This is how it is

 "I just don't get it?" Kevin's question woke Mel to the fact that he didn't think she was a very good friend to Nori. He hadn't said anything in days. He was so quiet. She knew something was bothering him, but she didn't ask. Besides, they had schedules to keep, and he did all the cooking anyway while she was with her pup or keeping up with the laundry. But she'd decided tonight she'd help with the stew. The temps had dropped again, and she didn't want to be outside any longer than she had to be.

"What? What are you talking about?" She kept her back to him as if she didn't want to even know what he was getting at. "We've been best friends, since..since I don't know when." They'd met at the Metro College. Neither was successful at the University, so they were both figuring on getting some skills needed for the workforce. Although she knew Nori was much smarter than Mel expected, that hadn't made her resent her in any way.

"I can't believe you talk to each other like that," Kevin said, knowing. Jared told him. 

Mel practically rolled her eyes as she peeled potatoes near the sink while he was sautéing the beef chunks with garlic. The scent was so overwhelming that Mel thought she might be ill, but she went on with her chore, trying to think how she could explain her friendship with Nori.

"We, we..are such good friends we can say whatever we want without hurting each other's feelings," she turned to him who had his back to her. "We've known each other that long. We know..We know we're both chunky girls." She didn't want to say fat. "Maybe..maybe I would be a little out of sorts if Nori lost weight and I didn't. I don't think so. It's just who we are."

"Mel, that's no way to treat a friend," Kevin snarled back. "I wouldn't want you talking to me that way."

"Of course, I wouldn't." Mel squinted back. She sighed then, feeling woozy, like she might not be able to stay on her feet. She felt lightheaded, her vision was blurring. She squinted harder.

"What's the matter?" Kevin asked, switching off the burner and rushing to her.

"I'm sure I'm OK." Mel dropped the potato peeler and held on to the kitchen counter.

"Mel, you know how you are. You're never sick because you say you never are when maybe that's just a lie."  His words hurt to hear, but she'd show up at work even if she had a headache, even a fever. She kept going. But now he was heading out the door with her to the car and she wasn't stopping him from taking her to the emergency room.