Screw My Mate, I'm Going Lycan - Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Marcus quickly caught up and grabbed my hands to stop me. "Ava..." he said softly, "You've got this all wrong."
I locked eyes with him. "I heard everything. What exactly am I misunderstanding?"
"I know what you heard," he admitted, "but we were just lying to cheer Amy up. She's been down about you getting better grades, feeling inferior. We pretended her gifts were more expensive than yours when they weren't."
"Do you actually believe that crap about me giving her my hand-me-downs?" I challenged. Marcus hesitated just a beat too long before flashing a smile.
"Of course not! We've known you since we were kids. You'd never do that." His words did calm me some. At least they hadn't bought into Amy's vicious rumors.
"Then why didn't you call her out? Or tell her I'd never do those things people are saying?" I pressed.
Marcus shifted uncomfortably. "Look Bella...it's not really Amy's fault. Anyone might think that if you bought identical clothes. Maybe hers had defects you didn't notice, and when she checked, they seemed used. Like how you just misunderstood us." He added quickly, "We didn't want to crush her by taking your side right then. We'll set her straight next time when she's feeling better."
"Don't bother," I said flatly. "You've done plenty already. And keep your gifts - they're not my style anyway."
Marcus's mouth opened and closed like a fish, but Dylan's voice cut through the tension. "Bella!" he called eagerly, jogging over. "Let's forget all this and hit up our secret spot, yeah?"
"Great idea!" Marcus jumped in, suddenly animated. "All this drama will melt away once we relive our childhood memories."
I didn't refuse. Part of me wanted one last visit to that park with them. I gave a small nod.
As we stood there surrounded by familiar childhood landmarks, unease prickled my skin. Dylan and Marcus were practically glowing with excitement.
"Remember this old tree, Bella?" Dylan's eyes shone. "We practically lived in its branches!"
Marcus chuckled, then winced. "Yeah...and I may have pushed you out of it a few times. Sorry about that."
I forced a laugh. Truth was, I'd always hated that tree - its gnarled branches like bony fingers waiting to snatch me up.
Dylan suddenly stopped walking, eyes alight. "Bella, I've got something for you." He produced a small velvet box, revealing a delicate silver necklace. "Designed it myself," he said, voice thick. "I want you to have it. You deserve this."
Marcus's face darkened. "What the hell, Dylan? We agreed we'd confess together! You're cheating!"
Dylan stood his ground. "I can't wait around while you make your move, Marcus. I had to go first."
Just as Dylan moved to clasp the necklace, Amy materialized like a vengeful ghost, eyes blazing. "How could you, Bella? Spreading lies about me!"
The boys exchanged confused looks, but Amy was nuclear. "I didn't—" I started.
"Don't lie!" she spat. "I've got proof. You're just jealous!" As the boys rushed to soothe her instead of even hearing me out, icy clarity washed over me. They'd never really been on my side. I was alone - and always would be.