"I hate to see you upset this way," Diago kissed Ali's forehead and gave her a hug there at the pizza place in the back of the kitchen. The rush would be here soon. Usually about five. They were alone. The others were seeing to the dine-in. "It's not worth it, to get all upset over Liv."
"But..but she was always there for me and now..now she's shutting me out," Ali was in tears. She wished she knew what she'd done so wrong. "I want to be there for her. I really do."
"Maybe you just need to give her time," he sighed. After all, there were pizza boxes to fold and they did have Gabe and Sammi.
Ali nodded as if she understood, but it was so unsettling. Liv was supposed to be her best friend. When did that change? Oh, she'd heard all about how great Jade was. Like Liv might need real grownups now. Ali took a deep breath and went back to the boxes. She would do her best not to be upset, but tears dripped from her face anyway.
She pressed her lips tight, thinking then was it all because of Sammie? Had they taken her side? What about Rico. Poor Rico. He was so lost. Gabe was there for him. They needed to be there for Rico too.
It felt as if Liv was in restless waters. A territory Ali never felt she would be in. Choosing her real circle of friends.
But she'd talked so much to Liv in the past. She folded a few more boxes in thought and then it hit her.
Yes, she'd done all the talking. Liv was an excellent listener. Ali winced, but the tears were clear now. It was like she knew what this was. Never did she give Liv a chance to say anything. Maybe Liv was afraid she'd hurt her feelings. Ali didn't really know. Yet, she felt more selfish than ever.
"Maybe..maybe I don't know how to be a real friend," she looked up at Diago who was doing his best to keep up with her.
"Stop that, will you," he almost smiled. "You're my best friend. I love everything about you."
She nodded. Oh, it felt like it had taken her forever to find herself and somehow she'd lost Liv along the way.
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ReplyDeleteLots of drama
ReplyDeleteI went back and read the Sept 12 chapter and there's a hint there about Liv feeling like Ali isn't listening, and then Ali has that realization here. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteThat pizza box makes me want pizza!
I think this has been a wake up call for Alex/Ali who did have a way of consuming Liv's friendship. It was all about ME. Maybe they'll be close again, or maybe Ali will think about her present friendships too.
DeleteYes it really helped me to go back and rerad the earlier one too to get that perspective.
DeleteI will confess, some of Ali's story is based on someone I worked with who has transitioned. Let's say this person really knew drama and wanted everyone's attention. Granted, maybe it was the hormones talking as I think back on it, but I think of all the things we did trying to help and there was never a thank you or thanks for being my friend. Of course, this person was never listening to anyone else's problems. But I feel since "ali" has met Diago it has made her more personal.
DeleteSometimes the best storiys come from real life and I remember some of Ali's earlier story. Looking forward to seeing more maybe in the future.
DeleteNice. I wish you a great week
ReplyDeletexoxo
Uy da penita por Ali. Espero que salve su relaciΓ³n con Liv Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteWow, Ali is really maturing! When it dawns on her that she hasn't really been there for Liv, it seems like she wants to make a real change. The last sentence is the real clincher:
ReplyDelete"Oh, it felt like it had taken her forever to find herself and somehow she'd lost Liv along the way."
This is so poignant! I'm interested to see what happens next.
And I so love those pizza pants! πππππππππ