Amidst the remnants of shattered emotions, Ashley approached Emma, extending a comforting presence. "It's okay. Dylan has always been a jerk," Ashley reassured, her words attempting to provide solace.
"But he was nice and sweet to me," Emma responded, tears still staining her cheeks.
Thomas, in a matter-of-fact tone, added, "He wanted to make Myra jealous."
Kyle chimed in, offering further insight, "Besides, he never asked you to be his girlfriend but rather if you wanted to be his girlfriend."
Emma, self-mockingly, uttered, "So I was being played."
"Yes, but don't beat yourself up about it. Dylan has just always loved Myra, and that isn't going to change," Josh stated simply, attempting to offer a perspective that, though harsh, carried a truth that needed acknowledgement.
---