It was a warm, summer day, but I couldn't help but feel nervous. For the first time in months I would be seeing Scarlett and Grace. I had been off at college for the past year, and it was difficult to find time to see my best friend. It was almost three years since prom, and since Grace was born. We had been through so much together, it almost felt weird not to have seen her.

As I walked up the steps of Scarlett's new house, I braced myself. So many thoughts were running through my head. I had absolutely not idea what to expect. I pushed the doorbell, and waited. A boy answered.

"Hey, you must be Halley. I'm Joey."

"Um, yeah. Hi"

Scarlett came running to the door. Immediately, even with Grace in her arms, she embraced me.

"Halley! I missed you! How are things?"

"Good. Uh, came we go in?"

"Oh yeah, sure. Sorry."

After Scarlett put her baby to sleep, the three of us sat down at the kitchen table.

"So Scarlett, who is this Joey?"

"He's my boyfriend. He sometimes comes over to help. Things have been pretty hectic this year. You know, with Grace and all."

"Yeah. That's really nice of you." I was honestly relieved to hear that she had a boyfriend. For the longest time she had said that she would never love a guy again- not after what happened to Michael.

"So how's Chris?"

"He's good. Really busy at work though." I answered, referring to my own boyfriend at home. "He wished he could have come."

"Next time, you gotta bring him, 'kay?"

"Sure Joey. He and you will get along great."

Grace then started crying.

"I'll get her. You ladies stay here and chat."

"Thanks." Scarlett said. "So how are things with your parents?"

"Well, better. I think they've started to forgive me for calling it off with Macon. Although, they aren't exactly happy that I already have Chris."

"They'll get over it, trust me. And Halley?"

"Yeah?"

"In case they don't, just know you'll always have me."

"Thanks Scar. I'll always be here for you and Grace."

"Thank you. Things can get pretty tough. And you know what I've learned through this whole experience? That life is and ugly, awful place not to have a best friend."

I was amazed. She was so right. "That is so awesome, and so true."

"I guess what I'm trying to say is, thanks for being there for me Halley."

"Any time, Scarlett. Any time."