I decide to be as honest as possible.
Me:
Bea, I’m so sorry. I didn’t have my phone, and it has been off the entire time. I’m okay right now, but don’t freak out (I know you will), but I just woke up from a coma. I’m finally getting all the information on what happened, but I’ll call you as soon as I can to tell you everything I learn. I’m still confused as well. I love you.
I swipeout of the text thread and dreadfully open the one with my father.
Father:
Grace, why am I being notified of multiple absences?
Father:
This can impact your grade for the classes. I hope you understand the severity of your choices. This is not the right foot to start on.
Father:
Your friend messaged me. She hasn’t heard from you either. Where are you? I stopped by your dorm, and your roommate Jocelyn isn’t around either. Just tell me if you’re okay.
I roll my eyes. There’s no way that he actually cares about my well-being. For fucksake, he forced me here in the first place. A place that now quite literally will be the end of me.
Father:
The priest stopped by my office today, asking about you. He said he’s concerned that the workload is too much. He cares about you, Grace. Everyone here wants to see you succeed. Please don’t throw away your future. If you do not want to talk to me, at least reach out to Priest Brown. I am sure he has endless resources for you.
I chuckle in disgust at the thought of Priest Brown panicking over my absence. I bet he really is concerned about me missing, especially for his stupid ass ritual.
“You’re laughing. Dare I ask why?”
I startle at hearing Milly’s voice so quickly as she places down a bowl of stew.
Steam rises from the bowl as the smell of the beef permeates the air. I sit up and show her the last message. Her body flares with a soft white light– her rage obvious.
“Such a foolish, foolish man,” she says with a click of her tongue.
“I just can’t believe my father can’t see past his bullshit. Part of me is worried that hedoessee through it and wants to rid himself of the one problem in his life.”
“You mustn’t think that way, my shadow. I should dearly hope it is not the latter. And this dear friend of yours, Bea, pray tell—who might she be?” She leans over, grabs a pillow, places it on my lap, and then fluffs the one behind my back. She then lifts the bowl of food and places it on the pillow. She’s acting casual, but I see the way her body language has changed. She’s more stiff with her movements.
“Mmm,” I hum. “She’s been one of my best friends for years. We’ve been there for each other through everything.” I smile sadly. “Through loss, through love, through adventure. I think you’d like her a lot. She doesn’t live far from here either.
When all of this is done, I’ll invite her over. That bluebird pin on my bag? It’s from Bea. She gave it to me when I moved. Said I was taking flight, but had to remember her blue wings helped.” I laugh. “She really has been a rock for me all these years.” I look briefly at my phone, then back up at her. “She’s always been a good friend.”
Milly nods to what I’m saying, but remains quiet. I raise an eyebrow, waiting for her to respond, but she offers a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes.
“You’re quiet,” I say rather than ask. She busies herself with theblankets, and I place my hand on her forearm. “You’re not… jealous, are you?” I ask.
“Oh, hush. I was simply entertaining curiosity.” A slow blush crosses her cheeks, and I grin, feeling a sense of warmth at her jealousy.
I trace mindless circles across her forearm, pulling her closer to me to whisper in her ear, “Bea is not you, Milly.” I nip at her ear, and she pulls back with a squeal.
But the lightheartedness fades just as quickly as Milly starts chewing on her lip, sadness creeping through her eyes.
“Milly.” She looks down, but I lift her chin up once more. “Milly. She is notyou.”
Her eyes tighten with emotion. “No, Grace. She has been granted the profound honor of witnessing every beautiful wonder and every heartbreaking trial that have woven themselves into the very essence of who you are inthislifetime!” She visibly trembles, and I move the soup off my lap to be able to place both of my hands on the sides of her face.
“Milly, I loveyou. We’ll make new memories together.”
