why is my friend ignoring me

I was sitting with my best friend’s other friends, finally getting to meet the people I’d heard so much about. I tried to join in, adding to the conversation here and there, but every time I spoke, they all just looked at me and then turned away. After a while, I stopped trying.

After the hangout, I talked to my friend. I told her how embarrassed and out of place I’d felt. She said she had noticed, but didn’t know how to include me. She promised that next time, she’d do better.

When her graduation day came, I took off work, drove the two hours, and sat through the long ceremony. I didn’t expect much one-on-one time; I knew graduations were busy. I said hi, stood by while she took pictures with her family, and then went up to ask for a picture with her.

She said, “sure!” and walked away.

I followed her for a few minutes as she took pictures with other friends. I waited for a chance, but eventually I gave up and left.

She hasn’t reached out since. I’m left wondering whether I should text her first, or just leave things as they are.