A Friend

CASEY

"Look, Cesar…" I inhaled sharply, trying to calm myself. "I did something bad. Really bad... Five years ago, when you came to see my roommate and I ended up sleeping with you. And that guilt has never gone away."

Silence followed.

I swallowed and continued, my voice softer now. "I need to talk to her. Sit down with her. Really explain myself. I owe her that much."

He didn't say anything.

"This isn't about you," I said. "This is important to me. Leanna... she was good. Is good. She was kind to me. She made me feel like I had a real friend. And I think she saw me the same way. And I broke that. I broke her trust over and over, and now I finally have a chance to fix it, explain myself....."

I turned to face him. "I don't want you there. Do you understand?"

He stared at me, eyes unreadable. He didn't speak. I slumped back into my seat, letting out a long, tired sigh. Maybe he just didn't get it. Maybe he never would.