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Chapter 7 • Demons

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Alisha's POV

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Richi drops us off at the front of the train station. It's crowded today. Full of life. We say or farewells and thanks to him, then head inside.

Ashka walks quietly beside Grace. She hasn't spoken to me since I've yelled at her. She looks... hurt. Seeing her that way hurts me more than you can comprehend.

I fall back a little, grabbing Stephon's arm. He slows his step and glances down at me.

"What's up, Bootyhead?" He asked casually.

I nod my head at Ashka while biting a nail.

"I messed up," I admitted,"I've said something I didn't mean, and now she's ignoring me. Help me, Chickenbutt. What should I do?"

He smirks at me,"Is there a McDonald's near by?"

I give him a look and he laughs.

"Apologize," He simply advised, gesturing a hand at her,"She's your best friend."

Apologize?

I've never apologized to anyone before. Especially her.

We've never gotten into a fight.

Not once since the seven years I've known her.

Stephon notices my expression and stops in his tracks. He pulls my arm and turns me around.

"Don't let your pride keep you from apologizing to her, Bootyhead," He says, his tone hard,"Go."

Then, he turns me toward her and smacks my ass, urging me forward.

I glance back at him and pout, rubbing my backside. He points a finger at her, mouthing 'go'. I throw my hands up and turn on my heel.

Ashka and Grace are at the ticket machine. When I near, Grace looks up at me. I wave a hand and she slips away without a word. I sneak up behind my best friend and wrap my arms around her.

She doesn't have to look to know it's me. She continues with the machine, tapping the screen.

"Parks," She greeted half-heartedly.

I nuzzle her neck,"You know I love you, right?"

"You have a weird way of showing it," She replied in the same tone.

I sigh.

Why can't I just say it?

They're such simple words.

So very simple.

Two words.

Seven letters.

Stop being a punk.

Just spit it out.

I breathe,"I'm sorry."

She freezes, turning her head a little to look at me.

"What? Did you just say I'm sorry?"

"Don't make this hard on me."

A smile breaks across her face.

"I forgive you," She says happily,"Just... don't ever push me away, okay?"

I hug her tight and thank God for having a friend as understanding as she was. I can probably kill someone and she'll still stand by my side.

"Okay," I promise her and myself.