The Girl Next Door

"Well hello? Is that all you have to say to me?" I said, making my way across the room to stand in front of her. She looked at me, her expression full of comical anger. She pouted her lips and looked away. "That's all I have to say to anyone". I laughed and held my ears. "I'm sorry" I said frowning the best frown I could muster up. She looked back at me, a smile playing on her lips. "OK!" she said and jumped at me. I pulled her into a hug. Her long brown hair smelled the same, of cherries and the ocean. An odd combination, I know, but it always reminded me of home. When she finally let go, we sat on the bed and started the updates. She started with a long news coverage of all that happened at school.
"Bonnie went around and told everyone that she is your best friend. She also said that on national television so you better have something to say to her."
"Bonnie the snotty cheerleader?"
"Yup, that very one."
"Aah I see, what else?"
"Margaret has now declared she loves you" she laughed.
"Has the whole student body fallen in love with me?" I said in a proud tone.
"Don't be so cocky Mister. But I will say, you might just have turned half the males."

That just cracked us up. So it went on and on, we talked and talked all night long. When it was time for her to leave, she turned around at the door. "So I come to pick you up at 7:00 tomorrow, right? We'll walk together to school once again." I looked at her without replying. How do I explain this? "We can't." I said, not looking at her. "There will be media everywhere. I don't want you caught in that crossfire." I waited for a reply, but none came. She looked at me, straight in the eye. She had a look of pain and sadness. A look that said things have changed. I wanted to say I'm sorry but something else came out, "Take the high road Lily. Try to understand my situation." What did I say?!? Ok wait, did I think that or actually say that? "I'll be sure to do that" she said, her voice cold and devoid of the happiness that was there a minute ago.

Notes