"I'm sorry," I said to Norman just before he could turn around and leave.
He looked into my eyes, stepped closer, and wiped my tears.
"As long as you don't repeat it again, you're good, princess."
I nodded my head, oblivious to what that meant.
^^^^^^^^^^^
Time went by, and slowly I learned that the girl's name from before was Cecilia. Cecilia and I became good friends, and I started hanging out with the boys in Norman's friend group. The only girls were Cecilia and me.
It became a pattern as time went by. Norman stayed at school and played football with his friends while Cecilia and I waited. They often left their bags and other things with us. Usually, I would bring Norman enough water, just in case he needed extra.
I'd do it all for him.
---
One afternoon after school, it was the same thing as always. The boys played their game while Cecilia and I sat under a tree and chatted.
Midway into our discussion, we watched as Norman took off his puffer jacket because he felt hot from all the physical activity.
Cecilia excitedly got up and practically snatched it from him, immediately putting it on.
Okay, yes, it was a little annoying, but I thought, She must really like the jacket. So I let it go.
But time and time again, every time Norman came with it, she'd end up wearing it.
Like this one time, I asked Norman for the cozy jacket, and he instructed Cecilia to give it to me. But she walked up to me, still wearing it, sat down beside me, and said, "You'll have it later. I'd like to enjoy the coziness too."
Again.
"Oh, don't be stingy. You talk to Norman; he'll find the jacket."
"No need to stress. I'll keep it for Norman in your place. I think I do a better job. It's almost as though I'm the girlfriend, ha ha ha. Don't you think?"
She stood right in front of me while I was sitting and stared into my eyes, smirking as she said that. I glared at her and said nothing, dumbfounded, of course.
Did she really just say that?
Norman walked towards us and stood beside her.
"What's going on here?"
I spoke up quickly. "Norman, don't you think it's becoming a little unfair for me that she's doing my job and wearing your jerseys all the time?"
He looked at her, then at me.
"Ha ha, oh no. Not at all. I don't mind that she's wearing my jerseys."
"No, Norman. I'm uncomfortable with it. It's like she's your girlfriend and not me."
"Don't stress over it, Amelia. After all, she is my best friend, and she came first into my life. She usually does this."
After he left, Cecilia looked at me from the corner of her eye and smirked, then left.
I can't believe this happened right in front of me.
---
It was the last day of the term, and we were closing school for the summer break.
As a group, we hung out at the gazebo area at school.
It was 5:15 PM.
I glanced at the clock on the wall. Norman was running a little late. We ordered a few pizzas, cool drinks, and snacks too. Cecilia was late too.
Fifteen more minutes passed, and they both arrived.
I walked towards Norman and gave him a tight hug. I looked behind him and found Cecilia wearing the jacket.
Wow. Yeah, I am so surprised.
I rolled my eyes and smiled at her half-heartedly.
One of the guys stood beside Norman and asked, "Where were you two? You are late."
Norman shrugged. "I was picking Cecilia up by her house."
I laughed a little, hurt.
I murmured, "I asked you to come get me hours ago before the party started. You said you were going to be busy and wouldn't manage. And now I hear you picked her up instead. Does that sound okay to you?"
Everybody was silent.
I looked at Norman with expectant eyes, hoping he would at least tell me that he was sorry, that he wouldn't do it again, or that something truly did come up.
Instead, I heard this:
"Don't be so dramatic, Amelia. You're my independent queen. Besides, your home is closer than hers. Feel bad for her. If I didn't pick her up, she wouldn't have any company. Ain't your boyfriend a gentleman?"
With that said, he kissed my left cheek and went to take a seat near the TV room.
With Cecilia.
---
We all sat down in the TV room and played the movie with snacks in our hands and cozy blankets. I sat next to Norman on his left side.
Cecilia was sitting next to a guy I assumed must be the one she claimed to have a "crush on."
Yeah, right.
An hour into the movie, through the corner of my eye, I saw Cecilia sitting next to Norman.
I frowned.
What now!?
She whispered something into Norman's ear, and he nodded his head. He turned to my side and explained that Cecilia needed to go home.
"Sure, she can leave. It really is getting late," I whispered back.
"I'm escorting her to her home."
As if things couldn't get any worse for me.
I laughed loudly and sarcastically, and everyone turned to look at me for a moment before turning their gaze back to the screen as soon as I stopped laughing.
He has to be kidding me.
"Sure, why not. Since she's more of a priority than I am."
Angrily, I got up and left the room for the ladies' room.
---
I sat by the study area near the gazebo, on a bench under a beautiful tree. I looked towards the sky; it was already late. I was supposed to move with Norman back home as planned, but, well, we all know how that turned out.
I stared at the night sky, lost in thought.
Am I at fault? Was I really the one with a problem?
Was I overreacting to this whole situation?
Or maybe I'm just overthinking things.
But why did it feel unfair and hurtful?
Maybe it's because Cecilia is better than me.
And I am less.
Maybe I need to do better.