Zoe ran along the rain soaked street puffing making for an awning that was the closeted shelter she could find.  Skidding to a halt under the shelter she allows herself an annoyed hiss of frustration.  The bus could not have dropped her off at a WORST time.  All day the clouds had been gathering and finally it all let loose; right on top of her.  
Taking off her glasses she wipes her hair from over her eyes and tries to find something dry on her to clean her soaked glasses.  Nothing was worse than trying to see when beads of water were covering your glasses.  Soon however she gives up realizing that she was soaked though.  Looking down at her body her ears lay flat noticing she could see, just barely the outline of her breasts though her shirt.  The wet cloth also practically stuck and outlined them too.  
Just as she was thinking she was lucky to be alone she hears someone else running up.  The wet “flop flop flop” of sneakers on the ground behind her caused her ears first then her head to swivel around.  Subconsciously her arms wrap around her front to hide herself from whoever it was.  Luckily though, it was two girls.
Zoe instantly recognizes who the new comers where.  Inwardly she groans cursing her luck.  Or lack there of…  The first girl who took refuged from the deluge was a pretty, blond haired Ragdoll.  She was easily the most popular girl of the class and possibly the whole school.  The next was a short Calico girl with vivid red hair who, by virtue of being the others best friend was probably the second most popular girl.  
As soon as they were under the awning Hailey, the Ragdoll gave a huff of disgust, shaking her hands as if that would dry them then starts trying to comb her hair back.  Cali, the Calico simply wrings her shirt out, not looking all that perturbed about being soaked like her fellow felines.  Noting Zoe standing there she gives her a cheeky wink.
“Wonderful weather we’re having, huh girls?” she asks blithely to both girls.
“Puh!” snorts Hailey, now checking her face with a compact.  “Wonderful weather my foot!  I’m going to give Daddy an earful when he gets home!  Momma too!  The nerve of them making me take the bus!  On a day like this no less!”
“Aww, come on Hails.  A little rain never hurt anyone.” Her friend replies amiably.  “Isn’t that right Zoe?”
Zoe starts with surprise at being addressed and more so that Cali, or any popular girl knew her name.  “U-uhm I’m kinda on Hailey’s side…  Not a big fan of the rain.  Make my hair and fur curl…” she replies quietly.
Cali nods knowingly indicating to Hailey, who was still trying to “fix” herself.  “Yeah, Hailey there is a total powderpuff about water too.  Claims it does the same thing.  But all it does is make it all go flat!” she giggles.
Zoe takes a peak at Hailey, unsure of what to say to that.  Hailey however was still steadfastly adjusting herself.  Cali too was taking stock of her friend.  Seeing she didn’t get a reaction she continues on with Zoe as if they were good friends.  
“As for me, my fur is super short so it doesn’t really do much to me.  My hair is also really straight as is so it doesn’t hurt that either.  Guess y’all being “exotic breeds” has its drawbacks too huh?”
“Exotic breed…?” Zoe begins to ask but is interupted by the loud snap of Hailey’s compact.  
“Ugh, I was hoping it would have let up by now!  I guess it wont for a while yet.  Alright Cali, come on, we might as well keep going.  Too late to worry about our clothes now…” she says turning and addressing Cali, pointedly (at least to Zoe) ignoring her.
“I told you that when it first started to rain.” Cali replies sweetly.
“Whatever.  Come on, lets go.” Hailey says starting to leave.
“Oh, wait up Hals!” Cali calls out to Hailey.  Turning to Zoe she asks, “Where do you live?”
“Oh uh, off of Emerald Street.” She replies still feeling a little shy at being addressed so friendly by Cali.
“That’s a good way into the neighborhood, right?” Cali asks Hailey.
“I’m uh, not sure…” Hailey replies, glancing over at Zoe as if she was noticing her for the first time.
“Well then, lets invite her over.  Your place is nearest to us and she can get all comfy and warm while waiting for her parents to pick her up.” Suggest Cali.  For a brief moment Zoe was certain that Hailey was going to say “No”.  But after a delay and a quick glance at Cali she nods.  
“Yeah, ok, sure.” She replies and starts heading off again.  
Zoe walks up to stand by Cali and stops catching the briefest of glimpse of Cali’s face.  For a moment it looked rather annoyed.  But the shadow is gone the instant she thought she saw it.  Taking hold of Zoe’s hand Cali urges her on to catch up with Hailey.
The journey to Hailey’s house was over rather quickly.  Zoe mused as she entered Hailey’s beautiful home that the other two would have been home for a while if they hadn’t stopped.  As Hailey and Cali removed their shoes, Zoe followed their example looking around the room in awe.  Her own home was not what you’d call a pauper’s home.  But even still, this house was on a whole other level.
“Follow me…. Zoe!” Hailey says, pausing as if she were trying to remember her name.  
Choosing to ignore it Zoe followed the other girls deeper into the house.  The girls pass into a large living room then into the kitchen and out a back-patio door.  Zoe was surprised to find a large indoor pool area.  Her home had a pool too but it wasn’t indoor, and it didn’t have a jacuzzi either.
Cali, made a beeline for the Jacuzzi, taking her clothes off one at a time, leaving a trail of clothes.  All too soon, to Zoe’s shock and embarrassment, the calico’s panties come off last of all.  However, before she can jump into the Jacuzzi Hailey shouts at her.
“Cali!  Don’t just leave your clothes all over the floor!  I’m not picking up your soaked things for you you know!”  Hailey was standing next to a closet with the doors opened wide and holding some towels.  Glaring at Cali until all the things were picked up gave a nod of approval and walked up to Zoe.  “Here you go.  If you want to join us in the Jacuzzi, you can of course.  Like I told Cali, I’m NOT going to pick you wet things up, so follow Cali and toss them into the dryer.”  Here eyes momentarily rest on Zoe’s chest, making her rather uncomfortable.  “If you join us though, you’ll have to do it without your clothes.  I don’t think I have a swim suite that would… fit you”.  
It seemed to Zoe that Hailey said that last bit rather forced, but not dwelling on it she accepts the towel with a thank you and hurries after Cali to put her wet clothes (which were very cold now) into the dryer.  Cali was just on her way out, still totally naked.
“Oh, its just in there Zoe!  Hurry up and get back out here!  The water is going to feel soooo nice after being soaked by that cold rain y’know?” Cali says happily and skips back to the jacuzzi.
Closing the door Zoe slowly strips naked feeling rather shocked.  Hailey had for the most part ignored Zoe for the last few years.  Now, after being caught out in the rain she had been invited inside and was sharing some of her things.  All in all, it was all rather amazing to her.  Maybe, they’d become friends…  
After taking off her wet things and adding them to Cali’s she carefully wraps the towel around her body and takes her cellphone with her back to the pool area.  By now both Hailey and Cali were in the jacuzzi completely naked and looked like they were in heaven.  Zoe notices that Cali opens an eye as she approaches.
“Hiya Zo!  I thought you got lost for a moment there.  Thought we’d have to send a search party for you.” She says cheerfully.
“No, no, just took me a moment to empty my pockets and…. Stuff.” Zoe replies sitting down on a chair.  “Uh, Hailey, wants your address so I can tell my mom where to pick me up?” Zoe asks.
Cali lounges and watches both girls as Hailey rattles off her home address.  After sending the message Zoe started to get comfortable when suddenly Cali shouts.
“Hey!  Why aren’t you in here with us?” Cali asks standing up in the shallow water.
“B-because...?” Zoe stutters trying not to look anywhere but her face.
“That’s not a reason Zozo.” She retorts crossing her arms.
“I-I don’t have a bathing suite s-so…” she trails off watching both girls roll their eyes.
“I don’t either if you didn’t notice.” Cali replies.  “And Hailey here has graced us with presenting her beautiful body so that we would not be ashamed to show ours!” she continues dramatically.  
“B-but…I-!”  
“No buts sister!” Cali says stepping out of the water and grasping her hands.  “Come on Zoe.  Its ok.  No one is going to see you but us, ok?  Plus, you look rather cold, you need to warm up!”
Zoe felt herself being pulled inexorably forward by the Calico.  Realizing she really didn’t have a choice she allows Cali to pull her up.
“O-ok, ok!  Let me take off the towel first…” Zoe replies.  
Looking smugly at Zoe, Cali hops back into the water.  Taking a deep breath Zoe turns her back to the other two and unties the towel and sets it down.  Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, trying to keep her tail from bushing up she turns around, covering her chest up with an arm she steps into the hot water and sit down a little to quickly.
The sudden warmth that enveloped her body was more than enough to help her ignore the snickers from Cali and Hailey both.  Sighing with relief she leans back and closes her eyes.  The bubble jets and message nozzles felt wonderful, and all her anxiety she felt was melting away.  After a few moments she hears Hailey clear her throat.
“So, Zoe, is there something wrong with your chest?  You don’t need to keep hiding them you know.” Hailey says with a little bit of an attitude.  
Zoe had for a while now started to feel very self-conscious about her chest size.  Her chest had started to grow at an amplified rate in 5th grade.  Now, in 6th, she was easily the bustiest girl in her class.  Her mother, had been so happy and proud that her girl was adult enough to wear a training bra.  (Although, Zoe felt it was more of an excuse to get her into something of her clothes line.)
However, despite her misgivings of her mother being “proud” she did feel rather proud herself of her chest.  That was at first though.  She couldn’t help but notice that many boys were staring at her.  Gym was the worst.  More than once she’d catch boys badly concealing the fact that they were watching her (chest).  God forbid if she forgot her training bra…
“N-no there isn’t anything… wrong with it…” she replies hesitantly.
“You don’t need to hide yourself from us you know.” Cali says encouragingly.
“Its… its just embarrassing is all…”
“How is it embarrassing?” asks Hailey raising an eyebrow.
“I-I don’t know…” Zoe retorts lamely.
“Ohh come on Zoe, show us your “girls”” Cali says with a grin, making squeezing motions with her hands.  
“N-not if your going to touch them!” Zoe replies in a panic.
“Haha!  Aww, well ok then.  I promise.” Cali says with a big wink.  
Still feeling self conscious about it, she sits up and removes her arms, letting them relax.  Her face burns under her fur as she tries to ignore the feeling of being a piece of fruit being appraised.  No, her embarrassment, both girls lean forward to get a better look.
“Oooh!  Man Zoe, they are so big already!  And very well defined!” Cali exclaims.  
“Yeah, they are something alight.” Says Hailey with a slight edge to her voice and leans back looking at her own chest.
“Bet they are going to be huge when your older.  I’m a little envious Zoe!  I’m flat as a board!” Cali says groping her own chest, squeezing what little breasts she has.  “Unless its cold that is!” she continues with a giggle.
“Hah, it-its not as great as all that you know…  It takes some getting used to, wearing a bra that is.  Plus, being stared at…”
“Doesn’t sound so bad to me.” Retorts Hailey looking rather unhappy Zoe notes.
“Well, not everyone like the lime light quite as much as you Hailey.” Cali says in an odd tone.
Zoe couldn’t quite place it, but if felt as if the mood had changed.  Hailey sits up and pushes her chest out a bit.  Looking at Zoe she says, “Well, not everyone can hold the limelight quite as well as I can.” As if in challenge.  When Zoe doesn’t reply she continues on.
“Well, I personally don’t understand it.  I mean, if I had boobs like those I’d have no such problems.  What’s the point of looking amazing if there is no one to see?”
“…my mom kinda says the same thing.  When I told her about how the boys were staring all she said was, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it” …” Zoe says softly.
“Well, sounds like you mom just wants to help you feel better about them.” Says Cali helpfully
“Well, SHE might think like that but I don’t…  She LIKES getting all the attention.  She doesn’t seem to get that I don’t though.”
“I agree with your mom personally.  If you’ve got it, flaunt it.” Hailey says and stands up striking a pose.  Cali snorts at this and splashes her friend.  She may have missed it, but Zoe didn’t.  There was defiantly a hardness to Hailey’s eyes.  
Both girl’s eyes locked on to each other but suddenly Zoe’s phone started to go off.  The moment was gone and Hailey turns her attention to Cali splashing her in retaliation.  Shaking the feeling away Zoe hops out of the water and wraps the towel around her again and answers the phone.
“Hey Zozo!  I didn’t know that Mrs.  Sabella’s kid went to school with you!  Small world huh?  Well I’m on my home from the office now ok?  I should be there in about 15 minutes.  See you soon!”
Before Zoe had a chance to reply her mother was already off the phone.  Typical…  Zoe thought to herself and dropped her phone onto the chair.
“Who was that Zoe?  Your parents?” asked Cali.
“Yeah, my mom is on her way.”
“Oh yeah?  Well we should get back into our clothes anyways before Hailey’s parents come home too.  They don’t like us using the jacuzzi naked!” she giggles standing up and gets out grabbing one of the nearby towels Hailey had set out earlier.  “Hey Hailey, going to take a shower first ok?  Feel free to join me!” she says teasingly leaving Zoe and Hailey alone.
Walking into the wash room she dries off and puts back on her dried clothes.  Not sure what else to do she peaks back into the pool room and finds that Hailey was not there anymore.  Folding up her towel she hangs it on a pole next to the closet Hailey had taken it from.  Wondering back inside she finds the foyer just as Hailey walks back downstairs in a fresh set of clothes.  
“Oh, still here?” she asks casually.
“…yeah, I’m still here.” She replies, leaving out the “is that a problem” she dearly wanted to say.
“So what size are they?  Your breasts that is?” Hailey asks taking a seat on a bench.  
“Uh, A cup?  Why do you want to know?” she asks
“Oh no reason.”  She replies back as if she were bored.
The two girls sit on opposite sides of the room quietly.  Hailey was messing with her nails as Zoe sat trying to think of something, ANYTHING to say.  The longer the quiet was though, the more she felt like Hailey was simply ignoring her.  Just as she was about to ask where the bathroom was, anything to avoid this awkward silence finally Hailey did it for her.
“Did you know that the boys aren’t the ONLY ones checking your bust out?” Hailey asks casually.
“…No, I didn’t know that.” Zoe replies. Unsure of where this was going.
“Mhm, many of the other girls think your stuffing your bra.” She states.
“I-I’m what-?” Zoe splutters indignantly.
“Yep, they think your purposely stuffing them to get the boys to pay attention to you.” Hailey continues.
“W-why would they think that?” Zoe asks, nonplussed.  
“Well, your chest is much bigger than all the other girls for one.  Your extremely shy, to the point you don’t talk to many others, and you seem to try to hide them as much as possible.  Even when changing in the locker room.” Hailey says, ticking her points off one by one on her hand.
Zoe was at a loss for words.  All of what Hailey had said was true enough.  She was pretty shy at school, and when she had to change for P.E. she tried to keep herself as hidden as possible.  It seemed that all her efforts to protect herself from getting unwanted attention from her chest was doing the exact opposite.
“Honestly the shyness and changing away from the other girls is what made me think you were stuffing your bra.” Continues Hailey thoughtfully.
Zoe’s breath catches in her chest hearing this,  “What made ME think…”?  she thought to herself.  Staring at Hailey she asks, “What made YOU think…?  You were the one who started the rumor?”
“Oh, did I say that?” asks Hailey giving Zoe a sly look.
“Y-you just said…”
“All I said was “what made ME think” Zoe, I NEVER said I started this rumor.” Hailey says interrupting Zoe with a smirk.
Zoe sat there staring at Hailey hard.  Hailey simply keeps her infureratingly smug smile aimed at her.  After a few moments however she takes advantage of the silence,  “Well, don’t worry Zoe, I can now tell the girls with absolute certainty that you do NOT stuff your bras.”
“…thanks” Zoe replies through clenched teeth.  She couldn’t prove it, but she was certain that Hailey was just toying with her.  She’d have assumed that it was all a lie if she hadn’t noticed that some of he girls at school act differently towards her lately.  Even her bra came up missing once or twice.  
“No problem!” she replies giving Zoe a big grin.  Suddenly though the doorbell rings.  “Oh!  That must be your mom!”  Without waiting she hops up and opens he door reveling her mother standing on the porch with an umbrella.
“Whew!  You girls walked through THAT?  I’m sorry Zozo, if I had known it was going to be raining like this I’d have taken off early to pick you up!” she says stepping inside.  Turning to Hailey she says, “And YOU!  Why didn’t you tell me you and my Zoe were in the same class?”
“Oh, because I didn’t know myself Ms. DeLue!” Hailey responds sweetly.  “She’s very shy, so I don’t talk with her often!”
“Ah, well that’s my Zoe for you” her mom says with a little laugh.
Zoe felt her tail bristling a bit.  As if you’ve ever made the EFFORT to say “hello” to me.  She thought angerly.
“Zoe, your mom makes amazing clothes.  Why don’t you wear some of her popular designs?  I’m sure she makes some in your size.” Hailey says turning to Zoe, flashing a little grin at her shot.
“Don’t get me started on that!” exclaims her mother making her feel even worse.  “I’ve been barking up that tree for years.  But my Zoe isn’t a fan of her mother’s fashion.  But that’s ok, not everyone wants to wear my flashy styles.”
“Oh, but I love them!  Anything new coming out soon?” asks Hailey slipping back into her normal mode of simply ignoring Zoe.
“And I just LOVE seeing them on such a pretty girl like you Hailey!  But that’s a secret hon.  I’m not telling!” she says with a secretive wink.
“Aww, can’t you tell me?”
“You’ll just have to find out!  Anyways Zoe and I really need to head home now.  Its nearly dinner time after all.” Her mother replies firmly.  “Well goodbye Hailey, tell you parents I said: Hi for me, will you?”
Zoe felt a rush a relief.  Watching Hailey act so differently towards adults, especially her mother was making her sick.  Taking this as her cue she gets up and opens the front door trying to escape as soon as possible.
“I will Ms. DeLue.  Hope to see your newest fashion soon!” says Hailey as Zoe’s mom follows.
“Just be patient.  Did you forget anything Zoe?  And did you thank her for letting you stay her?” her mother adds a little sternly.
Zoe turns around and forces a smile and says, “Thanks Hailey for inviting me over (even though it was Cali’s doing and not YOURS).” She added mentally.  Hailey however was a model of curtesy in front of her mother.
“Oh, any time Zoe!  We should do this again.” Comes the reply.
“Take care sweetie!  Here we go!”  her mother opens up the umbrella and guides them both to the car.  Once in the car Zoe turns away and watches the water run down the window.  Her mother hops into the car thrusting the soaked umbrella into the car getting Zoe wet all over.  
“Whoops!  Sorry honey!  Was in too much of a rush!  Wow, its really coming down!  SO!  What do you want for dinner tonight?  We could cook up that fish, finish off the chicken.” She rattles off their options as she pulls away from Hailey’s home.
“Whatever works for me” Zoe replies not feel very hungry.
Noticing her tone her mother asks, “Hey, is everything ok Zoe?”
Yes.” Zoe replies tersely.
“Are you sure?  You can tell me you know… something at school?  …or something to do with Hailey?” her mother asks, hitting the nail right on the head.
“Oh no, nothing is wrong at all with Hailey, she’s a wonderful and perfect angle.” She replies with more sarcasm than she had intended.
“You don’t have to try to convince me Zoe, I already know that.” Her mom replies dryly.
“Uugh, its NOTHING, ok mom?”
“If you and Hailey are not getting along or if she did or said something you can tell me ok?  I’ll just talk to her mom and- “
“NO!” Zoe nearly yells mortified.  She could only IMAGINE how that would go over.  “I-I can handle it on my own, ok mom?” she says more calmly.
“Well, if you say so…  I wish you’d tell me what’s going on though…” her mother replies not sounding all that convinced.
Luckily for the reminder of the ride home her mom didn’t press her for any more details.  She could be pretty pushy some times but she at least didn’t pry into her personal life much.  She was very much a proponent of personal space.
After a much-needed shower Zoe laid in bed in a fresh set of pajamas and was texting away to her friend Melody.  Regaling her with the events of that afternoon.
Zoe: I wish I hadn’t gone at ALL now.  Cali at least seemed nice…
Melody:  Wow, I had the feeling she was a bit of a bitch…
Zoe:  Yeah… me too.  But I thought maybe it would be fun…  I still can’t believe she basically admitted to telling the other girls that I stuffed my bra!
Melody:  Yeah… I’m not sure if it was really her.  Sorry Zoe, but I did hear that rumor myself.  Tried to shut it down by yelling at anyone who was saying it…  
Zoe:  Meh.  Its ok.  Hailey did make a good point though… hiding when I change does seem suspicious.
Melody:  Yeaaaah…
Zoe:  Do you think she will really tell the other girls that I don’t stuff my bra…?
Melody:  Who knows?  
Zoe:  That makes me feel better…
Melody:  Sorry.  But I just don’t know.  She doesn’t seem to be the type to make up downright lies.  SO, she may actually do it.  Or just keep it to herself.  Again, who knows?
Zoe:  Meh.  Well I’ll find out soon enough.
Melody:  Mhm.  
Zoe:  Well ill see you tomorrow ok?  Super tired.  Goodnight.
Melody:  You too.  I won’t be at school tomorrow, so if anyone ties you let me know and I’ll deal with them when I get back 😉
Zoe:  Ha-ha!  You’re the best <3
Melody: I know ^.^

The following day Zoe felt like a cloud was looming over her head.  She hadn’t slept too well last night, she was too worried about the following day of school.  Something about how Hailey had said she would let them all know she wasn’t stuffing her bra made her worry.  To make matters worse, first period today was P.E. and she was going to have to face the girl’s locker room.
Walking in trying not to make eye contact with anyone she makes her way to her locker.  The locker room was a buzz with girls idling chatting.  Zoe felt rather alone now, Melody was really her only friend and when she wasn’t around she felt both alone and exposed.  Because Melody was both a friend and a shield against any bullying.
Glancing around she notices Hailey is with a small gang of her friends.  Still bothered about the tone from last night Zoe realizes that there is one, sure fire way to put an end to the rumor.  To change out in the open.  So they would ALL see she didn’t need to.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly begins to unbutton her shirt and then take it off and slides down her pants.  It felt rather odd standing there in only her underwear.  Making it worse though she could tell other girls were glancing her way.  Let them.  See!?  I do NOT stuff my bra!  She thought bitterly.
Feeling a bit more confident with her defiant thoughts she takes off her bra and slides on her sports bra she had to wear.  Another addition that most girls in her class didn’t have to have.  Feeling a bit better now that she had proved that she didn’t stuff her bra she finishes up changing and hears loud snickers coming from the gang of girls with Hailey.
Hoping to wasn’t about her she begins to leave for the gym when a nearby girl is heard to say loudly, “It must be nice having a mother who makes a living off of fashion.  Its no wonder she got a boob job!  She must have wanted to be a model for “mommy”.”
Zoe comes to a halt and whirls around hearing this.  The rest of the locker room must have heard this as well because it had suddenly become very quiet.  Zoe stares right at Hailey who returns the stare with a nasty grin on her face.  For a few second she stands there, her eyes stinging as she tries to compose herself and possibly come up with a come back.  When none is forthcoming and she realizes she’s losing her internal battle she hurriedly walks out of the locker and into the gym trying to ignore the snickers following her.
Instead of going to her normal place for roll call Zoe quietly exits the gym and quickly runs to a dark corner by the weight room and crouches down letting herself sob.  Th-that BITCH!  That conniving, evil BITCH!  What the hell did I ever do to her!?  What did I do to her to deserve this!?  She sat there sobbing into her hands with no regard to who may hear her.
Suddenly though the sound of pine needles and rocks being crunched underfoot reaches her ears.  Jerking her head up and standing up quickly she half expects to see Hailey and Co. coming to pick on her more but is instead greeted by the sight of Cali.  
“*sniff* what do YOU want!?” she says savagely, practically snarling at the Calico.
Cali’s eyes grow and she lifts her hands up in a gesture of peace, but also takes a step back.  “Whoa, easy there Zoe...  I’m not here to pick on you.  I heard what those other girls said and noticed that you were not there for roll call.  I just wanted to make sure you were ok.”
“Does it LOOK like I’m ok?” she asks scathingly ignoring the flinch it gained.  “What are you really here for?  Shouldn’t you be with you FRIEND Hailey?”
“Zoe, I…. I’m sorry…”
The apology takes her aback, but its soon replaced with suspicion.  Seemingly reading her thoughts Cali continues.  “I know it sounds weird coming from her friend but I am honestly and truly sorry ok?  I had no idea she as going to do this.  If I did I’d have smacked her for you!”
Zoe was shocked to hear the one-person Hailey seemed to be inseparable from speak like this about her.  Wiping her eyes, she asks, “C-can you get her to stop spreading this r-rumor?”
Cali seems to deflate.  “Well, I did give her a piece of my mind but I can’t stop her.  Plus, unfortunately the damage is already done.  Even if she were to take it back I don think the other girls would…  I’m sorry Zoe.”
Zoe hangs her head and hugs her knees to her body knowing Cali was right.  Her shoulders shake as she tries to keep herself from crying more.  She suddenly flinches when something touches her arm.  Looking up, she realizes it was just Cali trying to comfort her.  The Calico sits down next to her and for the next hour or so just stays there with her.
Some time later Zoe asks, “Why do you put up with her?  When she does such hurtful things?”
Cali smiles wanly at her and replies, “Well, because I’ve known her all her life.  We’ve been best of friends since we were in diapers.  Its rather hard to break up a friendship like that.”
“I-I still don’t get it.” Zoe replies stubbornly.
“Heh, well I don’t suppose you would, being on the receiving end of her stupidity.  I know you won’t believe if I told you she’s actually not as bad as you think.” Cali says softly.
“*sniff* You’re right, I don’t.”
“Well, I don’t blame you.” Cali says with a sigh.  “Are you ok to go back to class now?  Want me to take you to call you mom to pick you up?”
“No, I-I’m fine now I think.” She replies wiping her eyes and stands up.  
“Well ok…  I’ll try to keep Hailey in check, ok?”
Zoe only nods and is about to walk away but stops and turns to Cali.  “Did… did you hear our conversation last night?”
Cali gave her an unhappy smile.  “Not all of it.  But I did walk in on the last part where she pretty much told you she started the rumors.  I-I was going to step in but you mom showed up.  Didn’t want to be seen running down to start a fight in only a towel…  And I’m sorry I forced you into coming over last night.  If I knew it would have brought all this on I wouldn’t have…”  Cali hung her head unhappily.
“I-its not your fault ok?  Hailey started this, not you.”
“Y-yeah, I know but…  I just wanted her to branch out a bit more.  I’m the only non “popufur” she hands with.  And even I can’t claim that now with the reputation I have for being her bestie.  Thought it would do her good to have a friend in her own neighborhood.  So, I kind of forced her to say yes and forced you to join us.  So, I feel like I’m still 50% responsible…”
“Don’t worry about it.” Zoe replies simply.
She could tell Cali wanted to say more but only nods.  Both girls walk back to the gym.  Working as a decoy Cali goes in and distracts Hailey’s gang so Zoe can slip in unnoticed and get into the locker rooms before anyone else.  Taking advantage, she cleans her face so to hide she had been crying and changes back just as the rest of the girls start to make there way back in.  
It wasn’t until much later on in the day for Hailey to share a class with Zoe.  She felt grateful for the break and felt she was ready for the next (if there was one) bought with Hailey.  Entering the class Zoe spots Hailey and her gang in the back corner.  Noticing her Hailey looks up and looks directly at her with a smirk.  Zoe simply fixes her with an icy glare and luckily Hailey doesn’t say a thing.
Well, if she wanted an enemy, she has one... Is all Zoe thinks as the class begins.