Until Now

We're Friends, Right?

     "That's it?" Hallie leaned forward.

     "Then I left for work," I shrugged, standing up, shoving the stool back into the corner. I closed my eyes, running my hands through my hair as I paced around the store. The girls watched silently, knowing better than to speak up. My eyes trailed across the street, connecting on the market doors.

     I could see through the glass that Logan was assisting a customer, who from the looks of it, wasn't happy. I looked back to the girls, hesitating. They stared forward, watching me. "I'll be right back."

     "Maisie, if you're going to talk to that Logan kid—" Violet mumbled.

     "He's my friend," I paused, "He didn't deserve how I talked to him."

     "You're going to end up as bad as your mother!" Violet shouted. I spun on my heels, stomping back to stand before her. She clasped her hand over her open mouth, gasping. "Maisie, I am so—"

     "Shut up," I growled, standing in front of her. "How dare you?"

     "Maisie, why don't we go out—?" Hallie hopped off the counter, grabbing my arm. She tugged me toward the front door.

     "No!" I shouted, shaking my arm free, charging at Violet. She screamed, as high pitched as possible, covering her face.

     "Maisie!" She begged, "Maisie, I'm—"

     "I said shut up!"

     She uncovered her face slowly, her arms extending in front of her to grip my shoulder. She held me away at arm's length, as her eyes widened. I felt someone grab my waist, yanking me into the air. From the angle they were holding me at, it was impossible to see the face. I knew, judging by my weight, it wasn't Hallie who was lifting me. I kicked, shouting as I felt my back press into someone's chest. I was carried outside, the bells jingling as the door swung open.

     As soon as we were completely outside, and the door closed behind us, my feet were returned to the ground. Two hands shoved my back, causing me to stumble forward slightly. I spun around, expecting to want to attack Violet's hero. Instead, I froze, watching Logan stand wide-eyed before me.

     "Hey," He panted, "Easy."

     "Why did you—?"

     "We heard Violet's screams from across the street. Imagine my surprise when I look out the front window and see you practically on top of your best friend."

     "For the record," I crossed my arms defensively, "I was defending you."

     "Oh?" He chuckled, and I narrowed my eyes in his direction.

     "I was just about to come apologize, but she said—"

     "Maisie, just stop talking for a minute." He held up his hand, shaking his head. "God."

      I frowned, looking at my feet. "Let me drive you home," He whispered, taking my hand in his. I refused to look up, instead shaking my head slightly.

     "Oh, come on," He nudged against me, "We're friends, right?"

      "I was such a bitch to you," I whispered, a tear dripping down onto the concrete sidewalk. As the two connected, the mere drop seemed so small, resembling only a raindrop. This tear, however, held so much more emotion.

     "It's fine," He assured me, squeezing my hand, "Come on, let me drive you."

     "I'm working, and—"