Chapter 11
Brooke asked to apologize.
I said no at first.
Then yes.
Not because she deserved it.
Because I wanted to look her in the eye without stage lights between us.
We met in the counselor’s office.
Alicia said I did not have to go.
My mother said the same.
But I went.
Brooke looked smaller without makeup and costume glitter.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
I waited.
She looked at the counselor.
The counselor said nothing.
Brooke continued.
“I was jealous. I thought if you won, everyone would say you deserved it more because you had some inspiring poor-girl story.”
My jaw tightened.
“My mother working hard is not a story you get to use.”
“I know.”
“No,” I said. “You don’t. You saw my mom’s uniform and thought it meant I could take more pain.”
Brooke started crying.
I did not comfort her.
She said, “I didn’t think you’d actually get hurt.”
“You put metal in my shoe.”
She looked down.
“I know.”
I stood.
“I hear your apology. I don’t forgive you yet.”
Then I left.
May you like
My hands shook.
But my back was straight.
