“Because.”

“Because why not?"

"Because! Well... you KNOW her."

“I know EVERYONE. I've met all those Little cheerleaders you hang out with and I know all the ones who would've given it up-" Her voice came to a dead stop. Danielle's intuition was leading her well once again

"You didn't. SHE didn't.”

I just squeezed my eyes shut praying Danielle hadn't guessed correctly and hoping everything would just go away.

But then Danielle's voice came back on the line with confidence in her tone. "There's only one girl you wouldn't tell me about. And that's because you know I'd HAVE to tell MY girlfriend."

Ny heart sank, and so did my shoulders.

“Oh, how could she do that to her best friend?”

“I told you, it's complicated!"

“David. You have to talk to Ellie. She's got to tell Cherys, and soon.

Otherwise I'll have to tell Cherys, probably by tomorrow night. I can give you that much time."

“Okay, okay. I'll see her at school tomorrow."

“Look, I don't pretend to know everything. Obviously I'm not back home and I don't know what's really going on between the three of you. But

Cherys and I have been watching her little sister for a long time. The girl really does like you. I'm sorry about Monica but please, try not to break Ellie's heart, too."

“I don't know if that's under my control.”

“Just keep it in mind."

"I will, Danielle."

"Good. Now get up off your ass and go downstairs, at Least for a few minutes. Then I can claim to mom that I was some help."

Monday morning, I was just closing up my locker before first period when Monica came down the hallway. Secretly, I'd been hoping I could procrastinate this until later in the day, but it looked like we'd be doing this right now.

I adjusted my backpack over my shoulder and then turned to face her. We both had rather nervous expressions as we looked at each other for the first time since that fateful Friday night.

“How you doin'?" I asked her.

“I'm okay," she replied, her nerves seeming to calm as we started into the conversation.

“Feels weird not jumping at you right now, though."

My jaw clenched up as I looked up and down her dynamite body, especially her Large breasts barely restrained by a tight halter-top. I mentally kicked myself for doing anything that would mean I might never touch those again. "Yeah, well... I understand."