Chapter Twenty-Two

Please Don't Hate Me

I looked in the mirror at my reflection. My eyeliner was running and tears soaked my light red spaghetti strap shirt. Some tears had even fallen on my dark denim capris. I looked awful. I locked the bathroom door and set my backpack on the counter. I pulled out a brush and combed through my knotty hair. I then proceeded to retouch my make up and dry off my shirt. I didn't want Travis to know I had been crying.

I unlocked the door and walked to the art room. I had to talk to Audrey. I peaked in the door and saw her sitting in a corner focusing on the canvas in front of her. I opened the door and walked over to her. She continued to ignore me. I looked at the picture and saw that is was of Ray. He was staring at a slightly distorted version of me. Behind him was an upset looking Audrey. Tears shone in her eyes and I felt guilt flood to my head. I fell to my knees in front of her.

"Audrey, please listen to me? I'm sorry, but I had no idea Ray had broken up with you until he came to my house and told me. When he kissed me...I didn't feel anything between he and I. All I felt was disgust with him for being so sleazy. I talked it over with him and he says he felt like a slime ball and resents it with all his might. Audrey please listen to me?" I looked up at her and saw something on the painting I hadn't seen before. Behind Audrey was Travis, the look on his face was identical to the look he had when he threw the lily at me.

"You were there, weren't you? There's no way you could know that face unless you were there." Audrey turned and looked at me.

"Yah, I was." Tears shone on her long lashes. "I had followed Ray because I knew he was up to something. When I saw the kiss...I could feel my feet yearning to run away but I didn't. Lily, when Ray first arrived he walked into the back yard real quick. When he was back there I saw Travis walk up onto your porch. I stayed because I wanted to see Travis. I wanted to see you. I wanted to see you in pain." She paused and collected her breath. "I don't know why. I had no idea Ray just brought the thing up, I couldn't hear. I thought you already knew. I'm sorry Lil." We stood up and hugged each other. We knew how dorky we looked but we didn't care. No matter how many fights we had we always made up. I suppose that's just how friends are.

"Wait Lil, what happened with you and Travis? I saw you two talking outside and the next thing I knew your sprinting off to the bathroom."

"He wants to test the waters. I don't really have a say in it."

"Oh, Lil. I'm so sorry. Travis is a great guy but sometimes...he just doesn't know what to do. Don't worry, I'll talk to him." She hugged me again. I cried into her shoulder. That's what friends are for I guess. "Hey, look on the bright side, at least he told you he wanted to test the waters. With me he just did it anyways." Audrey laughed and this somewhat cheered me up. At least she wasn't holding a tiny grudge against Travis or I for that.

"Thanks Aud. You have no idea how much this means to me."

"Oh, I think I do." Audrey whispered so low that I had to strain to hear her.