My attention snaps from the phone that rests in her hand, from which my sister-of-the-heart's voice emanates. My gaze flicks to the blonde across the table from me. Her words repeat in my head. 

"Even though it may not seem like it because we don't talk a lot, Khaliah and I are friends" 

My heart soars and joy caresses me for only a second before reality kicks in like a slap across the face. She's nice, a little voice in my head reasons. Of course, she said that. She didn't mean it. She's lying. Each reason is perfectly reasonable. Each thought is like a stab to the gut. She seems the type to lie to save someone's feelings. No one else said they were your friend. And the final reason that I know is the final nail in the coffin? They aren't willing to lie to you so blatantly. 

Each truth tears into my heart viciously as my nose prickles violently. Liquified pain fills my eyes, forming a blurry layer and distorting my vision. I bend my head forwards before anyone can notice the obvious tears leaking down my cheeks. It takes all my strength to keep my sniffling minimal. Laughing and light conversation flows gently around me as I break. They think I am merely tired. I don't correct them as I hide how completely and utterly broken I am. They don't really care. If they did they would notice my red eyes. They would notice the pain radiating from me as I subtly wipe away my tears and walk to class. 

I refuse to turn back. I pretend nothing is wrong. Just like always.