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“First of all, what Aaron and I are going through is complicated and messy. It’s not easy for either of us, and we’re figuring it out as we go. But even when I’m pissed as hell at him, at no point have I stopped being there for him. So don’t take that freaking tone with me, Joel Wilkinson.”
He looks down. “So you’re pissed at me for being on your side?”
“No,” I say, poking his shoulder so he looks at me. “I’m saying there shouldn’t be sides. You should be supporting him just as much as you support me. You’re supposed to be his best friend, and he’s needed you. You can’t keep being Team Rae. Whatever is going on between us shouldn’t affect the rest of you. I don’t want you choosing sides. I never have.”
Joel sputters in disbelief. I grab his arm and yank him toward me as some idiot on a bike whizzes by, almost taking him out. Joel grimaces in their direction with the same general animosity he’s had toward Aaron for most of our freshman year.
“Sarah is always Team Rae,” Joel argues.
“She’s my sister. She gets a pass. Same as Jesse would for you.”
“And even so,” Sarah says, stepping in toward him and running her hand down his arm, “I haven’t been. Just because you haven’t seen it doesn’t mean I haven’t been there for him.”
Joel’s shoulders slump in defeat. “Well, he could’ve told me instead of giving me one-word answers.”
“Have you apologized to him at all?” I ask gently.
He furrows his brow and starts walking again as Sarah and I hustle to catch up.
“No. Why should I apologize? He was—”
“Going through something hard. If we were only there for each other when things are good, our friendships wouldn’t have lasted this long,” Sarah says sincerely. “I know that better than anyone. You never gave up on me, Joel,” she says softly, eyes big and shimmery. “He needed you. He still does. You should talk to him.”
Joel walks silently for a few minutes before reaching down and taking Sarah’s hand in his. “I’d never give up on you.”
Aww.Gosh, I wish the two of them would see what’s right in front of them! Idiots. But also, I can’t say much. Been there, done that. Jury’s still out on how it’s going.
“I’ll talk to him,” Joel mutters.
“Have some faith in him too,” I suggest.
Joel nods, but he still looks grumpy and a little bummed.
I walk up on the other side of him, loop my elbow around his and rest my head on his shoulder. “Thanks for always having my back, Joelskies.”
He laughs a little. “Always, Rae Rae.”
Aaron
I’m finishing up making a list of food to buy and order for Friday. I’m planning on pizza and subs with some of Rae’s favorites from a local Mexican place and a few of Joel’s favorites from the local Thai place. And I found a recipe for homemade Thai iced tea, which is one of Joel’s favorite things.
I know things have been strained between us lately, but he’s still my best friend. I want him to have a good birthday.
The door swings open and I quickly close my notebook.
“Hey,” Joel says. His voice is tight, like he’s pissed at me.
Wonder what I did this time.
“Are you pissed at me?” Joel asks suddenly.
“I…”
Am I?
“You’ve barely said more than a sentence at a time to me in months. I know things have been kinda shitty this year, but I’m still your best friend.”
I accidentally let out a bitter laugh at that.
