I thought Amber was just a friend, but after she brought her buddy Melanie to dinner, things went sideways. A few days later, my wedding earrings were missing and our checking account was drained from dozens of mall charges. At first I didn’t suspect the girls, but it clicked when I remembered Melanie’s long bathroom break.
We tried tracing the charges, and the bank said we needed a police report. I confronted Amber, and when I hinted we had CCTV evidence, she panicked. Minutes later she came back with my earrings, the debit card, and even another stolen family ring. She tried to blame Melanie, but admitted they’d stolen together.
I told her to give me the names and contact info of everyone involved. Their parents agreed to repay every dollar, including overdraft fees, to avoid formal charges. Weeks later, we were made whole, Amber vanished from my life, and I learned who my real friends are.