Short Story/Flash Fiction: What Friends Are For

Kids grow up so fast these days!

Another very short story, a slice of life from the not too distant future.

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What Friends Are For

“Oh my god, stop,” Alicia said.

Charlotte was grinning, chin tilting up so that the stones in her new choker would sparkle under the cafeteria’s neon lights.

“So you like it?” As she studied her friend’s expression, her mouth began to turn down. “Too much, right? It’s too much.”

“Girl, you’re insane. It’s perfect.” Alicia leaned forward and flicked the small heart hanging in the hollow of Charlotte’s neck. “Nice.”

She leaned back again, narrowing her eyes. “So spill, girlfriend. Where’d you get it?”

“My dad.” Charlotte looked down at the tots on her tray. “He’s blowing off his visitation again. He’s in Cabo with the girlfriend. This came via FedEx with a card that said Thinking of you!”

Alicia grimaced. “God, your dad’s such an ass.”

Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Yeah. He blows.”

Alicia bit down on a carrot stick. “Just forget him. You look gorgeous.” Then she hurriedly leaned in, voice in a stage whisper. “Don’t look now, but Bobby Hunter’s checking you out again. Over at the vending machines.”

Charlotte flushed. “Oh, stop! He is not!”

“He’s been staring at you for five minutes.” She took another bite. “I’m telling you, girl, you should totally launch a paid tier. He’d sign up in a second.”

“Please!” Charlotte pursed her lips. “Anyway, Bobby’s a deadbeat.” She unwrapped a straw. “Speaking of paid tiers, you’ll never guess who just launched theirs! Mona Lawson!”

“Mona the loner? No way.”

Charlotte tapped on her phone a few times, then handed it over. “Way,” she said.

Alicia scrolled, squinting intently. Then, suddenly, “Wait! She’s got a paid sub?”

The girls looked at each other blankly for a few seconds. Then, half-shouting, “Her mom!”

They collapsed into gales of laughter, Alicia’s face in her hands, Charlotte nearly doubled over.

Charlotte took back her phone, still wiping her eyes. “So how’s River doing?”

Alicia stiffened. “River lapsed.”

Charlotte’s hand went straight to her mouth. “River! No! He’s been into you since seventh grade.”

“Tell me about it.” Alicia pushed the green beans around her tray. “It’s totally killing me. I keep telling him to apply for the hardship plan, but he won’t.”

“Sure, he’s too proud,” Charlotte said. Then, quieter. “His mom’s really sick, you know.”

Alicia was checking her phone. “Yeah, I know.”

The bell rang, and the clatter of trays and the scrape of chairs filled the room. Charlotte stood, hitching up her backpack.

“Biology lab this afternoon. Wanna be partners again?”

Alicia scrunched her face. “Sorry, babe. I promised Rosa.”

Charlotte stood quietly for a moment. “So she upgraded?” Her voice was strained.

“Yeah. So strange. I mean…who knew she was good for that kind of cash?”

Charlotte silently adjusted the straps on her backpack.

Alicia waved to get her attention. “Don’t worry, babe, it’s all good. I’ll get the goss, and we can talk about it after school.” She grabbed her bag. “You up for brushing each other’s hair again?”

Charlotte hesitated. Alicia sprang to her feet.

“Baaabe!” Alicia said, sidling up and sliding her arm around her shoulders. “Hey, don’t even think about it. This one’s totally on the house. In fact, I’m gonna comp you for the rest of this week.”

Charlotte searched her friend’s face. “Really?”

Alicia met her eyes reassuringly. “Abso-frickin-lutely!” she said, emphasizing each syllable.

Charlotte gave a slow, small nod.

Alicia leaned her head against Charlotte’s. “So what do you say, Char bear?”

Charlotte broke out into a bashful smile. “Thanks, Ali bear.”

Alicia reached down and squeezed Charlotte’s hand as they began to weave their way into the main corridor.

“Don’t mention it, hon. That’s what friends are for.”