Justifying Lies

The knot that had formed in Sarah's stomach during her conversation with Sydney was still there, and it was getting bigger.

She swung around sideways on the bed and brought her feet up, so that she could lean on her knees. She exhaled loudly. "I know."

"Thank you," Valerie said. "Finally, you're listening." She put a spoonful of eggs and food in her mouth and took a swig of milk, holding up a finger for Sarah to give her a second. Apparently she wasn't done.

Sarah looked at Valerie's plate. There was enough food for two people. It'd always amazed her how much Valerie could eat, being that she was so tiny. She smiled, thinking Valerie could probably give Angel a run for his money in an eating contest.

"Look, Sarah, I get it. Okay? Sydney's been your best friend since you two were kids, and his family is the only family you had growing up. He's like a brother to you, and you're very close, blah, blah, blah. But this whole needing to talk to each other every single day is a bit much,