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Summer could not have come faster this year. Though for the first time in four years it was not the beaches and the sun baking with my friends that I was looking forward to. Neither was it the endless radiant days sitting by the pool with my box full of books that my grandmother always collected for me over the year as a present for making it through one more year of school.3
“Wait up,” Oxford called running down the empty college corridor. “Norah, please wait.”4
I heard her steel capped boots tapping like tap shoes across the the floor and spun around. My feet never lifting off the slippery floor. I flung my arms open wide to balance myself. Hoping to the heavens that I would not embarrass myself by falling flat on my ass. Giving Norah a good chance at the sight of my underwear. 5
Why had she bothered to follow me after I specifically told her to stay out of my life this summer? To stay out of my life forever.6
When Oxford caught up with me she stopped, gripping my shoulder for support. Wheezing to catch her breath. She frowned at my Solemn expression and dropped her hand standing upright. Her breast perking in front of me.7
“You don't understand Norah,” she said holding her hand to her throat. “You have no idea how much pressure I was under to say that you lied.”8
I shook my head infuriated. 9
I had not lied. Oxford knew it and I knew it and that was all that mattered. At least that's what I had thought until recess when a group of ten girls strode up to were I was sitting and harassed me to no extent that I was lying and spreading rumors around the school about Oxford's confession of love.10
“Did you tell them?' I asked facing the ground. Unable to look my best friend in the eye. Sickened by her betrayal of trust and confidence.11
“Did I tell them what?” Oxford asked. Her breathing steadily returning to normal. Her voice screaming with apologetic compassion. 12
“Did you tell them you weren't lying?” I said my voice shaking. I was going to cry. God damn my god damn female hormones. I was going to cry.13
“Yes. But when I did the shit hit the fan and I had to pretend that I was joking. They made me say that you were lying. I swear Norah I never meant to hurt you. You know what they're like. They would have chewed me up and spit me out and where would I be then huh? I'd be alone.”14
I looked up wiping the tears from my eyes. I stared long and hard at Oxford, before I swallowed back the tears and took the courage to set her straight.15
“You wouldn't have been alone. You would have had me. I love you. I always have and you have know that from the moment we met. But is that it ? Is that your definition of love Oxford? Stab the woman you love in the back with her own knife? Blatantly make her out to be a liar when you know god damn well that she would never lie about such an thing?16
Oxford stood silent. Her hands in her pockets. Tears of guilty streaming down her own eyes.17
I was not going to take sympathy for her this time. She had crossed the line.18
“All I can say is I am sorry for you. I pity you. Because we could have been amazing together Oxford and now we will never know.” 19
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I want a golf buggies and a walking stick.
Silver trophy winner
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