Everytime we Touch

Chapter Thirteen

Roger was sitting at the back of the library at their usual table when he looked up from his book and saw Sarah. She looked terrible. Her complexion was pale, her eyes were puffy, and she had odd tuffs of grass all over her pants. Sarah gave him a weak smile before she sat down across from him, sighing slightly before diving into her books.

Roger glanced down at his phone; Sarah was over forty-five minutes late. Looking back up at his best friend he chanced saying, "You look like you've seen a ghost. What took so long?"

"It's nothing." Sarah lied. "Troy and I got a little carried away on the way here."

Roger did not believe a word coming out of her mouth. Her face did not light up with the usual blush when he mentioned Troy. Something else must have happened.

Trying once again he asked carefully, "What happened after you and Troy parted ways?"

Groaning, Sarah dropped her head to the table. "I ran into Kelsey and she had some not so nice things to say." She sighed finally looking at him, "I don't know how much I actually believe; however, she had some valid points." Sarah looked down at her hands, "Do we have to study tonight?"

"No, we don't." He smiled at her, slightly concerned.

"I'm sorry I keep bailing on you." She muttered, as he began to pack his bag.

"Don't worry about it. I get it." Roger glanced at Sarah again, "Anything else happen?"

"She's threatening to tell Troy's dad about their breakup." Sarah finally let out. Roger could see the pain that statement caused his best friend. It was written all over her face. He walked around the table to hug her.

"Hey Rog," She whispered.

"Yeah."

"Thanks for always being there for me."

"That's my job is it not?" He smiled, holding her just a little bit closer, secretly breathing in the smell of her shampoo.

***

Once Sarah was back in her dorm, she sent Troy a quick text.

Hey, hope detention was okay. Call me <<

>> Sorry Beautiful, double detention. I will not be out of here until late.

>> Talk tomorrow?

Okay <<

The shortness of the conversation left Sarah feeling uneasy. Trying not to over think it she had a quick shower, before getting ready for bed. Happy for today to finally be over.

***

A short while later Sarah was woken up to her bed shaking. Squinting through the dark she saw Claire's dark form trying to reach something off her bed. Claire slipped, tumbling to the floor.

Flicking on her lamp Sarah sat up watching Claire, "Are you alright?"

For the first time in almost two-week Sarah looked closely at her best friend. Claire looked sad, and much thinner than before. Sarah assumed that must be because she was skipping meals and throwing herself into rehearsals. "I'm sorry." Sarah finally muttered, jumping out of bed sitting beside her best friend on the floor. "You are hurting, and I haven't been there." Seeing Claire like this broke Sarah's heart more than any breakup with a boyfriend ever could. The two girls sat there on the floor for a few minutes, until Claire finally spoke.

"He cheated on me." She rested her head on Sarah's shoulder.

"Oh Claire-Bear." Sarah pulled her friend into a hug. "When did you find out? Why didn't you say anything?" Sarah paused, "Okay I recognize that I've been a shitty friend, and I have not been there for you the way you've needed me."