She was one of those people you knew you shouldn’t be involved with, you knew they would hurt you no matter what you tried to do to prevent it, but still you pursued them. There was just something about her, maybe the way she was so sure of herself, or the way she walked; carried her body so confidently. Or perhaps it was the way she spoke, unsure yet assertively, always speaking her mind, always asking question, not caring what anyone else thought. I knew no one else saw her this way, it was just me. Probably because I’d seen how much she’d changed in the past few years; how I’d noticed her grow up and take responsibility for herself; become independent. All I knew was that I needed her.

            The lightening struck again with force as if to assure me that I shouldn’t be thinking those thoughts. Screw nature, I needed her. Thunder pounded in the sky, followed by yet another bright flash. I hurried down the dirt path, kicking aside leaves and rocks, keeping my head low and wiping the rain off my face every few seconds. I hadn’t even noticed I’d been crying, finally becoming aware of the fact as I sniffled, choking down the newest set of tears. I can’t live without you, my mind said to her.

            I reached up to knock on the wooden door of Bette and Tina’s house, trying to compose myself. Tina opened the door, pulling her robe tightly against her body and yawned. Her bright blonde hair was tangled and disheveled and she had those fuzzy pink slippers on, the ones she always wore around the house when she thought no one would see her.

            “Oh my God, Alice!” She cried, yanking the screen door open and hauling me inside, flipping on the light switch posted on the side of the wall. “What are you doing? You could have froze to death!” She ran off down the hallway and came back seconds later with a pale blue towel, draping it over my shoulders. I just stood there dumbly, staring at the floor. Could I tell her? “Alice?” She asked softly, touching my shoulder. I didn’t respond for a few seconds, trying to find the words.