“Hey Madison, can I borrow some money for lunch? I’m broke.” I inquire of the girl sitting beside me, smiling a bit as I do so.

“I don’t have any.” Is her reply. It is a lie and I know it, after knowing her for about 5 years I am fairly good at reading her mind. I smile and shrug, looking to the ground as I resist the urge to scream. Things have been like this for awhile, with her unknowingly pissing me off and me keeping it to myself. I am aware it is unhealthy and even more aware that at any moment the thin ice she is walking on is going to collapse completely.

“So anyways…” She continues speaking, telling some story about how great her weekend was. I honestly don’t care but fake interest, smiling and adding ‘wow’ or other little comments when it seems necessary. Right now I hate her. My blood is boiling so much I contemplate leaving before I cause a scene. My other friend is seated to my left, looking slightly annoyed by Madison and also watching me curiously. However poor Madison may be at picking up my moods, my other friend tends to be quite keen.

“And I’m like ‘Jesus your such a fucking FAGGOT Brian!’” Madison continued on, completely unaware the ice beneath her feet had just shattered. Swiftly I turned towards her, eyes burning and palms shaking. I know I am about to over react but I really don’t give a fuck. I am sick of it.

“Knock it off!” I shout, bringing all conversations within a 10 ft circumference to a screeching halt. Both Madison and my other friend look equally startled, her mouth hanging open for a moment.

“Knock what off?” She finally manages, choosing her words carefully. One look at my expression and she knows she is in deep.

“You know what I am fucking talking about!” My voice is raised higher than it need be, and the stares from my fellow friends only fuel my rage. “Jesus, how many times do I have to ask you?”

She looks confused, or at least tries to although I can tell she knows exactly what she did wrong, “What are you talking about Ashley?”