Page 52 of The Promposal

“Jake likes you,” she sniffled.

Correction, Jake loved and adored me, but now was probably not the time to be splitting hairs.

“He’s always liked you. Ever since we were kids.” Something that I still thought should have been brought to my attention a long time ago. “Nobody else ever stood a chance.”

“Like you.”

She nodded. “Like me. He’s such a good guy, you know?”

I did know. Even if I had temporarily forgotten. And I again felt pangs of sympathy for her. I knew from firsthand experience exactly what it was like to be deeply envious of someone because they were dating Jake. Heck, I’d even been jealous of imaginary women that I thought he was cheating on me with.

“I really am sorry. I hope you figure out what’s best for you and your ...” I let my voice trail off as I gestured at her stomach. “Do you want me to get someone for you? Ms. Rathbone? Or the guidance counselor or something?”

“I’m fine. I don’t need your help.”

And here I thought we were having kind of a moment. “Okay. I have to get to class.” I started to walk away and then stopped. I didn’t have to be mean, but she deserved to get called out on her behavior. “You shouldn’t have blackmailed Mindi and nearly ruined the prom. It’s one thing to go after me and Ella and take away our dresses or whatever, but you almost destroyed one of the most important nights of everybody’s lives.”

“I know. I shouldn’t have.”

I nearly fell over from the shock of her admission. If she’d apologized, it might have led to an actual heart attack, and I would have died. And missed the prom, which would have been terrible.

And even though I knew she’d never ask for forgiveness for her actions, I forgave her anyway. Maybe it was because I’d made up with Jake and was feeling generous and happy, but I didn’t want to keep being angry with her. The school year was almost over, and I didn’t plan on ever seeing her again.

“Right.” There was nothing else to really say, and I did need to get to class. “So ... yeah. Bye, I guess.”

“You’re going to tell everyone, aren’t you?”

Her words again made me come to a stop. “What?”

She wiped her nose with the toilet paper I’d given her. “That’s what I would do if I were in your shoes. Tell everyone.”

“I’m not you. And I don’t plan on telling anybody. It’s none of my business.”

I could tell from the look on her face that she didn’t believe me. But it was the truth.

And I got the feeling she was about to become intimately acquainted with having to tell the truth to some important people in her life.

I did as I promised and kept my mouth shut. Especially since Mercedes seemed to be dealing with a lot of crap. Mindi had spread the truth of what she’d done far and wide, but she gave most of the blame to Mercedes.

Which led to Mercedes being so ostracized by the other kids that, once again, I felt really sorry for her. I even said hi to her when I saw her in the hallway.

She ignored me and my attempts at niceness.

My sister couldn’t help but notice.

Later that afternoon, I was heading out to our car to drive over to Kenyetta’s school for our last tutoring session. Ella was going to catch a ride with one of the girls from cheerleading. “Why are you being nice to Mercedes? Have you forgotten what she did?”

“I didn’t forget. And it’s kind of a long story. I’ve just come to realize that when people are awful to you that it usually means that terrible things are happening in their personal lives. Maybe instead of getting mad and lashing out it would be better if I remembered that everybody has their stuff that they’re going through and it’s better to try and be kind.”

“Huh. So when did you get all enlightened and become a better person than me?” she teased.

“Not hardly.”

She grinned. “Give Kenyetta a hug for me!”

I told her I would and waved goodbye. I drove over to Kenyetta’s school and found her waiting for me in our spot in the library. Since this was our last session, we’d mutually decided that we would not do homework of any kind but would spend our time talking and playing cards.

I brought Uno and Go Fish. I thought Dr. Drummond probably wouldn’t appreciate it if I taught his little girl how to play poker.

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