Chapter 33 - CHAPTER 33

Juliana's pov

 

I walk into my apartment and see Maggie sitting on the couch reading a book. She looks up and gives me a curt nod before returning to her book. I can tell she is still upset with me. I understand her anger. If I were her I would also not forgive me. I should have not said the things I said about her mother.

"Hey Maggie, I just came to grab some clothes," I say, trying to break the ice.

Maggie looks up again, her eyes still cold. "Fine. Just don't expect me to be all buddy-buddy with you after what you said to me. The shit you said hurt me more than you will ever know." she says.

I feel a pang of guilt in my chest. I know I overreacted during our argument and said things I did not mean. "I am sorry, Maggie. I didn't mean to hurt you. Can we talk about it later?" I do not want her to continue being angry with me.

Maggie sighs and puts her book down. "Fine. But we need to have a serious conversation about our friendship. I am not going to let you walk all over me like this again."

I nod, feeling grateful that Maggie is willing to talk things out. I grab my clothes and go back to the living room, hoping that Marcus's meeting does not run too late and that I can sort things out with Maggie soon. It is time for me to be a better friend and make things right with her. 

Maggie is still on the couch when I go back to the living room, her face is still cold as before. I sit next to her.

"Do you remember what we promised each other before  going to college?" I ask her.

"We made a lot of promises, which one are you talking about?"

"We promised each other that we would always be best friends. That no matter what happens we will love each other."

"Oh, that I remember." The way Maggie has said it sounds like it Is not that important to her anymore. Looking at her I don't recognize the person sitting next to me she seems distant.

"I know we have drifted apart lately, but I still value our friendship, Maggie," I say sincerely.

Maggie looks at me, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I value it too, but maybe it is time we both admit that things have changed. We are no longer who we used to be, we have grown now and you have met someone."

I nod slowly, understanding her point. "Perhaps you are right. But just know that no matter what happens, you will always be my best friend."

Maggie gives me a small smile, the familiar warmth returning to her eyes. "And you will always be mine too." 

We sit in silence for a moment, both lost in our thoughts. Despite the changes and differences between us, our friendship remains a constant in our lives. And maybe, just maybe, we can find a way to strengthen it once again

"Maggie, I don't want the fight we had to ruin this relationship we have. You are my best friend and I don't want to lose you. You mean a lot to me Maggie, this is not us. We fight but we don't stay this long without talking to each other. What's happening to us?"

"I think you know the reason for all of this. Before you met Marcus we were okay. This started when he came into your life, you don't care about me like you used to and that's a fact. He has occupied the place in your heart where I used to be." 

"Maggie, I know you think Marcus has taken your place but that is not true. No one can ever take your place, you are my best friend and always will. You are my family that will never change. I understand that you feel that way, and I am truly sorry if I have made you feel neglected. I promise to make more time for us and to prioritize our friendship. I value our bond too much to let it slip away because of a guy. I want us to be able to talk openly about any issues that come up like we used to do, and I want to work through them together as friends. Can we please move past this and start fresh?"

Maggie looks at me, her expression softening slightly. "Okay, Juliana. I want to believe that things can go back to the way they were. Let's make an effort to communicate better and not let our disagreements escalate like they did before. I miss our friendship, and I want it to be strong again."

I smile, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. It is a weight off my shoulders to know that Maggie is willing to give our friendship another chance. "Thank you, Maggie. I promise to be a better friend and to always be there for you. Let's make a pact to always be honest and to prioritize our friendship above anything else."

Maggie nods, a small smile forming on her lips. "Deal. Let's make sure we never let anything come between us again. We have been through too much together to let a silly argument break us apart."

I hug Maggie tightly, feeling grateful for her forgiveness and understanding. Our friendship is worth fighting for, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure that we remain friends forever.

"Okay, Maggie, I have to go now. I will call you when I reach. I am sure Marcus is already home." 

"Okay, let me know when you reach and say hi to your man for me."

I wave goodbye to Maggie and head out of the apartment, feeling relieved and grateful for the chance to make things right with her. I am hopeful that our friendship will only grow stronger from this point on. As I make my way to Marcus's house, I can't help but feel thankful for having a best friend like Maggie by my side.