3
GWEN
Honey stayed at the cabin when I went to group. Growls and snaps were a common occurrence in the hours that followed her injection. Better to let her rest in bed while us girls sat around rehashing our trauma.
I started down the gravel path, glancing over my shoulder to check for Simone. Every Wednesday, we went to group together at the rec center and cooked dinner afterwards. Usually, we’d meet on this path. She got off work at 5, made it back here around 6, drove past me as I was walking into town, and stopped to give me a ride in.
But there’d been no sign of her so far.
With the gloves around my fingers and balaclava pulled up around my nose and head, allowing a few red curls to escape, I wasn’t fighting off frostbite. As much as I enjoyed the pine trees all around, the silence of winter, even the snowflakes clumping on my eyelashes, I would’ve driven myself if I’d have known she wouldn’t show.
Only a mile remaining of my journey, certain I wouldn’t cross Simone’s path, anxiety budded in my chest. Was everythingalright? Had something happened to her daughter, Junie? I couldn’t think of any other reason for her not to be home yet.
Or for her to break our routine. Obviously, I wasn’t entitled to her time, but this was what we had done every Wednesday for the last six months. Something had to be wrong.
Descending the hill, I found my phone in my pocket and sent her a message.
Gwen; Hey, you coming to group?
Snow crunched under my boots as I glided the rest of the way, nearly jogging from the downhill momentum. I had passed the nursery and was only a few blocks away from the rec center when she finally texted back.
Simone; Yeah, sorry. I should’ve texted you. It’s just been a weird day.
We all had those. I couldn’t call anyone at the ranch the pinnacle of perfect mental health.
Simone struggling was a new one though. She was beyond vocal about her anxieties when she was upset. If there was something on her mind, I was usually the first to know about it.
But she respected my space, so I would respect hers.
Gwen; It’s cool, don’t be sorry. Let me know if you need to talk.
My phone dinged again. I expected it to be her, butSebastianlit up the screen instead. My stomach flipped, before nausea flooded it. Why the hell did just his name give me butterflies?
And why did the butterflies make me nauseous? It was like their wings had razor blades on their tips, scratching me up with each flap.
Sebastian; Hey, Liz told me to ask you about a song you were playing in the dining hall the other day. Something about rainbows and kittens?
I had to laugh.
Gwen;Lmao idk which one she liked, but I’ve only got two songs by Rainbow Kitten Surprise on that playlist, so it was either Wasted or Cocaine Jesus.
His response was immediate.
Sebastian;…that’s not what I was expecting.
Gwen; Lol you asked
Sebastian; When she said rainbows and kittens, I assumed it was for kids.
Another laugh.
Gwen;I don’t think that’s their target audience, no
Sebastian; Where tf do you find this shit?
Gwen; Reddit, if memory serves. And don’t knock ‘em til you try ‘em. Ela’s voice is so dynamic, the lyrics are pure poetry, and they blend rock with EDM beautifully.
Sebastian; Hold while I listen.
