Elena and Carlins had been best friends since they were freshmen at this high school in Jakarta. They did everything together and shared all their secrets. They were inseparable, or so Elena thought.

One day, Izaura, a girl in their class, started spreading rumors about Carlins. She told everyone that Carlins had been talking behind Elena's back and was not a true friend. Elena didn't want to believe it, but she couldn't ignore the whispers that followed Carlins everywhere she went.

Elena confronted Carlins, and things quickly turned ugly. "Carlins, I can't believe you're denying everything! I've heard it from multiple sources. You're lying!"

"Elena, I swear on my life, I have no idea what you're talking about. None of it is true!" Carlins denied all the rumors.

"Don't play dumb with me, Carlins! I trusted you, and now I find out you've been spreading lies behind my back. How could you?" Elena accused her of lying.

"I'm telling you the truth, Elena! I would never say anything about you that isn't true. These rumors are ridiculous!"

"Oh, so all these people are just making it up? They all have some sort of personal vendetta against you?"

"I don't know what their problem is, but it's not fair for you to believe their lies! I thought you knew me better than that." Carlins raised her voice.

"Right, because you're always so innocent, aren't you? You've always had a knack for spinning the truth to your advantage," said Elena sarcastically.

"Is that really what you think of me? After everything we've been through? I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you."

"You expect me to just believe you? How do I know you haven't been talking behind my back this whole time?"

"Elena, I thought you were my friend. I've never talked behind your back, and I don't understand why you're turning against me now."

"Friends don't spread rumors about each other, Carlins. And they especially don't lie about it when they're confronted," said Elena bitterly.

"Elena, please, just give me a chance to explain. I'm not the person you think I am."

"I've heard enough! Our friendship is over, Carlins! I can't trust you anymore!"

"Fine, if that's what you want. But know that I never did the things you're accusing me of. I hope one day you'll realize the truth."

"Goodbye, Carlins! I hope you find someone else to believe your lies."

They argued back and forth, and before they knew it, they were no longer friends.

***

Elena felt terrible. She missed her friend terribly, but she didn't know how to make things right. She was afraid to approach Carlins, thinking she might reject her.

Days turned into weeks, and the tension between them grew stronger. Elena tried to keep busy with schoolwork and other activities, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.

***

One day, Elena overheard Izaura laughing with her friends, saying that she had made up the rumors about Carlins. Elena was shocked and angry. She couldn't believe that someone could be so cruel.

Elena realized that she had been manipulated by Izaura. She felt terrible for not believing Carlins when she had denied the rumors. She decided to confront Carlins and apologize.

When Elena met with Carlins, she explained everything and asked for forgiveness. Carlins was hesitant at first, but she eventually forgave her friend. They hugged and made up, promising to never let anyone come between them again.

Elena learned a valuable lesson about friendship and trust. She knew that she would always have Carlins by her side, and she would never let anyone ruin their bond again.

From that day on, Elena made a point to stand up to bullies and to always be there for her friends. She had learned that sometimes, misunderstandings can lead to major conflicts, but with communication and understanding, they can be resolved.

Elena and Carlins remained best friends throughout high school and beyond. They faced many challenges together, but they always stood by each other's side, knowing that they had each other's back.




© Flynn Caulfield

#writco