Chapter 73 LXXIII.

Chapter 73 LXXIII.
Isadora’s POV

I made an excuse to use the bathroom in the middle of the lesson. It wasn't that
I actually had to go, but none of my friends were in this class. Sam was the
only person I knew here, and we aren't close, so the lecture was dragging on. I just needed to leave the room and clear my head for a bit.

I was halfway to the bathroom when I spotted George marching down the hallway from the opposite direction. He looked absolutely livid—extreme annoyance written all over his face. I was immediately curious. What could have happened to put him in such a state? And besides, wasn't he supposed to be in class right now?

For a second, I debated whether I should call out to him. I knew he hated me and talking to him was probably a terrible idea, but he was Trisha’s friend. I told myself it wouldn't be wrong to ask, purely out of concern for her.

However, before I could summon the courage to say a word, he noticed me. His eyes locked onto mine, and his expression darkened even further.

Oh no. This is a bad sign.

Instead of walking past, he changed direction completely and stormed straight toward me. I instinctively took a small step back, just to make sure he wasn't planning on taking his anger out on me physically. Knowing him, that was probably exactly what he wanted to do.

"What kind of friend are you?" he snapped. The words were so sharp and unexpected they caught me completely off guard.

What did I do this time?

"W-What?" I stuttered like an idiot.

"What kind of friend lets her 'friends' treat her best friend like trash? Are you seriously going to keep acting like this?"

I blinked, gulping down a sudden surge of guilt. "I don't think I owe you any more explanations, George. I don't know why you keep bringing this up. If you care about Trisha and want to protect her, then do that! Stop trying to pull us apart."

His laugh was cold and hollow. "Can you even hear yourself, Isadora? 'Pull you apart'?" He shook his head in disbelief. "Why don't you look deep within your twisted soul and ask if you truly deserve to be Trisha’s friend at all."

My fists clenched at my sides and I glared at him, my own anger finally surfacing. I was sick of his accusations and the way he thought he had the right to judge me.

"Listen, George, I've told you time and again that you don't know me. Stop acting like you do!"

He scoffed dramatically. "I know you well enough to know that you're selfish and inconsiderate."

Each word landed like a slap. The guilt and the nagging fear that he might be right started messing with my head, but I struggled to keep my composure.

Oblivious to the pain he was causing, he continued. "If you're just going to keep using Trisha and keeping her as a pet for your stupid friends, then maybe you should do her a favor and leave her alone."

With that final jab, he stormed off without looking back.

I remained rooted to the floor long after he disappeared around the corner. I was angry, but I couldn't stop the thought that there was some truth in what he said. I knew he didn't just confront me for no reason. He’d had class with Trisha this morning—the same class as Oliver and Ethan.

A knot settled in my stomach as the realization hit. Something must have happened. Ethan and Oliver must have done something to her again.

I sighed sadly, knowing George was right. I have been a terrible friend to Trisha, but I just can't stop hanging out with my group. I love Ethan too much to let go.

Trisha would just have to forgive me.



I was distracted for the rest of the day. I didn't see George or Trisha in the cafeteria during lunch, and that alone made me nervous.

What if George had somehow convinced Trisha to stay away from me? What if he managed to talk her into ending our friendship? For the first time in years, I was truly scared of losing her. What if George succeeded in taking my place?

The minute the bell rang to end the day, I bolted out of my last class to find her. Ethan’s party was tonight and I was supposed to go shopping with Raine for new outfits, but right now, only Trisha mattered.

I headed straight to her locker and found her packing her books. Thankfully, George was nowhere to be found. I cautiously approached her, wondering if she was mad. I had no idea what George might have been telling her.

"Uh... Hey, Trish."

She wheeled around, staring at me through her thick glasses. The moment her blue eyes lit up at the sight of me, I felt the tension leave my body.

"Hey, Izzy! What’s up?" she said with a bright smile.

"Nothing much. Are you headed home? I can give you a ride," I offered, still playing it safe.

Her smile widened, but then she frowned slightly. "But I thought you were going shopping with Raine?"

I linked my arm with hers and pulled her close. "You and I are going to the party too. I'd much rather get ready with my best friend than with Raine."

Her eyes went wide and her cheeks turned as red as a tomato. "Uh... S-sure," she stuttered, nervously pushing up her glasses.

I chuckled at how flustered she got. She always acted like this when I got touchy; I guess she still isn't used to it.

We walked toward the parking lot with our arms linked. She chatted happily about a teacher who had nearly fallen asleep during a lecture, but she didn't mention George or Ethan at all. I was relieved she wasn't mad, but it hurt that she wasn't telling me the truth about whatever happened. She probably thought I wouldn't do anything to help, so she didn't bother bringing it up. It sucked to think she felt that way, but I couldn't blame her. I was a pretty useless friend.

Once we got into the car, Trish spoke up unexpectedly. "You've been quiet, Izzy. Is everything okay?"

I glanced at her, forcing a smile. "Everything’s fine, Trish." I bit my lip before adding, "But can I ask you something?"

"You know you can ask me anything, Izzy."

"Well... I ran into George before lunch. He was really angry and he said some... pretty harsh things." I hesitated. "He made it sound like something happened involving you."

Trisha sighed and adjusted her glasses. "Oh..." she mumbled. "Well, it wasn't too bad. We were paired for a group project with Ethan and Oliver. They asked me to do the whole project while they proofread. George got angry because he felt they were dumping the work on us. It caused a big argument between him and Mr. Evans, and George got sent to the principal’s office. I still feel guilty about it."

"I’m so sorry. This is all my fault," I whispered.

She looked at me in surprise, then sighed. "You don't have to apologize, Izzy. It’s okay."

"It’s not. I feel terrible. Ethan and Oliver are my friends..."

"Yeah, but you aren't in control of what they do. It’s them, Izzy, not you. I’m perfectly fine as long as it isn't you hurting me." Trisha offered me one of those gentle smiles that made all my guilt melt away.

I smiled back and gave her a side hug. "Thank you, Trish. You’ll always be my best friend. I’m going to make it up to you, I promise."

She squinted at me curiously. "How are you going to do that?"

I smirked mischievously. "Don't worry. You’ll see."