I’d met Maya during Emily’s freshman year.
“What did she say?”
“That Ryan wasn’t who I thought he was. She said he’d been talking about me behind my back.”
“Did you ask him?”
“He said she was jealous.”
I suggested hearing Maya’s perspective. Emily reluctantly agreed.
Using the number Maya had given me during an earlier visit, I called her.
When I mentioned Emily’s facial surgery, Maya went quiet.
“Oh, Emily. Please tell me you didn’t.”
“What does that mean?” Emily demanded.
“I tried to warn you.”
“Don’t start.”
“I still have the messages.”
Maya explained she’d participated in a student group chat where Emily’s photograph circulated.
Initially, Ryan defended his girlfriend. But when friends mocked him for dating her, his behavior changed.
“He started laughing along,” Maya said. “Then he started making jokes himself.”
“You’re lying,” Emily whispered.
