Right. Another chapter, here…

Chapter 3 – Split Apart

LENA - Uh-Oh!

Bridget and I turned to each other.

"That went well," Bridget breathed heavily.

"I don't believe it!" I suddenly flared up, "what was all that about? Tibby and Carmen…fighting!" I shuddered. "Bee…we have to get them back together."

Bridget remained silent. And then—"How?"

I put my head in my hands. "I don't know. You know how Tibby gets."

Bridget reached over and patted my arm. "Oh, Lenny, we'll do it somehow. We'll be together again. We're too good friends to…you know…never speak to each other again or whatever."

I shook my head, "You don't understand, Bee. Carmen was right. We speak to each other less and less and writing letters have become a chore. Even when we come back here—to Gilda's—we spend less time here now." I had a sinking feeling in my chest.

Bee looked forlornly at Gilda's, the mats, the boards, the office.

"Well, I guess you're right." Bridget finally admitted. "We're no longer "we", are we? We're four different people now. Four different people, busy schedules, hardly time for each other."

"Yeah," I said, "I guess this is the end of the Septembers." I sighed. It can't be. We've been the best of friends for eighteen years. Through thick and thin. This can't be the end of us. IT CAN'T!

"We can try to save us, though," I said, hoping my heart believed it, too.

"How?" Bridget asked again, "if you're suggesting spending more time together…I have to practice for the World Cup. It's only six months away." She looked dejectedly at the floor.

I was cruelly reminded of the Regional Art Competition. It was two weeks from today. Most of the participants from RISD were practicing like crazy. Oh, except ME. Shit.

"I dunno," I said, pushing it from my mind, "but, right now, I really should go. You know…the Regionals. And you should probably be practicing too." I picked up my radio and walked out. Bridget ran after me.

"We'll take the same bus, then," she said.

"You didn't bring your car?" I asked, surprised.

"No. There wasn't really time."

We boarded the eleven o' clock bus together and sat down next to each other.

Bee took out a clipboard which was outlining some soccer strategy—it was labeled with things like 'offense', 'defense', 'switch to midfield', 'penalty kick—achieve zero-zero', 'Davis goalie penalties—'and 'dribble to midfield, kick, pass, turn, score.'

I took out my sketchbook and began drawing the bus seat. Several times, I tried to start a conversation but we fell silent shortly after that. Then I gave up and just drew for the rest of the journey.

Bee got off at one point. She cleared her throat which made me look at her and sort of waved half-heartedly. I did the same.

When the bus stopped at RISD, I got off and went straight to my room. Quickly, I sketched two more pictures—one of Gilda's as I remembered it and the next of Greece. I painted that too but instantly regretted it as it made me think of Kostos.

I put down my paintbrushes and tried to set my thoughts straight again.

Kostos is married. He has (does he?) a baby. DON'T THINK ABOUT HIM. He ruined your life. Sort of, anyway.

Right then, some roommates barged in and began examining my work and praising it.

"Thanks," I said, glad. They left for lunch and I began clearing up.

BEE didn't praise your work, a nasty voice from the back of my mind whispered. SHE's supposed to be one of your BEST friends and she didn't say a thing the whole way.

I tried to push it away. Why do you even consider that Bridget Vreeland your friend?

"Nooooo," I howled, collapsing to the floor on my knees, "stop it! Bee is my friend!"

Then why didn't she praise your work? Or talk to you the whole journey?

"Because," I said firmly, "she was busy and worried about the World Cup."

Stop trying to convince yourself stupid things. You and Bridget Vreeland have grown apart. She's selfish. She doesn't care about what you do. All she thinks about is herself and what is important to her.

"No," I said again, desperately.

Oh, YEAH RIGHT. Stop trying to kid yourself, Lena. Why do you like that girl? She's not REALLY your friend. There's no reason to continue being her friend. Just break away from her right now. You've got better, more loyal friends now. No reason to stay friends with that Vreeland. Or even Lowell or Rollins anymore. They all hate each other and don't care about you. They're ALL selfish brats. You HATE them. You HATE them! YOU HATE THEM!

"I do?" I said to myself, perplexed, "no…but then why didn't Bee even comment on my work? And Tibby and Carmen. They didn't even care how hard their fight is on me. They all really ARE selfish, self-centered brats."

Hey y'all! Yeah, yeah, so now Lena hates them all too. I know it says only ONE of them breaks away but…now they all are fighting. Except Bee, really. She doesn't know Lena hates her yet.

I'll update soon! Chapter 4!