Sup V,
It’s been a stressful week. This time of year is always hard with the anniversary of my parents’ death. Oddly, it’s the only time my sister likes being around me. Which is nice for a change, but it’s fleeting. One of my long-term patients was able to check out of the hospital today. It’s a nice feeling but I’ll miss her. Life just feels silent, if that makes sense. Like the stillness before a storm rolls in.
Anyways, how’s everything with you? Hopefully all is well.
P.S. I’m glad we’re still friends. Life feels a little less lonely when I get to talk to you.
E.
The letter felt heavy in my hands as I glanced up to the night sky. Nicely, I folded the paper and tucked it into my pocket. I left the park without responding and strolled to my headquarters apartment. The ache in my chest spread throughout my body, and I wanted comfort. I wanted to be told things would be ok, that I was loved. But I didn’t want it from Chasity, and I wouldn’t allow myself to get it from Emily.
As soon as I hit the code on the door pin pad, I marched to my cabinet and grabbed a bottle of vodka. Knowing I’d be down on my ass in ten minutes, I sat on the bed, kicked off my shoes, and uncapped the drink.
Shortly after, the aching eased and that sweet numbness took over. I didn’t think about how lonely I felt or how much I wanted a different life.
If I hadn’t been so intoxicated, I would have noticed the orange sparkles floating into the room. But I was THAT intoxicated, so I smiled, set the bottle on the nightstand, and blissfully passed out.
Chapter Eight
Emily
“Vincent?” I rushed to the tall form lying on the bench in front of our mailbox. His shoes were nowhere to be found, and I cursed, knowing someone must have robbed him. Crap.
“Vincent. Wake up, you’re ok.” My fingers softly pushed against his arm that flopped over the edge of the wooden bench slats. Slowly, his eyes opened, then squinted before he shot up.
“Shit,” he cursed, his hands gripping his head. I stood unmoving, not wanting to scare him. It took a few seconds, but his brown gaze landed on me.
“Emily?”
“Yes, big guy. It looks like you were robbed. Someone stole your shoes.” I pointed to his feet, and he followed the line of my finger.
“Right… robbed,” he muttered and sat back on the bench. I rushed to his side, ready to help if he needed it. Not that I would do much good; he was three times my size.
“Take it easy. Get your bearings, then we’ll get you home to some comfy shoes. I’d give you mine, but I don’t think they’re your style.” I lifted my foot and showed off my white tennis shoes with black scuff marks on the sides. I was a fancy girl, what could I say? Vincent stared at my wiggling foot for a few seconds, then scared the crap out of me. His head flew back, and he laughed. Like full belly, mouth-open-wide laughter bellowed from his lungs.
“Oh dear, they must have hit you hard on the head. We should get you to the hospital.” I was only half kidding. Vincent’s laughter slowed to a chuckle as he shook his head.
“I’m fine. Shoes and food, and I’ll be ok.” He leaned back and my gaze got stuck on his grin.Bad Emily, we don’t stare at Selene’s lips, so we don’t stare at friend Vincent’s lips.
“I was just stopping by to see if there was a letter for me, then I was gonna grab something to eat and maybe hit the bookstore before groceries. You could join me if you want,” I offered, like I would any friend. He tilted his head to the side, then shrugged.
“Right. It’s Saturday. Yeah, I’ll crash your errands day.” He stood and I readied myself to help again. His eyebrow arched, noticing my stance.
“I can’t help it.” I lifted my chin and started walking.
“I appreciate the notion. Thank you for being here, E.” I softened as he caught up to me.
“It’s what friends do, and you are my friend.” I added the second part to keep the boundary clear. We made it out of the park in a short time, and I pondered where the closest shoe store was. But he moved to our right before I could rattle off the closest shop. By the time I realized what he was doing, he was mid handing the street vendor cash and sliding a pair of sandals on his large feet.
“That was quick.” I walked over and immediately laughed.
“You look like a tourist.” He wiggled his tan toes in the purple and green sandals with bold “I heart Seahill” written across the top.
“Well, take me on a tour through Emily’s famous errands.” He gestured and I shook my head. Vincent was a hoot.
“Alright, this way, you goof.” As we walked together, I silently started listing things I was grateful for. It was either that or be taken down by insecure thoughts about our friendship.
“I’m surprised you aren’t listing things,” he commented, and it oddly made my steps cease.
