FAKE

PART I: ASHLEY

AUGUST 2017

I: day one

I met Ashley one sunny afternoon in 6th grade. That was more than six years ago. I remember how we met and it was on accident. I had run into her in the hallway and she dropped her papers all over the floor. I made sure to pick them up one by one because I felt bad. I said sorry maybe a million times. She just looked up at me and smiled. She told me it was okay and that we should be friends. By the end of 6th grade, we were inseparable. I talked to Ashley about anything and everything. I told her all my feelings about my other friends. It was five of us; Andrew, Jason, Evelyn, Ashley, and I. Ashley had silky blonde hair and precious blue eyes. It looked as if she was camera ready all the time. I had admired her beauty, I had wanted to be her. Ashley was the girl that got all the boys' attention even in middle school. I helped Ashley through all her "relationships". All her dysfunctional boyfriends that were just immature babies. I was there for her.

When 7th grade started, Ashley and I drifted apart a little but it was only because we were focusing on school more than the drama. It was a bit sad not talking to her but it was for the best. Eventually we made up and it was all back to normal like it always was. Like I hoped it would always be.

I told Ashley one day in 7th grade that I had feelings for Andrew. She didn't mind. It was just that easy to spill everything to her. If I had a fight with Evelyn, Ashley would be there for me.

I tap my pencil on my white notebook while my boring science teacher talks. I don't like the kids in this class nor the teacher. I try to move but I'm stuck to my chair. The only person in this stupid class that I actually like is Ashley. I can't stand anyone else. Ashley walks over to me and asks me to sit with her. I get out of my seat and move over close to her. High school sucks and if it wasn't for Ashley, Evelyn, Jason, or even Andrew, I wouldn't be where I'm at right now. They've helped me through a lot.

"Jane," Ashley snaps her fingers and I lift up my head. I realize that I put my head down and I was dozing off. That's what school has done to me lately. I'm tired all the time and ready to walk out of a class at any minute. I've become so lethargic it's insane. I don't want to do anything anymore.

The bell rings for lunch and I wait for Ashley to get packed up. We both head to the dreadful cafeteria and I honestly walk inside and want to leave already. I see Andrew's liquid brown eyes and I instantly feel happy.

Ashley looks over and smiles at me.

"I see you checking him out, Jane."

I slap Ashley's shoulder.

"SHUT UP!"

But I smile.

Andrew comes over and motions us to come sit with them at the table.

Evelyn sets down her book bag and her flat black hair is brushed perfectly and she wears perfect make-up.

Ashley died her hair brown a couple months ago and its sort of fading but still there. Jason has just basic brown hair that you see on most guys, spiked with gel. Andrew's hair is so soft that you could run your hands through it everyday.

I start eating my sandwich and Ashley pulls out a Coke.

"So, how's your day been?" Ashley asks me as I shove the sandwich in my mouth.

I rapidly swallow and then answer.

"Boring, as usual."

Ashley laughs and precedes to drinking her soda and opening a bag of chips. Evelyn eats a salad next to me and doesn't talk. She doesn't talk when Andrew's around.