Good Girls Have Secrets

Chapter 19

Sunday afternoon, heading out of the house, I turn my face up to the sun, enjoying the heat and warmth. The farmyard glistens with puddles and mud from the melting snow. Today I swapped out my snow boots for my new pair of Hunter rain boots. Carrying my short brown suede boots, I'll put them on at church, so I don't track in muddy footprints.

Before I face the entire Bible Study, I need to talk with Audrey. She's the friend I care about the most, so if she's on my side, then I'll be okay.

A short time later I find Audrey waiting for me inside the front door of the church. Spotting me, she gives me a bright smile. My hope blooms.

Grabbing my hand, she pulls me towards the sanctuary. "I thought we'd have more privacy in the sanctuary." Looking at me, she says, "I'm really glad you're here."

Sitting in the back row, with a seat in between us, we turn and face each other.

"I don't know where to start." My words catch in my throat.

Audrey reaches for my hand. Tears glistening in her eyes. "Why don't you tell me why you've been ignoring me. One minute you're one of my best friends, then the next you're gone. Did I do something wrong?" Her voice cracks. "I've run over everything a million times. I'm sorry if you're mad that I didn't get you that night. That I was hanging around Andrea. I can be a better friend."

My words come out slowly. "You think it's your fault?" Feeling terrible, I can't believe how nice she is. "I didn't think you would want to hang out with me once you knew I was pregnant."

Her face turns from sadness to confusion to shock. "You're pregnant?" Putting her hand over her mouth. "You and Matt?"

"What?" Waving my hands in the air, I screech, "No! Why would you think that?" Now I'm confused. "You didn't know?"

"How would I know?"

Sighing, I realize Andrea could care less about Audrey. It's Matt she wants. I can't believe how far she'll go to win him over. I'll get her back. "I thought Andrea told you. It's a long story."

Giving her the highlights, Audrey's eyes fill with fury as I spill the details. She groans, "I know she's mean, but I never expected her to be this horrible."

"I've known worse, but none of them claimed to be Christians." Crossing my arms, I think about how I'm going to handle Andrea.

"She started hanging around our group last fall, everyone knew it was because she liked Matt. Her friends aren't known for being nice either." She raises her brow. "I thought that's why you were hanging too. That you were using me to get to Matt."

Staring at the stage, to avoid her eyes, I admit, "He's the reason I agreed to come to Salt the first time." Smiling, I say "But you hooked me the first night. You're pretty fun." I smile at her.

"Yeah...I am." Her laugh turns to a frown. "Did you really think I wouldn't want to be your friend because you're pregnant?" She waits for my answer, then adds. "Do you think I'm judgmental or something?"

"I haven't had the best track record with my friends lately. Even my closest friend Katie isn't talking to me right now."

"Why?" She leans in.

"She started hanging out with my brother, Max, and I didn't like it. I'm kind of the reason things ended, with them." I'm too embarrassed to share the whole story. "Max isn't talking to me either."

My cheeks flame with embarrassment. "As you can see, I'm not a good friend. You should save yourself the heartache and stay away from me."

"Is that why you're here? Because everything was falling apart?" she asks me.