She wasn’t wrong, and when I told her that’s what makes life in the city so exciting, she replied with, “I’d rather be bored with my family than alone with all this.”
In her innocence, she wasn’t one to mince words, and there was no mistaking that she went from idolizing me to pitying me. I thought it was crazy at the time, and while I still do, being back home, I understand why she would think like that.
I swallow, forcing a smile. “Prim! It’s so great to see you.”
She returns a half-hearted smile, and I move to embrace her.
“God, look at you! If you don’t stop growing, I’m going to be looking up to you!”
She smells of summer hay and dirt, and all the things I remember being once. It takes everything I have to hold back tears that I don’t understand.
I release her, keeping her at arm’s length. “So, you’re going into your senior year!” I enthuse. “That’s such an exciting time!”
Her smile grows and her cornflower blue eyes brighten. “I ran in states and brought home gold. I’m applying to work at the drive-in. Right now, I volunteer at the animal shelter.”
It’s then that I realize she is still very much a girl.
My phone vibrates, and I look down to see a text from Eva. I hover my thumb over the open button, unsure of what to expect from my best friend.
Prim backs away, and I gaze up to see a tight look on her face.
Shit!
I put down my phone, but it’s too late.
“I’m gonna help Ma set the table,” she says, scurrying away before I can stop her.
We’ll be together for the rest of summer,I reason,there’ll be plenty of time to chit chat.
I open Eva’s message figuring it’s best to just rip the bandaid off.
Eva:Hey, girl. How you feelin’?
Horrible. Terrified. Like my life is ending.
Ali Kat:I’m hanging in there.
Eva:Good. I’m so sorry about last night. If I had known, I would have asked to leave.
Ali Kat:I don’t really want to talk about that.
Eva:Well, if you need anything, I’m here for you.
Ali Kat:Thanks. I’m back at home, and I’m about to have dinner with the family, so I’ll talk to you later.
Eva:Chao!
I go to pocket my phone, but it buzzes again.
Dammit, Eva, I’m trying to put the bridge I burned back together.
But when I check the screen, I see that it’s not Eva that texted.
It’s Alistair Whent.
Alistair:I hope you’re okay.
My heart damn near stops as I read and reread his text.
