Survival Guide

I cleared my throat and stood up straight, a small smile.
"Hi."
The room was silent besides the sniffles and pulling of tissues. I looked about the eyes staring, waiting. I saw her parents in the front row and my chest ached more.
"My name is Candice.. Um. Candice Walters.. I was um. I was her friend." I whispered to myself. It was a lie. She wasn't my friend... But the audience couldn't understand something like that. Especially not at a time like this.
"I'm tempted to just tell you a wild story of mine about Lara so I can get away from this podium, drive home, and grieve to myself." I paused, refolding my written speech.
"But I won't do that. Lara was an honest person. And I don't think it would be respectful if I didn't tell you all the truth. About her and I and... and about what I thought was our battle, but was really hers." I wiped my damp cheek before continuing.
"So it is the truth I will tell you. The long story of why we are gathered here today...
In remembrance of the life of Lara Alves, my best friend."