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Annaleigh: What happened? Small words, it’s late.
Olivia: GIF of people running
Jenna: GIF of someone rushing to get dressed
Me: I ran into Brad. I love Simon. I lost Simon. I’m falling apart.
Annaleigh: Fucking shit. I’ll be there in ten with provisions from the bar. Olivia, I’m picking you up. Bring the Oreos.
Jenna: I’ll be there in fifteen with Mark.
Me: You are all amazing.
Jenna: This is what we’re here for. Remind me to yell at you for going through this shit alone.
Olivia: No joke. I will make you hold my hand and sing “That’s What Friends Are For” before we go to sleep. Don’t argue with a hormonal woman.
Annaleigh: If you ever do something like this again, I’ll come over and give you bangs while you sleep. And we both know you don’t have the bone structure bangs. We’re here, so you don’t have to face shit alone, babe.
Jenna: See you soon.
“Disgusted is an understatement, and under my nose is even worse, Calloway. Of course, you’ll allow my office to verify transcript and scholarship records, but I want you in my office at nine o’clock.”
“That will be fine, sir, as we have a meeting with the Chief of Police at ten.”
Livingston nodded and scratched his chin, then looked at Nana, who had the same stoic expression from when Sally first answered.
“Well, Liz, I wish I could say it’s been a pleasure, but I’m grateful for the call. And for keeping a lid on the article until charges are filed and we have an official statement.”
“Sure, Livingston. Tell Sally I’ll see her at book club.” He nodded, and his face blinked out. Then Nana gave Brian a nod and turned to me. “Are your friends coming?”
“Yes, they’ll be here soon.”
“Good. Then it’s time for us to clear out of here. You’ve been brave for long enough.” My chin wobbled, and she pulled me into a tight hug, barely coming up to my chest and leaving me feeling raw and vulnerable. A soft knock sounded at my door, and I broke away from Nana as Brian zipped up his laptop bag, and I stumbled forward on shaky legs.
I opened the door to see Olivia and Annaleigh, with Max, Annaleigh’s fiancé, hovering behind them, holding an Oreo bag and a gin bottle. A choked sob escaped my lips, and Annaleigh vaulted forward and wrapped her arms around me as the tears fell. I couldn’t stop them, and I didn’t try to. Niagara Falls had decided to pour from my eyeballs, running down my face and soaking her shirt.
Brian awkwardly said goodbye, and Nana passed a copy of the article to Max as they left, but I was too far gone to do more than lift my hand. I finally had what I’d been missing—what I should have done weeks ago. I had my friends to lean on, help me through the pain, and help me get over him.
