Free Denying the Wrong by Evelyne Stone Page A

later, her eyes opened and she smiled. “I gotta go. See you guys later.”
    Alissa and I watched her gather her things and walk out the door. I didn’t know what to say, and hoped I’d be able to talk to her tomorrow night before class started. Alissa looked over at me and shrugged. We threw our trash away without saying a word.
    I pulled Alissa aside as we started heading towards the exit. “Do you think you could give me a ride home?”
    “Sure.” She rolled her eyes and walked toward her car before I could even say ‘Thanks.’
    I guess everything isn’t back to normal like I thought.
    I didn't understand what was happening to her, and if she wasn't going to tell me, I would have to force it out of her.
    Her phone rang the moment we got into the car, and she talked to whoever it was until we got to my apartment. I was listening in to the conversation and it sounded like she was planning a dinner date this Saturday night, the day after her birthday. I stayed in the car until she was off the phone.
    “Sorry about that,” she said.
    “No big deal.” I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. “Do you want to come in for a few?”
    “Yeah, I guess.” She turned the car off and followed me inside not making any attempt to sound enthusiastic.
    “Do you want something to drink?” I threw my backpack into my room, checking to make sure everything was safe inside the apartment. I was definitely getting more paranoid.
    “Sure.”
    I handed her a bottle of water and walked over to the couch. She followed me but sat on the opposite side. I hated acting so formal around my best friend, but right now she felt more like a stranger.
    “I'm just going to be blunt. I hate the way our friendship is right now. I have no idea what's going on, but you've changed.” I stopped there, hoping she would lay it all out on the table even though I was nervous about what she would say.
    She looked surprised, then her face twisted in anger. “You've changed too, and who are you to judge me? Are you jealous about Mary? Is that what this is about?” She sat up straight and I was afraid she would jump up and leave again.
    I softened my voice, knowing how she responded to outright demands. All I wanted were answers. “This has nothing to do with Mary. I know I can't be your only friend forever but you don't talk to me anymore, Alissa, and it hurts that you won't tell me what's going on.”
    Alissa slumped back down into the couch and my nerves relaxed a bit. “There's nothing going on. Things have just been crazy lately, that's all.”
    I didn't believe her. Ugh, I suck at confrontations.
    “You know you can trust me, and whenever you're ready to talk, I'm here.” There was really nothing else to say. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, I did what I was best at and changed the subject. “You haven't told me what you've planned for your birthday. Anything good?”
    A small smile returned to her face, but she wouldn't meet my eyes. “I don't think I'm going to do anything. Scott wants to take me out to dinner Saturday night.” She finally looked up at me, like she was expecting that to turn into an argument.
    “You only turn eighteen once. I thought you would want to party like rock stars.” I winked at her to try to lighten the mood, hiding my disappointment. Not only did she not want to do anything for her birthday, but she was choosing him over me.
    “Turning eighteen just means more responsibility,” she said while pinching her nose.
    “Birthdays aren't supposed to be stressful.”
    “I'm fine.” She stood up and grabbed her purse. “I need to get going. Thank you for the water.”
    I suddenly felt desperate to make things good between us again. Apologizing was the only thing that came to mind. My mom told me once that sometimes in relationships, someone has to give up something to make it work. I was giving up my need for answers. I grabbed her arm and turned her around so I could look in her eyes. “I'm sorry.