I tell her about what happened with Patrick.
“Patrick? You meanourPatrick?”
“How many others do we know?”
“It just seems strange. That’s not like him.”
“Yeah.” I sigh.
I still feel uncomfortable about what happened.
I shouldn’t have cried on his shoulder—or his
chest if you want to get specific about it. He was
there, I was in the middle of an emotional crisis
and the rest was just instinct. I shouldn’t have done
it and things have been a bit weird between us
since then. We never talk and he always seems to
be tense when I’m in view.
“I’ve gotta get back down there,” Rain says,
eyeing her watch. “My break’s up. Why don’t you
come too? Maybe it’ll take your mind off things?”
“No thanks, I prefer to stay here.”
“I don’t like knowing you’re here alone, feeling
blue.”
“I have to study, I’ve got an exam in a few days
and I’m way behind. I’ve gotta really crack down
on this while I can.”
“Alright, but if you need anything—”
“I’ll call you.”
Rain gets up off the couch and kisses my cheek
before turning and heading downstairs.
“Erin … you’re important for me. Well, yeah.
You’re one of my best friends and one of the best
people I know. I just want to tell you that I’m here
and whatever decision you make—”
