The Triangle

Chapter 5

"What about McDonalds? We haven't been there for awhile."

I shrug. Noelle insisted on taking me out for lunch to tell me about her date last night, but we couldn't think of anywhere to go. "You choose."

Noelle looks at me like I'm being a total jerk, which I know is true. Finally, she sighs. "Fine, let's go get tacos."

We order our food at Taco Palace and pick a table by the back. I try to act less like a jerk and more like a friend. "So. How was the date?"

Noelle smiles hugley, already forgetting about my stubbornness. "Oh my God, Mel, it was so fun! We went to this huge park out by his house, and we sat and talked forever! And then, when we were leaving, he held my hand! It was... Amazing." She leans back in her chair, slurping her Diet Coke.

This whole conversation is making me feel even worse about my date with Lincoln. "Noelle? Can I ask you something?"

Noelle sits up fast. "Anything!"

I use my finger to draw through the condensation gathered on my cup. "Do you think Wes loves me?"

She's silent. Finally, she speaks. "It's always about you, isn't it?"

I look up, shocked at her words.

Noelle's eyes are watering, and she swipes angrily at them. "You seriously believe for a minute that Wes doesn't love you? Heck, Mel, you've got two guys after you, and when I try to talk about my first date in months, you bring the conversation back to you! You're life is so easy!" Her face is red, the blistery kind you get when you stay outside too long without sunscreen, the worst possible shade.

I feel anger bubbling up inside of me. "Yeah? You think it's that easy? I'd much rather be you! You've got the perfect family! Mine's all messed up!" I'm screaming now and people are staring, but I don't care.

Noelle stands angrily. "Seriously? I can bet you a thousand dollars that if your dad were still alive he'd hate the new, self absorbed, boy crazy, badass you, Melanie Wilson!" She storms to the door, slamming it behind her.

I sit there, shocked. I can feel everyone's eyes on me, but I pretend I can't. I'm sure I look like a stupid lobster just sitting there. A waiter comes over with our food. He sets it down and is gone in a flash.

The last thing I want to do is eat, so I leave a large tip and bolt out of there.

I don't cry. I want to, but the tears won't come. Noelle was the last person I expected to say those awful words to me, but she did anyway. My best friend called me out, and the worst part is, everything she said is true.