her hand away from mine. "I'm sorry," she whispered, looking down at her feet. Touching her chin, I lifted her head gently. "Mecca, you have nothing to be ashamed about. Don't hide again, please. You're my best friend, and I love you. I don't care what anybody here has to say," I reassured her and extended my arms to invite her in for a hug. Mecca stared at me with a bewildered look that grew slowly into a smile. She hugged me one last time. "See you after class?" Mecca questioned softly. "See you after class." I smiled and waved at her before heading to my own class.

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