Chapter 122

Claire's POV I can practically hear her unspoken thought: You're practically worshipping her! But being a good friend, she softens her tone. "You should just invite her out more often. Come on, it's your birthday! Don't look so glum." I force a smile, but then something occurs to me. "Wait, why would Aria suddenly leave? Did something happen?" My friend rolls her eyes, clearly exasperated by how the entire evening has revolved around Aria Jones. I know what she's thinking - anyone would assume Aria saved my life or something. Well, she did. I suppose my friend has rationalized that I see Aria as my guardian angel from that night. I've always been terrified of water, and when I suddenly fell in... the desperation I felt was overwhelming. If a man had saved me, I probably would've pledged my life to him! This thought seems to ease my friend's jealousy a bit. "I heard Julia and Emma went up to her and said some unpleasant things." The moment those words register, I feel myself explode wit