“Wow.” Was all she could say at first and then she walked over to stand by my side leaning against the lockers. She caught my meaning immediately and was the first person to actually say it in words. “You like Ashley.” My heart leapt at the words.  “How could I never see it? It’s funny how much I see and no one notices. That is why Kate is with your brother. You set it up to pull Ashley and Kate apart because you like Ashley.”

“I know. I am a true freak.” I said bitterly.

“Welcome to the club.” She said with a laugh.

It was then that I looked at her lightened face still standing so close. “You aren’t bothered by this?”

Rachel’s head snapped quickly over with a puzzled look and asked, “Why would I be?”

“I think I underestimated you.” I said letting the telling warmth I experienced when first speaking to her spread across my mouth pulling my lips into a fervent smile that Rachel emulated. Soon as it appeared, it lapsed back into the blank uneasiness that possessed me almost every waking moment. “Oh hell. Why did I bother telling you that? I must be insane.” I slipped my fingers through my hair pushing away from her and began to rush away from the reality that was finally sinking in.

“What did I do?” She asked me following at my heels.

“Your sister. I can’t believe I told you of all people!”

That is when she stopped as if she hit a brick wall. Even her face mimicked the pantomime. “You know that Nikki is my sister.”

“Of course I do.” I was practically shouting. “Now I do. You two were bitching at each other in the hall yesterday. Everyone heard you.” The words were just rushing before I could stop myself.

She drew her mouth tight and with as much sincerity possible she uttered, “Would rather die than give that status hounding bitch anything to work with. Don’t know if you caught the whole thing, but you should know I hate her.”

Just hearing the conviction in her voice was enough to ease some tension that was gripping me, but still I was wary. “Well, if I hear it from anyone else I swear I will destroy you.”