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“A shell?”
“Yeah, well, two shells. One for each of us. To remember your trip.”
She shakes her head, laughing. “And here I thought you weren’t girly at all.” Placing her empty cup down on the end table she rubs her temples. “What if we went out for lunch first, then the aquarium? We can hit up the beach this evening.”
I raise my eyebrows. “Do I have to wear a dress?”
Rolling her eyes, she throws a pillow at me. “Can you at least wear a decent top and let me do your hair?”
Catching the pillow, I laugh and toss it back. “You still haven’t given up?”
“No.” She sticks out her tongue. “And I’m not going to, so you better get used to it.”
I don’t see the point. Really I don’t. Last night should have shown her enough. I’m not normal. No frilly dress, hairspray, or even smoky eyeshadow can change that. The flare-ups will always happen. They will always limit me. And no one wants to date someone who’s sick.
That’s just life.
Still, I smile and shake my head. Viv’s only here for two more days. Hopefully, I can manage for that long. The pain isn’t too bad today. “Deal. But I’m wearing my sun hat.”
After making myself a chai tea, we head to my room. Sitting down in my dressing chair, I let Vivian do her thing. Hair, makeup, and a blouse I didn’t even know I owned, by the time she’s done even I’m impressed.
It doesn’t change the slight pain inside my stomach or the lagging migraine. But at least I look good. Well, better than good. I actually look kinda hot, that is until I pull the floppy, oversized hat on top of my fresh curls.
“Why did I even bother?” Viv huffs, shaking her head.
I glance back at the mirror. I could take it off, but the damage has already been done. Besides, I don’t need a repeat of last night. I’m still hurting enough as it is.
“I’ll take it off once we get to the aquarium.”
“And what? Have hat hair the rest of the day?”
I shrug, grabbing my purse and shoes. There’s no point in debating it. It is what it is. “What do you want for breakfast?”
We manage to find a pizza place that’s still serving breakfast pizzas after noon. Tucking into a booth, I toss my hat in the corner and run my hands through my locks.
“It’s already ruined,” Viv mutters, glancing at her menu.
Huffing out a breath, I place my hands on my lap. “I’m trying, Viv. I am it’s just –”
“The sun?” She raises her eyebrows.
“Yeah.” I flop back in my seat.
“That’s what’s with all the hermit stuff, and why you avoid the beach?”
I nod, forcing back my tears. I didn’t think she would put it all together.
“How long? I mean, I remember back in college it never bothered you.”
“It did, a bit. Not as bad as now. I think I was just better at hiding it then.” I take a sip of water. “It didn’t start getting really bad until after we graduated.”Until the graduation trip.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
I shrug. “It’s my problem.”
“Asra, we’re supposed to be best friends. You shouldn’t keep stuff like this from me.”
The waiter takes that moment to arrive at our table. After ordering our breakfast pies, I glance worriedly across the table.
