Chapter Text
- The Gift of a Friend
Chloe moved to hug Red after the party and the people started to disperse as well. Red hugged her back and the two girls held onto each other for a few moments before moving to sit down.
“I’m sorry,” Chloe said softly. “You apologised for everything, but I took a lot of my frustration with Mom out on you too. I was drowning but I should have realised you were too.”
Red managed a smile. “I guess we both screwed up a little in our friendship huh?”
“I guess friendship is more complicated than either of us thought,” Chloe said smiling. “But I’m glad you have Luis and he was able to support you through that. Trust me, he’s better moral support than Hazel.”
Red had to blink at that, not entirely sure what Chloe meant. She didn’t think her best friend had opened up to anyone, let alone Hazel about the issues their friendship was happening.
“Chlo? You talked to Hazel of all people?” Red asked.
Chloe shook her head. “I didn’t talk to her. I just needed a place to sleep and felt awkward talking to you at the time. She’s the one who started saying…” She trailed off, a tinge of hurt coming into her voice.
Red’s heart sunk. Ok, she had never liked Hazel, that much was clear. But the fact that Hazel had tried to hurt Chloe when she was already having doubts and struggling. She saw red – no pun intended and made to move towards her when Chloe grabbed her arm.
“Red, don’t,” Chloe said quickly. “It’s ok. Hazel and I are good now. And so are we, it doesn’t matter.”
“Chloe, she hurt you,” Red said softly. “I know I’m not one to talk but…”
Chloe shook her head. “I’m not one to talk either. I made mistakes too. Besides, forget her. Tell me about you and Luis.” Her tone turned teasing.
Red stared and blood rushed to her cheeks. Ok, so she supposed this was what they considered girl talk and she didn’t mind it. If there was anyone she could do girl talk with, it was Chloe because she was her best friend, but she had never been in a relationship before. Luis was amazing but the more she thought how amazing he was, the blood rushed further onto her cheeks.
“I don’t really know what to say,” Red admitted. “But being with him, I feel seen in a way I haven’t felt before. He makes me feel like I don’t have to be strong all the time.”
Chloe smiled. “That’s amazing, Red. You deserve that.”