[9] Character Study

[lesandra]

Prompt: Muse Revival #142
"A true friend is someone who knows there’s something wrong even when you have the biggest smile on your face." - Unknown

September 2012


Abby had known it before Les herself truly realized it.

It was the second week of school, a Wednesday evening and already Scott and Jason were off that evening with their flavors of the week.

Les was fine.

No, really.

She was absolutely, totally fine.

"Hey, let's go for a drive. Or, no better idea, let's run to the store, grab a few ingredients and take over the kitchen to do some baking," Abby said, looking over at Les from where they were sitting at the table at Don's house. It wasn't the first time that she'd noticed Les' demeanor change after Scott left to go out with some girl.

Truthfully, Abby was just as fine as Les was and so it was just as much of a distraction for her as it was for her best friend. The difference being she knew she was a bit jealous and not as fine as Les appeared. She'd known for a year now that she'd fallen for Jason, she simply hadn't gotten up the nerve to admit that to him.

Les glanced up from her physics homework and considered that. After a moment, she nodded. "Sure, if we are quick, we can make it back in time and have the entire kitchen to ourselves for a bit," she said, visibly brightening. "I'd love to try out those two new recipes we found yesterday."

Abby smiled, stood from the table then closed her book. "I was hoping you'd say that," she said, sliding on a pair of sandals and grabbing her purse. It only took a minute for Les to get ready then they were out the door and on the road.

"What about a girls night on Friday," Les asked, looking at Abby with a wide smile. "We can order a pizza, bake some cookies and watch those movies we've been talking about." Undoubtedly, after a couple of hours their girls nights always ended up as group nights but that was okay too because it was fun piling blankets and pillows onto the floor of one of the rooms and hanging out.

"Hell yes," Abby said with a grin, looking over at her before turning her eyes back to the road. Despite the smile and cheer that Les attempted to put on, she knew the girl was still thinking about Scott. "You know, it's okay if you're upset with Scott," she said, stopping at a red light. "I get upset at Jason too, though lord only knows why," Abby continued with a roll of her eyes.

The only sound she heard for a moment was the stereo playing some Top 40s hit. Honestly, it was far too poppy for her tastes. She flipped the radio over to a rock station, that was better.

Les opened her mouth to deny that she was upset because clearly she was absolutely fine about it but she couldn't bring herself to lie to Abby, of all people. If anyone got it, it was her. "I'm not even sure why I'm upset.."

"Jealousy," Abby cut in with a sidelong look at Les. "I am too." She would be damned if she told anyone else (read: any of the guys) but with Les? She could freely admit it.

Les frowned but also couldn't deny that Abby was right. She was jealous of Scott being with someone else. He was her best friend and okay, sometimes she hated sharing him with anyone outside of their family. "Yeah, I guess so," she agreed, looking out the window with a soft sigh.

It was sometime later and after the first batch of toffee cookies were in the oven when Les turned to Abby and smiled. "Thanks, Abs." She knew she didn't really need to say why because she knew Abby knew.

"Anytime, Lessy. I needed it just as much as you did."