My head was spinning.  I couldn’t believe it. “That guy. What’s his deal? Doesn’t he know the difference between rejection and ‘playing hard to get’?” 

Mom and dad were still at work, so no one was home to hear me talking to myself. I buried my head in my pillow. Clueless on what to do. At first I was thinking about telling my parents about what happened at school, but then I realized that they might take it too far. I was so lost in thought, that I didn’t hear my phone or even the doorbell ring. I was brought back to reality by a knocking at the door. I immediately got up to see who it was, and to my surprise it was Alexis. 

 “Alexis?” “Hey, Athena. I tried calling your phone, but you didn’t answer. I got worried and came to see if you were okay.” 

“Oh, sorry, I was daydreaming and I guess I didn’t hear it ring.” I tried to make it seem like everything was okay, but Alexis could see right through my deception. 

“Hey, Athena.” 

“Hm?” 

“What’s wrong?” 

“Huh?” 

“What’s wrong? You’ve been acting weird ever since Bryan and I took you home.” 

“Well, I-I was just—“ 

“Athena,” I looked up at her. 

“I know something’s bothering you. And it’s better to talk about it, than hold it in.” 

“Alexis..” 

“I’m your friend and last time I checked I’m supposed to be there for you, so please tell me what’s bothering you.” I didn’t answer her.   She gave me a sad look.   

"Athena?"  

"It's none of your business."  I realized what I said too late, the look on Alexis' face.  She looked like she was about to cry.  

“Okay then. I guess, I’ll just leave then.  Since it is none of my business, I'll see you tomorrow.”  

“Uh..” I wanted to say something, but I couldn’t. I didn’t feel like telling her, or was it because I didn’t want to tell her.

The next few days weren’t any better.  I took the bus to school since Alexis and I weren’t talking.  Even throughout the school day with our lockers next to each other, we still didn’t talk.  After English was over I tried talking to her, but I couldn't.  I hated it, I missed our talks and her funny remarks. They would always make me laugh. I took the bus home that day and thought more and more how I hurt Alexis.   I didn't mean what I said, but at the same time I did.  I tried doing some of my homework to get my mind off it, but it was a failure.  

Soon my parents came home and we had dinner.  My parents knew something was wrong, they just didn't know what.   I couldn't focus on my studies so I watch TV until it was time to go to bed.  I brushed my teeth and flopped on my bed.  I was all set to sleep.  Except I couldn’t sleep. The fact that I hurt Alexis really got to me. All she wanted was to help and I pushed her away.   Some friend I was, but I knew I had to make it up to her.  But how?