“In Brazilian culture, it’s a huge celebration. The girl’s family and friends are notified like it’s breaking news,” Emmy says. “My college roommate freshman year was from Brazil, and she told me she had fourth cousins calling to congratulate her.”
Riley wrinkles her nose. “So, what you’re saying is that I’m lucky to be here with you and not stuck in my room being guarded by a broom or getting phone calls from relatives I don’t know to congratulate me on becoming a woman or whatever?”
“Ew, that whole becoming a woman thing is so creepy and gross.” Maya digs a chip into a massive bowl of guacamole. “You’re still a kid, just with the addition of cramps and cravings for a few days every month. And anyway, you’re damn lucky to be hanging out with us. We’re awesome. Your own personal period posse.”
Riley laughs, taking another taco from the platter in the middle of our little circle. “Period posse?”
Sophie makes a face. “That’s a terrible name. Why not just induct Riley as an official member of the Smart Bitches?”
“Yes!” Maya beams at Sophie. “I love it.”
“What’s the Smart Bitches?” Riley asks.
Emmy reaches around me and grabs an orange soda, popping the top on the can. “It’s our little girls-only club. The one where we remind ourselves that we’re badass, beautiful, and brilliant and we belong in all the places, including the ones people tell us we shouldn’t be in. Absolutely no boys allowed.”
Riley grins. “I love it. Like when Robbie O’Connor told me I don’t belong in honors algebra because I’m a girl?”
Sophie, our resident STEM genius, scoffs. “Excuse my language, but fuck that so hard. I hope you told him to shove it.”
Riley’s grin turns devious. “I did one better. I studied my ass off so I could make sure to beat his score on every single quiz and test we’ve had so far this year. And when he asked me what chapters would be covered on the midterm, I told him the wrong ones.”
“Queen behavior.” Sarah gives Riley a satisfied nod.
“Definitely Smart Bitches material,” Emmy says with a smile.
“Can Zoe join too? She’s smarter than I am. She designed all the sets for the play with, like, proper measurements and everything, and is head of the stage crew, figuring out when the sets need to be changed and in what order. She’s so freaking talented.”
“Smart Bitches rule number one.” I point at Maddy. “Always support your girls. You passed with flying colors. Zoe is definitely Smart Bitches material.”
Riley beams, and Caitlin reaches into a giant tote bag she brought with her. “This calls for a celebration.” Rooting around a little, she comes up with a handful of black fabric that turns out to be T-shirts and tosses one to each of us.
I hold mine up, smiling when I see the wordsExist Loudlyemblazoned on the front in hot pink script. I don’t even bother asking how she managed to get one for Riley too on such short notice. Caitlin Parker works in mysterious ways.
“I thought it was time for a club motto.” Caitlin looks at each of us and lingers for an extra second on Riley with a small smile. “Especially now that we’re inducting some new members.”
“What does it mean?” Riley asks.
Caitlin nods, like she approves of the question. Riley smiles, and I totally get it. Getting Caitlin’s approval feels like an accomplishment. She radiates a kind of quiet competence, like she can handle her shit and everyone else’s too, and she rarelyspeaks unless she has something important to say. “It means speak up. Take up space. There is a lot about being a woman in this world that can be hard. There are people practically lined up to tell you what you can and can’t do, like that asshole telling you that you don’t belong in honors algebra because you’re a girl. It happens more as you get older, andExist Loudlyis a reminder that they’re wrong. That you belong everywhere you want to be because you’re smart and awesome and you’re going to accomplish really great and important things. And it’s also a little reminder that you have a lot of women on your side cheering you on. Your friends, of course, and also us.”
Riley looks around the circle thoughtfully. “I think maybe that’s why I like theater. Because I get to take up space, like you said. Like, I get to show everyone what I can do all the way out loud.” She shrugs. “And also, it’s really fun.”
“Fuck yeah, it is,” Sophie says with a grin. “I can’t wait to see your play next month. God, I miss performing.”
“Why don’t you do it anymore?” Riley asks.
Sophie sighs. “Life happened. I have a big job, and it takes up a ton of time. I really love it, but it would be cool to be on stage again.”
“Doesn’t Fieldston have opportunities for alumni to volunteer and stuff?” I ask, smiling a little at the longing in Sophie’s eyes. “They must.”
“They do,” Riley confirms. “A few of the grown-ups helping out with the play went to Fieldston for high school. Some of them don’t even have kids at the school. They just do it because they want to.”
“See?” Emmy says. “You should totally do it, Soph. Get your ass back on a stage. You’re a theater kid. Theater kids belong in the theater.”
“You should.” Caitlin grabs another taco, taking a bite and chewing thoughtfully. “I think you would love it.”
“Oh my god, please do it!” Riley exclaims. “They just announced the spring musical. We’re doingFootloose,and I’mauditioning for Ariel even though I have the lead this semester so I probably won’t get it again, but I really want to try. Anyway, you should come help! It’ll be so much fun.”
Sophie beams. “I didFootlooseat Fieldston a million years ago. I was Ariel.”
