EVIL JANET

GINGER: Janet and I swim around for a while, splashing each other and floating lazily in the cool water. The sun shines down on us, warming my skin despite the chill of the pool. It's peaceful having just the two of us here, and a part of me dreads that this will soon end when the other students arrive. Janet swims closer, resting her arms on the edge of the pool. "You know," she starts, her voice softer than before, "I just want to say... I'm really sorry for everything. The bullying, the rumors, all of it. You don't deserve that." Hearing her say this doesn't make me feel better about myself, because a part of me feels like I deserve it. I hurt Caspian, and this is probably my karma. I shake my head at her. "I know I can't change what's happened," she continues, "but I just want you to know that I'm here for you, Ginger. Always." A lump forms in my throat, but I manage a small nod. "Thank you," I whisper. I'm afraid for her because if she keeps to her word and steps in for me, she mi