It's okay, I'm not mad, I say, Thinking the tears are about me.

She shakes her head like she doesn't want to talk about it, but all of a sudden the tears start rolling a mile a minute.

She doesn't say anything. The tears are about to come.

You could have mentioned it to me at some point, I say quietly, pretending not to notice the big fat tear that's suddenly rolling down her cheek.

I don't know her, she answers quickly. I don't know who that pink-haired cheerleader is. The girl i knew was a total dork who collected american girl dolls.

Why didn't you tell me that you and Miranda Navas used to be friends? I say to Olivia the next day. I'm really annoyed at her for not telling me this.

I honestly don't care if you're mad, she says spitefully.

Oh, That's real nice, I fire back.

It's not a big deal, she answers defensively, looking at me like i'm weird.

You come on!

It is a big deal, I say. I looked like an idiot. How could you not tell me? You've always acted like you don't even know her.

Olivia, What's the matter? i say.

Oh come on, Olivia.

She shrugs, fighting back bigger tears.

Because i'm an awful person.

I'm sorry, it's not you, Justin. I'm not crying because of you, she finally says through her tears.

She's not looking at me, wiping her tears with the palm of her hand.

You're not an awful person, I say softly.

I'm an awful person! she says through her tears.

Then why are you crying?

I don't want them to come to the show, Justin, She interrupts impatiently. Don't you see what i'm saying? I don't want them to come! If they come, They'll bring Auggie with them, And i just don't feel like…

I shake my head because i don't quite get what she's telling me. That's okay, I say. It's not too late, There are still tickets available --

Here she's hit by another round of crying that doesn't let her finish talking. I put my arm around her.

What are you talking about?

I haven't told my parents about the show, She says quickly.

Yes i am! She sobs. It's just been so nice being in a new school where nobody knows about him, you know? Nobody's whispering about it behind my back. It's just been so nice, Justin. but if he comes to the play, then everyone will talk about it, everyone will know… I don't know why i'm feeling like this… I swear I've never been embarrassed by him before.

So i give her my wing to hide under.

I know, I know, I say, soothing her. you're entitled, Olivia. You've dealt with a lot your whole life.

Olivia reminds me of a bird sometimes, how her feathers get all ruffled when she's mad. and when she's fragile like this, she's a little lost bird looking for its nest.