Sharing is Caring

The bathroom was empty when Aynsley stepped inside, the heavy door swinging shut behind her with a soft thump. The air was thick with the artificial scent of citrus-scented cleaner, trying (and failing) to mask the lingering traces of perfume, hairspray, and whatever else had been applied in front of the wide mirror that spanned the length of the sink counter. The fluorescent lights buzzed softly, washing everything in a sterile, almost too-bright glow.

Madison stood in front of the mirror, arms crossed, eyes sharp as she watched Aynsley through the glass. She looked effortlessly perfect, of course—like she always did now. Her dirty-blonde hair was immaculate, her makeup subtle but flawless, the hoodie she had put on when they got to the school perfectly fitted, showing off just enough to be distracting. Her short skirt sat high on her waist, pristine pleats teasing her thighs. She looked like a girl who had never doubted herself a day in her life.

But Aynsley could feel the tension rolling off her in waves.

She swallowed, taking a careful step forward. Her own reflection looked back at her, her eyes showing the uncertainty her stomach already felt.

Madison turned, leaning against the counter, her expression unreadable. "What the hell do you think you’re doing?"

Aynsley hesitated for only a second. "What do you mean?"

Madison gave a sharp, humorless laugh. "Oh, come on," She tilted her head, crossing one ankle over the other, "Do you think I’m stupid?"

"No," Aynsley said quickly, shaking her head, "Never."

Madison’s blue eyes flicked over her, assessing, waiting.

Aynsley took a breath. She wasn’t going to lie. Why would she? Madison was right about everything.

"I was just…" She hesitated, trying to find the words, "I get it now. You know, about Joey, about what you said."

Madison’s brows lifted slightly, “Go on."

Aynsley nodded, her pulse quickening.

"You’re better now, Madison. So much better. Since you’ve been with Joey, it’s like… you’re just more. I don't know why I couldn't see it before, but now it's all I can see when I look at you. It's like Joey found your volume button and turned you up.”

Exhaling, she looked in Madison's eyes to see if it was registering. She hadn't told her to stop, so she didn't.

"And you're right. About all of it. About him. About everything."

Madison’s lips pressed together, as if she were considering this, but her arms stayed firmly crossed. Aynsley had known Madison long enough to know that she wasn't impressed. She was listening, but she was angry.

"So what?" she said finally, "You thought you’d just take a turn?"

Aynsley didn’t flinch.

"I would never! Madison! You're my best friend!" She wet her lips, "I just thought that, since we are best friends, maybe we could share."

Madison went still.

Aynsley took another step forward, her voice soft but certain.

"You know I would never try to take him from you. You’re my best friend. I would never do that." She searched Madison’s face, trying to make her see, really see, "But you said it yourself, didn’t you? A guy like Joey is the best thing that could ever happen to a girl like you." Her throat felt tight. "Why wouldn’t I want that too?"

Madison’s expression didn’t change, but Aynsley could see the flicker of something in her eyes.

Doubt.

Or maybe consideration.

Aynsley pushed forward.

"Joey chose you. That means you’re right for him. That means you know what’s best. And if you’re better now…" She let the words hang in the air before taking a step closer, "Why wouldn’t I want to be better too?"

Madison turned back toward the mirror, but Aynsley could see the tension in her shoulders. Her hands curled against the counter, fingers gripping the cool surface.

A long pause.

Then, quietly, "You really believe that?"

"Yes."

Aynsley swallowed, standing beside her now, watching their reflections.

Madison inhaled slowly, tilting her head just slightly. She met Aynsley’s eyes in the mirror. The corner of her mouth lifted.

A smirk.

Madison tapped her fingers against the counter, considering. Finally, she exhaled, smoothing down the hem of her skirt.

"Alright," she murmured, "Let’s give it a shot. As long as Joey's okay with it."

Aynsley felt her heart stutter.

Madison turned to her fully now, the smirk still lingering. "But don’t think I won’t put you in your place if you forget who’s first."

Aynsley smiled. She wouldn’t forget.

She would never forget.

Because Madison was always right.

And best friends shared everything.