I didn't even want to engage in conversation.I just tagged along because Emily had planned that day out to lift Jessica’s spirits after her grandmother passed away.I wasn't even trying.
I felt like I was changing, but not in a way that felt good.Emily kept giving me looks that made me uneasy, and Jessica was struggling too; her loss weighed heavily on her.She was usually the most upbeat person I knew.
Suddenly, I felt like I couldn't breathe, as if the air had been sucked out of the room, and I was suffocating.Nausea washed over me.
“Hey, what's wrong?”Jessica leaped from her seat to help me.Emily stood up too but kept her distance.
“I need some fresh air,” I managed to choke out, feeling as if my insides were twisted into knots.
I rushed outside to the nearest exit, crouching down to catch my breath.Jessica and Emily lingered by the door, waiting for an explanation that I couldn't provide.I couldn't admit that I had seen V walking in alone, and my twisted mind had hoped she might be there with Zane, but I didn't say it out loud.
“I'm on my period and just feeling unwell,” I said, trying to steady my breathing.
“Of course, I've been there,” Emily replied, waving dismissively.
“Let's head home.We've been here all afternoon.It's getting late.I've already texted my mom; she's on her way,” Jessica said, as she helped me to my feet.
“Marco is picking me up soon too,” Emily added, glancing between me and Jessica with a smile.
“Sure, say hi to him for me.We should hang out again.This was fun.Thank you both,” Jessica said with a smile.Honestly, I felt like a ghost, just following along in my own isolated world.I bought a bunch of clothes I didn't need just because they did, went bowling only to lose, and sat through a movie I couldn't even recall the title of.
After a while, Emily left, and Jessica said something that caught my full attention.
“You know, we've been close for years.We've shared secrets, spent summers together, and had countless sleepovers like good friends do.”She paused, and I felt a surge of curiosity about where this was heading.“I feel like I've always been an intermediary between you and Em.You have no idea how many times she's gossiped about you or said something unflattering.I'm sure she's talked about me to you too.That's just the way it is.”
She was right; Emily had mentioned some things, but they seemed trivial—like Jessica stealing money from her mom or a book at the store, or kissing a random guy at school.
“But from you, Luna, I never heard anything bad.You were always open and honest, sharing your thoughts and feelings, until recently.”My heart raced as shame washed over me.I knew exactly what she was referring to.“You're so naive if you think you can keep a secret in this small town.I know about Zane; people saw him climbing into your window, and I know about the kiss by the gym.My mom saw it.What a coincidence, right?But that's not why I'm upset.I'm hurt because you didn't tell me.I thought I was your best friend.”Jessica’s voice rose, and I felt trapped, like I was in a box with walls closing in.
“I didn't want to hurt you.You two had a history, and I felt like I was betraying you,” I tried to explain.
“But can't you see?That's exactly what you did.”How was I supposed to know the right thing to do as a teenager?There was no way to know; you just do what you felt and learn from your own mistakes.The only thing I could say was, “I'm sorry.I truly am.”I lowered my gaze, my stomach twisting with anxiety.But on the flip side, I felt a strange sense of relief.It was out in the open now.
I had damaged our friendship.Therefore, I was isolating myself not just from Emily but from Jess as well.Surprisingly, when her mom arrived, Jessica invited me to dinner at her place.I was confused but accepted.
We talked more in her room and realized that our most powerful tool was communication.A simple conversation could clear up misunderstandings and resolve issues.
Jessica believed in second chances, and honesty mattered more than anything to her—and to me as well, from that moment.Being honest, even when it hurts you or people you care about, was far better than living with a lie.Eventually, the truth would come to light.
Maybe I should give Zane some time, and perhaps the truth would emerge.He claimed he wanted to be honest, and possibly time would help with that.After all, his tattoo about time must have meant something significant, even if I didn't quite grasp it yet.
Another week went by, and Zane continued to keep his distance from me.I decided to focus on my studies and set a goal to find a part-time job, aiming for 2 to 3 days a week to earn some extra cash.My parents were supportive and proud of my initiative.
I checked out a few local coffee shops, but unfortunately, none of them were hiring.Options were limited, but I left my phone number just in case something came up.While I was in town, I couldn't resist stopping by Elias’s store.
“Are you hiring?”I asked with a smile as I entered.
“Hello, hello!Wait, are you really looking for a job?”he laughed.
“Why not?Do I not look like a responsible adult?”I teased.
“Honestly, it's hard to picture,” he said, squinting as if trying to imagine me as a grown-up.I rolled my eyes.
“Come on!I'd be remarkable at it,” I said, flashing my best angelic smile.
“I know a guy who owns a bakery; I can ask him if he's hiring,” Elias offered, still grinning.
“A bakery?But I don't know how to bake!”I exclaimed, panic creeping into my voice.
