all around good guy, but I don't think we should go there. Anyway...what about you and Chris? If I remember correctly you two were just cutty buddies. That's it that's all."

"Unh Unh, do not change the subject—"

A waitress brought their orders to them, and placed them in front of them. Once she left, Crystal continued.

"So you're telling me that you're living in his house—with his mother who works night shifts at the hospital I might add, and you're not getting a taste? You're not even a little curious?"

Shelly shook her head. She chewed on her bottom lip, a habit she revealed when she was either nervous or lying. Crystal peeped it, and planned her next tactic as she sipped her chocolate shake.

"Okay. So then you know about the girl he's supposedly 'courting' right?"

She tried to hide the smile trying to spread on her face. She watched as Shelly's eyes got wide, and she choked on a curly fry she was chewing on. She grabbed her iced tea, and took a long gulp.

"No. No. I haven't. That's nice. What's her name?"

she inquired with a fake smile.
Crystal shook her head.

"I think it's Angel. Chris says he really likes her."

Shelly nodded as if she weren't interested.

"Well. That's nice. I'm going to go get this boxed up. We need to get back."

Crystal watched as her best friend scurried of to the counter to pay for their food. 

"Not like that my ass," she whispered, before picking her tray up, and joing Shelly.