Chrysalis

By: PointyObjects


"I just want to apologize."

Without thinking, I asked, "What for?" Honestly, I should have just accepted it. For the entirety of our friendship (and especially lately), apologies from my friend come few and far between, and are usually preceded by my apology (even if I didn't actually have anything to apologize for). That's how I relationship has always been, I guess. Like one of those glow sticks. You have to break it first if you want to get any light out of it.

Instead of answering right away, my friend stepped forward and gave me a hug. It wasn't a real hug; not the kind you get when your grandmother dies and she's the only one from your class to come to the funeral, or like the ones you get after going months without seeing each other. It was a hug given because she thought I wanted it.

I didn't, but I returned the sentiment as best as I could with my arms full. Could she have picked a more inopportune time to pretend to hug me?

"Because I've been acting a little…shady lately…"

Lately?!

"And I wanted to apologize." She said. I never noticed how condescendingly she could talk. Where was my friend who I exchanged clothes with? I mean, yeah, the clothes were almost always hers, and usually, I'd try them for a week before donating them, but the sentiment was there. This person changed over the past few months, and much as I missed her, I couldn't put my finger on why.

"It's fine-" I began, wanting to assure her, even though, when I really thought about it, it was most assuredly not fine. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, and let her interrupt.

"And, you're my oldest friend, but I don't want people to think we're like…attached at the hip, or whatever." she said, tilting her head and letting her long, dark hair fall over one shoulder.

This time, I actually had to fight the shock that was threatening to ruin my pokerface. Attached at the hip? Is that the new slang for me calling/texting/making plans with you on a regular basis and you blowing me off? Because if so, then yes, friend, we are very much attached at the hip.

"So…yeah. Totally sorry." She finished, simply, as if smoothing over her backhanded insults like holes in a wall with a coat of paint.

Releasing a breath I didn't realize I was holding, I smiled as genuinely as I knew how (not very genuine, I'll admit). "It's no big deal," I said, shrugging my shoulders, despite the bag threatening to fall off at any moment. "I hardly noticed."

I don't remember saying goodbye or even turning to walk away. But before my 3:30 Urban and Public Health Entomology class, I remember pulling out my phone, and scrolling through my frequently called contacts. Quickly hitting a few buttons, a small, white box popped up, second guessing my decision for me.

Delete Rhonda Lloyd?

Confirm.


A/N: I hate writing stories based on real life.

-PointyObjects