Flyer, you've answered your own question. You know the right answer. One way or the other, your friends are going to be hurt, but if it was me, I'd rather you tell me the truth than to stop being my friend. That would hurt me more. They may have a difficult time trusting you now, but you can always rebuild that trust by being very truthful all the time from now on. You will have to prove yourself.

I would definitely tell them why you felt you had to lie to them. To me, it's easy to understand, but then... it wasn't me you lied to. Still, I think they will understand after the initial shock.

Have faith!

<font color=blue>This above all: To thine own self be true. --Shakespeare</font color=blue>