Out of sight and out of humiliation, Babs sat in a corner by the stairwell weeping. She had never felt this hurt, betrayed, or humiliated before. She reached for her small package of Kleenex when she noticed a familiar outline standing above her. "What do you want," she sniffed not bothering to look them in the eye.
"Here, I brought you this," Lorraine handed over Babs' diary.
"Where'd you get this," Babs asked, snatching the diary out of Lorraine's hand.
"It was... in my bedroom. Well... I-I found it in my bedroom," Lorraine sputtered.
Babs was silent for a moment. "So, I guess you decided to give it to Cindy Merrin, instead. Right?"
"No... I mean - I didn't mean to give it to her. She found it in hidden somewhere by my desk." Lorraine looked at her shoes.
Babs huffed. This was truly unbelievable. "You know, Lorraine," she growled, "If someone were to find something of yours, I'd make sure to give it back to you!"
"But, Babs I-"
"Forget it! Just leave me alone!" Babs stood up and grabbed her books. She was so enraged, she decided it was best to just leave before she did something she would regret.
Lorraine felt something that resembled a mixture of anger and frustration erupt inside her. "You know what, Babs, I originally came here to apologize to you, but I can see we're way past apologies!"
"I don't see why not," Babs scoffed, "Since you clearly betrayed our friendship then read my diary to the entire 11th grade! It's my diary Lorraine! Those are my private and personal thoughts that no one else is supposed to know, except me. How could you..." Tears began streaming down Babs' face.
A part of Lorraine wanted to reach out and console Babs, but she stopped herself. "I'm... so... sorry, Babs. I really am. I never meant for this to happen. I-"
"If you really were my friend, you wouldn't of done that," Babs said through gritted teeth.
"But you still are my friend," Lorraine said softly. "When Cindy found your diary, I said I was going to give it back to you, but she snatched it and left before I could catch her." Lorraine was filled with resentment now. She knew she could have stopped Cindy, somehow, but chose not to. She sighed to herself thinking of all the horrible things she said and did behind Babs' back, all because of some stupid fight they had about Tommy.
"Look," she stepped closer toward her friend, "you don't have to forgive me now. I completely understand. But... I would like us to be friends in the future." Lorraine looked at Babs hopefully, but Babs looked away.
There was a moment of silence.
"No," Babs finally spoke.
"No," Lorraine raised her eyebrows.
"It's not just about my diary, Lorraine," Babs sniffled.
"W-what do you mean," Lorraine blinked.
"I have to get to class, Lorraine," Babs said, heading off to 4th period.
"Babs wait," Lorraine stepped in front of her. "Please."
"No, Lorraine," Babs shook her head. "Just please leave alone..." She started to say something else, but just turned away. Some things were just better left unsaid.
Babs clutched her books close to her chest, as she walked to her Chemistry class. She could say this was the worst day of her life, but everyday had been like this for the past 6 weeks...