She felt trapped and helpless. She tried to hold them back, but her tears came unbidden. They started out small, but quickly developed into pitiful, racking sobs.

“Oh, whatsamatter? Baby gonna cwy?” Linda taunted her.

Karen, who had remained silent as the other girls had teased her, seemed to have had enough and approached her with a towel. She wrapped it around her shoulders, covering her swimsuit, and whispered in her ear. “Ignore those bitches. They’re just trying to act cool for the guys.”

She was surprised that Karen had been the one who had finally comforted and reassured her – so surprised that her sobbing had immediately subsided. Karen had always been the least warm and friendly of her four best friends, even though Karen lived in the house right next to her own and had known her since they were five. But they have never really “connected”...it was just so unexpected.

“Look at Karen protecting her girlfriend! You gonna give your girlfriend a big kiss, Karen?” Linda again taunted.