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I jogged up the driveway, just as Morgan was coming out my front door, with her bag over her shoulder. She tried to walk right past me. Hanging her head, she kept walking but was brought to a halt as I wrapped an arm around her waist.

“Come on, Morgan, let’s talk about this.”

“I don’t want to talk,” she replied, breaking free from my grip. I sighed heavily as I watched her take off, down the driveway. I debated the idea of chasing after her, again, but figured it would be better to give her some space and let her cool off. So, I trudged into the house and upstairs, to shower.

I took a nice long, hot shower, hoping that it would help me to think. After getting dressed I plopped onto my bed. None of the guys were up yet, so I looked around to find the number to Sean’s mom’s place. After a bit of searching, I came across it. Quickly, I dialed the number.

“Hello?”

“Hey Sean, I’m glad you’re up,” I greeted sadly.

“What’s up with you? You sound upset.”

“Yeah. See, that’s why I called. Morgan and I went on our run this morning and we ran into Jason. Well, one thing led to another and I ended up finding out that Morgan believes the crap that everyone says about her! Now, she’s trying to avoid me. How did I miss this Sean? I’m her freakin best friend!”

“Well, you missed it because she made special effort to make sure you did. Morgan didn’t want you to know.”

“Wait! You knew about this?!? How come you didn’t tell me?”

“She made me swear,” he stated simply. I shifted on my bed as he continued. “Morgan has been like that ever since I met her, dude. She’s an insecure chick and she just didn’t want you knowing.”

“But she told you?” This was NOT adding up! She tells me everything…or at least, I thought she did. “When did you replace me as the best friend?”

“I haven’t Baylee, that’s the problem. You don’t even know.”

“What? You aren’t making any sense!”

“That’s because, if I did, I would be telling you things that are classified.”

“Classified? Now I’m really confused!”

“Never mind, Baylee. She’s just embarrassed about it; give her time.”

“That’s why I’m so darn frustrated! She’s not supposed to be embarrassed around me…I’m her best friend! She’s supposed to be able to come to me with anything.”

“Don’t worry, this is the only thing that she hasn’t told you about.”

“But, it’s a major thing!”

“Don’t harp on her about not telling you because it will make it worse. Just go talk to her and be supportive of her. She’s afraid that you’ll think less of her…don’t give her any reason to believe that’s true, too.”

“Afraid that I’ll…what? You’re kidding me! She thinks I’m that shallow?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! This was unbelievable.

“No, Baylee. It’s not that she thinks you’re shallow. She just really cares about what you think of her.”

“I’m gonna go talk to her,” I sighed. “I hope she’s had enough time to cool off.”

“Just be your normal sweet supportive self…she likes that in you. Something about it making her feel relaxed, or comfortable, or something. I don’t know, it’s a chick thing, I think.”

“Yeah, girls think you’re mad at them if you get upset over something. Why are girls so complicated?”

“I don’t know man. But we’re really going to be in for it when we start having real girlfriends.”

“Ain’t that the truth. Alright, I’ll see ya tomorrow, right?”

“I won’t be in until late, so I’ll just see ya at school.”

“Alright, later.” We both hung up and I shoved the phone in my pocket. I headed downstairs to find AJ and Howie in the kitchen. “Morning guys,” I smiled slightly, as I grabbed an apple.

“Hey, you ready to start our planning?” AJ asked as he shoved a bite of eggs in his mouth.

“Since Nick isn’t up, can I go over to Morgan’s first? We went on our run this morning and let’s just say some crap happened. I really need to talk to her.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Not really,” I sighed as I took a seat next to Howie. “She believes the stuff people say about her. Sean said that she always has but was too afraid to tell me. I don’t know what’s going on. I think she might believe what they say about her not being good enough to be my friend. I’m really worried about her. She was pretty upset.”

“Yikes,” Howie shook his head. “We all really like Morgan. I hope she realizes that.”

“Yeah,” AJ nodded, “she’s a lot of fun. Tell her that we like her and that our opinions are the only ones that count.”

“Okay, I’ll be back in a while,” I called out to them as I headed to the front door. I took my time, walking to her apartment. When I got there, I even hesitated before I finally knocked.

“Hello, Baylee, I knew I would be seeing you. She’s locked herself in her room,” Lisa gave me a sad smile as she let me in.

“She’s still upset?”

“She wouldn’t even open the door for any breakfast.”

“Great,” I sighed sarcastically. I trudged down to her room. Since we have had similar instances happen, I didn’t bother to knock because I knew she wouldn’t open up. She never did, when she was really upset over something. So, I leaned against her door and slid down until I was sitting on the floor. I stretched my legs out in front of me.

“Morgan?”

“Go away, Baylee.”

“You know that I’m not going to, so I’ll just sit out here and talk to you through the door, like I usually do.”

“I’m not listening.”

“Sure. Then why are you answering back?” I smirked. Why did she always have to be so stubborn?

“I’m not.”

“You just did, hun.”

“Shut up,” she shouted as she threw something at the door. The sound of the thud, startled me a little.

“Why are you trying to push me away? I only want to be here for you. You know, just like I have in the past and just like you do for me? You’re my best friend, Morgs, and I hate seeing you upset. Please, just talk to me?” I leaned forward a little in anticipation. Sure enough, the door slowly creaked open. She sighed as she sat down next to me. “Glad to see you decided to join me.”

All I got in response was a shrug of her shoulders. Her light brown eyes stared out in front of her, the green specks catching the light, as she remained silent. This was going to be tougher that I thought. Normally she would be talking my ear off about everything, by now.

“Morgan?”

“Hmm?”

“I’m not sure exactly what you believe, okay. But, right now, do you know what my biggest fear is?” I gently rested my hand on her shoulder. She had also showered and changed, after getting back from our run. Her hair was still damp and her curls laid on her shoulders without any sign of frizziness.

“What?”

“I’m really worried, that you think they are right, about you not being good enough to be my friend. You have no idea how bad I felt when I realized that you might actually believe that,” I confessed. I tried to pull her into a hug but she resisted.

“And what if they aren’t wrong, Baylee? Huh? What then?” she stood up and stared down at me. I could see that her eyes were all puffy from crying and her cheeks had tear stains streaked down them.

“What are you talking about?” I stood up and looked directly into her eyes. “Of course they are wrong! Besides, who cares what they think?” I took a firm hold of her shoulders, to keep her from turning away. “You’re my best friend, Morgan, okay? Nothing and no one is going to change that…ever! Do you understand me? Forget about them, they’re lame for not seeing what a wonderful person you are. Not that it hurts my feelings any, because that means Sean and I don’t have to share you with anyone else.”

“Oh, Baylee…” she sniffled, as a blush rose in her cheeks. I pulled her into a hug, wrapping my arms around her.

“Feel any better?”

“A little.”

“Wanna hit my on the head with a pillow?” I asked with a smirk.

“That won’t be necessary.”

“Come on, it always makes me fell better when I hit you with a pillow. It should work the other way around, too. Or, you could come over to my place and help devise a plan to soberize Kevin,” I smirked, knowing that she would take the bait.

“Hmmm, that sounds interesting,” she rubbed her chin. “Yes, I think you guys could use some help with that.”

“Great, come on, then.” After saying ‘good-bye’ to her mother, we headed out the door and towards my place. We were about halfway there when I jogged in front of her, turned around, and lifted her up onto my shoulder.

“Put me down,” she squealed, “I am not a sack of potatoes, you know!” I ignored her and kept on walking as she swatted my butt, repeatedly. I carried her all the way back to my place…she’s not really that heavy. Once inside, I flung her onto the couch and took a seat on her stomach.

“No what are you gonna give me? You’ll have to bribe me good, if you don’t want to be tickled.” I snickered as I wiggled my butt on her stomach.

“Baylee Thomas Wylee Littrell!”

“Yes, Morgan Lydia Smith?”

“Get up!”

“No!” I smiled widely at her, but she just glared back at me. The three guys, must have, heard the commotion because they all filed into the living room.

“What are you…you know what, I don’t wanna know,” AJ cocked an eyebrow at us and shook his head, before plopping into the chair.

“Everything okay with you two?” Nick asked as he plopped, heavily, onto AJ’s lap. AJ scrunched his nose and shoved Nick to the floor.

“So, what are we going to do about Kevin?” I asked, still sitting on Morgan, but leaning back to rest on the back of the couch…Morgan was officially a couch cushion!

“Why don’t you guys clean out one of the guest rooms, and lock him in there until he is done going through withdraws? After all, it’s not like he’ll stay in rehab,” Morgan suggested. She had her hands behind her head and her legs crossed at the ankles. I guess I sit on her enough that she is used to it…not like I weigh much, either.

“That’s not a bad idea,” Howie nodded.

“Why don’t we find that crazed fan and pay her to come beat him with that stick, she threatened him with?” I asked, laughing.

“Hmmm, another descent idea,” AJ smiled. “Maybe we should just lock her in there with him and she can do whatever she wants to or with him.”

“Poor Kevin wouldn’t stand a chance,” Nick snickered.

“Isn’t that the point?” Morgan asked as she reached out and tickled my side. Looking into her eyes, I could see that she was happy. How could she be so unhappy and believe those things people say, but yet her eyes always have that sparkle? I rarely see her sad, and when I do, I know the reason behind it. She was really good at covering up the affect, the teasing, had on her.

“Yeah. Do you think it would work?” Nick questioned. “It seems…I don’t know…”

“O MY GOSH!” Morgan squealed. “I have the perfect idea! It’s totally fool proof and I am sure it will work! Here’s what we do…”