- 11.
After school, Brianna cornered me at the
back entrance of the classroom.
“We need to talk.”
She wasn’t smiling. Her expression was
serious.
I was getting really tired of this. Why did
everyone want to talk to me?
Was I part of their little game? They could
have their relationship drama; I had my life.
We had nothing to do with each other. Why
did they keep pulling me into this?
<
CC
Brianna stared at me intensely. Finally, she
spoke.
“I just don’t get it. What does he even see in
you?”
I almost laughed.
“Just say what you want to say. Don’t beat
around the bush.”
Her face hardened.
“…You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? Even
though Jason’s with me, he’s still into you.
He’s practically depressed because you’re
seeing another guy. He’s been ignoring me
for days.”
“I seriously don’t understand what’s so great
about you. You’re so sensitive and prissy. He
slapped you in a moment of anger, and you
immediately dumped him. It’s all about your
bruised ego, isn’t it? You’re willing to throw
away a childhood friendship just because
<
your pride was hurt. You’re so selfish and
petty.”
Brianna’s words tumbled out, as if she was
genuinely indignant on Jason’s behalf.
I listened patiently, then said, “You don’t have
to test me. I’m not getting back together with
him.”
She froze.
I smiled.
“It must be awkward, being sent by your
boyfriend to gauge his ex’s feelings. But don’t worry. I meant what I said. We’re done. We’re
strangers. I don’t go back on my word. And I
certainly don’t pick up trash I’ve already
thrown away.”
“Go back and tell Jason to stay away from
me.”
Brianna’s face was a mixture of shame,
humiliation, and confusion.
As I walked away, her voice followed me,
<
laced with resentment.
“Ashley, all this…just because of a slap? Just
because he hit you?”
“Yes. Just because of a slap.”
I repeated my answer, firm and unwavering.
