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24
Kat woke with renewed purpose,marched down the hall to Brooke’s room, and knocked on the door. It cracked open, and Brooke’s bespectacled face appeared in the gap.
“Morena,” Kat said. “I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“No, you didn’t. I’m studying.” Stepping back, Brooke opened the door wider, revealing the laptop and textbook on her bed. A steaming mug of coffee sat on the cabinet and faint music played from the headphones hooked around her neck. Her hair was collected in a messy bun and she wore faded pajamas that read: Woman. Noun. Wuh-Man. Equal to a man, only cuter.
“Am I interrupting?” Kat asked.
Brooke smiled. “I could use a break. Why don’t you come in and snuggle up with me?” She returned to her bed and climbed in.
Kat joined her, pulling up the blankets. “What are you working on?”
“I’m writing an essay comparing nudes as painted by men and women artists between the 16th and 17th centuries. It’s for the New Zealand Journal of Art History.” She sighed. “Part of my doctoral program is that I have to get four articles accepted for publication in national or international journals.”
Kat nodded. “What number is this?”
“Two.”
She searched her memory. “The first was the one about the interpretation of Mary Magdalene in renaissance art?”
Brooke beamed. “I can’t believe you remember that.”
Kat laughed. “Of course I remember. You do know you’re my best friend, Brookie? I keep tabs on what you’re up to.”
Brooke put her cheek on Kat’s shoulder and wrapped an arm around her waist. “It’s never mattered to me whether I’m your best friend, because you’re mine.”
Kat hugged her tightly. “I need a favor,” she said, when they let go of each other. “It might take up most of your day, is that all right? I can ask someone else if you’re busy.”
Brooke clasped Kat’s hands in hers. “Whatever you need, I’m your girl. If I have to read another word about the objectification of women’s bodies, I might hit someone.”
Kat rolled her eyes. Though Brooke was a staunch feminist and sassy as hell, she didn’t know anyone lesslikely to hit a person. “Sure, sure. Here’s the thing. I need you to drive me to the cemetery where Teddy is buried. It’s about two hours away.”
Brooke gasped. “You’re asking me to drive you? Are you sure? I know what a big deal that is.”
Every part of Kat resisted the thought of getting into a metal death trap, but it was necessary if she wanted to visit Teddy. Walking or biking would take days, and even she knew that would be taking things too far.
“I’m sure,” she said, praying that she didn’t freak out and make a fool of herself. “I’ll manage.”
“You know you don’t have to prove anything to anyone.”
“But I do,” Kat argued. “I need to prove to myself that I can do it. It’s been nearly three years since the bus dropped me off in the square, and I haven’t been in a vehicle since. Maybe it’s not something I want to do all the time, but I need to know that I’m capable of it. I trust you to get me there and back safely.”
“Then of course I will,” Brooke said. “I’m honored you trust me.” She slipped a bookmark into her textbook and closed it. “Do you want to make a start now and get it over with sooner?”
That would be too easy. Besides, Kat was still feeling fragile. She needed a while to build up the courage to endure the trip. But only a few hours, she promised herself, nothing more. She wouldn’t put off being in a car for any longer.
“Let’s get breakfast first. I could use a good coffee and a muffin. Want me to bring something back and we can eat in bed and watch an episode of Star Trek Next Generation?” The show was one of Brooke’s favorites.
Her friend grinned. “Absolutely. I might have a shower and freshen up before we leave.” She glanced down at herself. “I can’t go anywhere looking like this.”
“It’s a plan.” Kat kissed Brooke’s cheek and climbed out of bed. “I need to do the same, then I’ll be back with kai.”
“Bring me something sweet!” Brooke called after her.
When they reachedBrooke’s little white Nissan, doubt assailed Kat. What had she been thinking? What if she couldn’t do it? Her feet rooted to the ground and she stared at the car like the Grim Reaper was emblazoned on the passenger door. Suddenly, the memories were all too close. The almighty smash of metal against metal, the squeal of rubber on the road, the scent of petrol and burning.
She shuddered. “I-I…”
