yep.
Thankfully, the morning quickly settles into afternoon as I sit on my front porch, staring at the Charles River. It’s so nice to sit out here and watch the water on pretty spring days like this. I assign stories, lives, and dialogue to the people who pass by on foot, bikes, and scooters like I’ve done since middle school. And I think about what Ezra said about me having the potential to become a screenwriter someday, after helping Miss Fern with the play.
When I go back inside, I’ve sat down to watch TV for all of ten minutes before the doorbell rings. Mom is nowhere to be found, probably in her room on a business call or something, so I answer the door. And blink in surprise.
Mabel, Meredith, Carlton, and Dot stare right back at me.
At first, no one says anything, but Mabel breaks first. “We got your letters,” she gushes. “They were really sweet.”
The others nod and murmur in agreement.
I move aside. “Would you like to come in?”
The five of us make our way to the couch, and I awkwardly fidget with my hands.
Dot speaks first. “I know how it feels to be in your position, remember? When Mabel, Meredith, and Carlton turned onme, you were the only one who didn’t. I’m really sorry I didn’t do thesame for you this time, Rue. I just needed time to process you being Little Birdie.”
I smile. “Thanks, Dot.” I take in the way everyone else is watching me with knitted brows and crossed arms. “You guys, I’m so sorry. I know I hurt everyone with what I posted, and I kept the whole thing from you, which is just as bad as lying, which I’m pretty sure I did at some point, too. I don’t know if you can ever forgive me, but I’ll never stop being sorry.”
They’re silent for a moment. Mabel breaks first, cracking a smile and getting up to hug me. “I forgive you. Of course I do. But don’t you ever do something like that again, you hear me?”
Meredith sighs and rolls her eyes, joining our hug. “I do, too. And for the record, I love you, Rue. I know I can be harsh and unbearable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t talk to me and come to me with things. I never meant to overlook your feelings, like your boyfriend said. I never meant to let you drown alone.” Moisture shines in her eyes. “And most of all, I’m sorry for how I treated you because of my own insecurities. I need to do better as a friend. Iwilldo better.”
Then Carlton hugs the three of us at once. “I’m sorry, too. For everything, Rue. Including leading you on. I’ve started going to therapy so I can work on myself, and—according to my therapist—my constant need for romantic validation.”
A giggle bursts through my lips at that. “Thank you, Carlton. I think that’s a really good idea.”
It doesn’t take long for Dot to join our dogpile, and then what happens next can’t be prevented: Meredith and I start crying, and Mabel and Carlton start laughing, so we’re just a five-person blob of hugs and feelings.
When we break apart, Meredith and I wipe our eyes. I’m blushing from embarrassment at the emotion we’re displaying, but it doesn’t even matter.
Because inside? I’ve never felt more in bloom. Still, there’s one tiny little thorn left poking at me.
I still haven’t been completely honest with them about my fake relationship with Ezra.
“There is one more thing I need to tell you all.” Steadying myself, I let it all out. How I really did have feelings for Carlton, but how they really did go away, too. He has trouble meeting my eyes at that part, and I’m honestly kinda grateful because I feel like I’m going to die as I admit it all.
I tell them about how Ezra stepped in at the party, and how somewhere along the way, I started wishing this could all be real. They all ask so many questions throughout my confession, I’m surprised Mom doesn’t come down while I’m mid-sentence. By the time I’m done, my friends look equally shocked and enchanted.
“It’s my turn to apologize,” says Meredith. “I’m sorry for how I treated you when it came to Carlton. Nothing will ever be worth sacrificing our friendship again.”
My throat burns. “Thanks, Mere.”
She smiles. “You need to tell Ezra the truth.”
Mabel nods. “Maybe after the game tonight?”
“No way,” I say. “If he doesn’t feel the same way, I’m going to be humiliated.”
Dot hums. “I’m pretty sure he feels the same way, but let us know if you need our help.”
And then I get a text from him.
Ezra
I’m outside. can we talk?
“Too late.” I show my friends the phone. “He’s here.”
