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“The EAC isn’t as good as the EAN,” said Miriam.
“What’s the EAN?”
“Earth Action Network. It split off from EAC last year and now it does a lot more work in the community. If you want to really be part of an effective group, you wouldn’t be wasting your time with EAC,” said Miriam.
“Be nice,” said Tracy, shoving her gently.
“What? I mean, it’s true.”
Margie shrugged. “I like the people in EAC.”
“Well, EAN also throws better parties, so there’s that…” continued Miriam.
“Forget the nature stuff,” said Siobhan, who was sitting at the other end of the table. “Spectrum is where it’s at.”
“Oh, uh, I’m not gay or anything,” said Margie shyly.
“You sure about that?” asked Siobhan with a smirk.
I rolled my eyes. Siobhan was one of those people that was convinced that everyone was a little gay (or bi, if you wanted to get technical) and was just in denial. I had no idea why she would think this way—probably because she was surrounded by queer people most of the time—but I found it obnoxious.
“I’m pretty sure,” said Margie, irritated. I was glad she was standing up for herself.
“Well, if you ever change your m—”
“Oh, shut up, Siobhan,” said Tracy lightly but firmly.
“This is what happens when you bring home a stray, Brianne,” said Miriam with a laugh.
Margie had gone quiet, though her cheeks had some color on them.
“Don’t be assholes, guys. Margie, forget them,” I said, unsure what else to say. I would have to apologize to her next time we saw each other, maybe even over a text message. I didn’t want her to think I was okay with their behavior.
This made me realize that Emily had probably had to apologize for my behavior when she’d introduced Kaitlyn. The thought made me feel like shit, but it was probably a good thing. I really had to get my head out of my ass and not be such a bitch.
“Well, I’ve gotta get to my next class,” said Siobhan, grabbing her backpack and standing up. “See you guys.”
“Me too,” said Emily. She waved Kaitlyn over, and the two kissed a goodbye. I looked away from their coupley moment, but not before my heart twinged with jealousy. I really missed being in a relationship.
I saw Margie quietly gather her things and then stand up. I thought for a moment that she would say goodbye to the group, but it looked like she wasn’t planning to. She hesitated before turning around and leaving.
I knew I had to follow her. I left all my stuff where it was and trotted after her, catching up.
“Hey,” I said, putting a hand on her shoulder to stop her. “I’m sorry my friends sucked.”
Margie turned to face me. “I should have figured, though. I should have known I wasn’t cool enough for your friends. How could I be?”
“Margie, you are cool. You’re interesting already, and I’ve only hung out with you a couple times. And coolness isn’t everything. Being nice matters too, and you’re much nicer than them,” I said.
How was I so invested in this girl I hadn’t known until a week ago
? This was a little ridiculous. But now that I was invested, I couldn’t let go. I wanted Margie to be happy. Her situation was pretty sad, and she didn’t deserve to be so lonely.
“But it doesn’t matter if they won’t even give me a chance,” said Margie, now despondent rather than angry. “How am I going to make friends if I can’t get past the first step?”
“Find people who don’t care about that first step,” I said.
“No,” said Margie. “I can’t do it. It’s too much. I should have just figured this all out in high school, but I didn’t. I have to go to class, anyway. See you later, Brianne.”
