It’s only one step, but it’s a start. And I’m going to see it through all the way to the end.

50

On Monday morning, I find Rosie at her locker. When she sees me, her shoulders tense, and my chest tightens. My best friend shouldn’t feel defensive around me.

I walk up to her and hold out a can of Pringles. She looks down at it in surprise, her blue eyes wide, before she meets my gaze again. “What’s this?”

“Part one of my apology,” I say, pressing it into her hands. “I’m so sorry, Rosie. You were right. I was being selfish. I should’ve realized it sooner, but I’ve been so mad at my parents, and I got caught up in the competition.”

Rosie opens her mouth as if to speak, but I shake my head. I have to get this all out in one go.

“That’s not an excuse, I know. I should have been a better friend. I know you were giving this competition your all, just like I was, and it wasn’t fair of me to treat you like that wasn’t the case. I should’ve been more supportive about your crush, not making snide comments. More than that, I shouldn’t have prioritized the competition over our friendship.” I sigh, looking down at my shoes. “I wish I could take back the last few months, but I can’t. I hope you can forgive me, but I understand if you need more time.”

“Shut up,” Rosie says, and I look up just as she crashes into me, her arms tight around my waist as we fall against the lockers. I don’t care that people are staring at us, not when I’m holding my best friend in my arms again. “You’re so ridiculous, Jesus Christ. Of course I forgive you.”

I bury my face in her hair. I can’t begin to explain my gratitude in coherent words. “I’m so sorry. I’m going to be a better friend from now on, I promise.”

“Don’t be an idiot,” Rosie says, her fingers bunching up my sweater. “It’s not like we didn’t both play a part in this. I’m sorry, too. I shouldn’t have talked to Anam behind your back, especially when I knew you were going through a lot with your parents. I should’ve been more conscious of that.”

I shake my head, pulling her closer, until we’re basically melding into one person. “It’s okay. I missed you so much, you have no idea.”

Rosie huffs a weak laugh. “I missed you, too. Do you even know how much I hated not being able to talk to you?”