It's a Green Thing by Melody Carlson

might sound silly, but it's the truth. Do you know what I mean?”
    “I do. Totally.”
    I sighed. “I realize there are things I still need to work out with my mom. Some pretty big things. But I'm not in any big hurry.”
    She smiled. “You're an amazing girl, Maya Stark.”
    “What makes you say that?”
    “You're so mature and grounded.” She paused to think.“Without naming names, I counsel other girls your age, and they seem so young compared to you. But that has a lot to do with what you've been through. You were forced to grow up early.” A look of realization crossed her face. “In fact, you remind me a lot of my best friend.”
    “Really?”
    “Yes. Beanie Jacobs was my best friend in school. Actually, she's still my best friend but from a distance. And seriously, you two are so much alike. I think that's why I was drawn to you in the first place.”
    “Wow…I'll take that as a compliment.”
    “Her mom had some problems too.” Caitlin shook her head. “You know, I almost forget about it now, because her mom is doing so well.”
    “That gives a person hope.”
    “Absolutely. But like you, Beanie grew up fast. Even though we were the same age, I always felt like she was older in some ways.”
    I nodded. I knew exactly what she meant, only in reverse.
    “You'll have to meet Beanie. She's in New York right now. She went to design school there and has been apprenticing at a very impressive studio this past year.”
    “Very cool.”
    “Yes, Beanie is very cool. And very talented. She actually designed and made my bridal gown. It was spectacular.” Caitlin went on to explain how she'd been worried and how Beanie had waited until the last minute to show her the gown.
    “Wow, you must've really trusted her.”
    “I did, but I was still concerned. You see, Beanie has always loved retro and remaking old clothes—”
    “So do I!”
    “I know. It's just one more way you two are similar. Anyway, I had to hold my imagination at bay—thinking she'd show up with something she'd reconstructed from her ragbag.” Caitlin laughed. “That was not the case. Not at all.”
    “So what will she do when she finishes her apprenticeship?”
    “She wants to have her own design studio. But she wants it to be different from the usual. She wants to design clothes that are”—Caitlin paused as if trying to remember—“you know, ecologically sound and environmentally conscious.”
    “Yes! Earth-friendly clothes. I totally get it. That is so awesome!”
    “Well, you would get Beanie too. And I promise you, when she comes home in the fall, you two will meet.”
    I realize this is a small thing—well, for some people. But I am so excited to meet this girl. And I can't help feeling even more connected to Caitlin now. I mean, I always liked her, but she is so different from me. And yet her best friend sounds so much like me.
    Before we said good-bye, Caitlin asked if I was going to youth group tonight, and I told her I was thinking about it. Naturally, she encouraged me to come and said I shouldn't be concerned about Brooke. She even promised to sit by me, which kind ofmade me feel good and bad. Good because I like her. Bad because it makes me seem like a sympathy case. I don't need that.
    Anyway, later in the day I thought about what we'd talked about. And as I got into my car and drove over to the church, I even prayed about everything as I went. But just as I was about to turn into the parking lot, I saw Brooke being helped out of her mom's car. She still had the walker thing and the braces, and she really looked pitiful. It was more than I could handle, so I just kept driving.
    Call me a coward. Or nonconfrontational. Or just a peace-loving earth muffin. But I did not need that tonight. I drove around town for a bit, then came back here, where thankfully no one was home. And I spent the evening putting together a decorative water fountain for the patio. Okay, I was a little lonely. But really, lonely is nothing