"You're back? What happened? I thought you were going out with William," Nancy said, surprised to see her home so early.
"Shh, lower your voice. I don't want my mom hearing you," she whispered, pulling Nancy into her room. The two sat on the bed, and Nancy looked at her expectantly.
"What happened? Why are you acting so secretive?" Nancy pressed.
"Please, keep your voice down," Tina replied, glancing toward the door. "My mom asked me to invite him over for dinner, but I told her he was busy. I don't want her finding out I lied."
Nancy frowned, shaking her head. "But why? All she wants is to thank him. Why are you stopping that from happening?"
"I'm not."
"But You are. I don't get it you used to like William. So What's changed? He's clearly trying to make things right. I know he hurt you in the past and was rude, but it looks like he's putting in the effort now."
Tina sighed and buried her face in her hands. It felt like everyone, even her best friend, was siding with William. "Nancy, you don't understand what it's like to feel rejected and humiliated. He wasn't just cold to me—he tore me apart with his words. It would've been better if he'd just ignored me. Instead, he made sure I felt worthless."
Nancy sat beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I know it's hard. But what exactly did he say?"
She looked down, tears welling in her eyes. "He said I was stupid and careless, that I lacked class and fashion sense. He called me a blockhead who chases after rich people for money and power instead of focusing on my studies. He didn't even see me as a friend he compared me to a prostitute. He knew I liked him, and instead of avoiding me, he..." She trailed off, unable to finish as the tears flowed freely.
Nancy pulled her into a hug. "It's okay, best. I understand. Let it out."
"I'm so confused, Nancy," she continued, her voice trembling. "I don't want to feel this way anymore rejected and insulted. I don't know why he's doing all these things now, trying to act like he cares about me and building a relationship with my mom. I just want the pain to stop. He apologized today, but I don't think I want anything to do with him anymore."
Her friend handed her a glass of water and sat quietly, processing her words. She hadn't realized how deeply her friend felt about William. She had always claimed it was just admiration, but now she was admitting her feelings—and the hurt they'd caused her.
"I liked him so much," she whispered, staring at the floor. "Sometimes, I even wished he had an identical twin so I could pretend it wasn't him hurting me. But he doesn't. It's just him."
Nancy took Tina's hands in hers, her tone soft but firm. "I know how much this has hurt you. But I think you should calm down and take things one step at a time. It's okay if you don't want to see him again no one is forcing you. But for your mom's sake, maybe you should invite him over. This isn't about forgiving him yet it's about your mom thanking him for helping her daughter. Don't take that away from her."
She hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Thank you, Nancy. I'll invite him over."
Nancy smiled, squeezing her hands gently. "Everything will work out, Tina. No matter what, I'll be here for you."