20: Officially In

We watched as she carelessly played with her thumbs while her hands were intertwined. The air was thick and heavy as we waited for her response.

“I want to have a friend. When you helped me with Kristine's group in the cafeteria, I saw how cool and strong your friendship was– that I wanted to join, so that somehow I had someone to call as friends.” She showed us her broken smile.

All along, that’s what she wanted. That’s what she was asking for. A friend.

“A friend that will protect and accept you,” said Litty in a hushed tone.

“I’m sorry for what I told you. That’s just what I felt when you came here,” Louie said, apologetically.

Gwen shook her head and mustered a half-hearted smile. “It's fine. I know that you said those words out of anger,” she sighed. “Let us just forget about what happened.”

“Are you sure?” Litty asked, her eyes gloomy with guilt.