It's been a week since my best friend and my - what do I call her - lady friend both stormed out of my life. I've left Regina several messages but she hasn't replied. I haven't figured out what to do about Maggie yet. I haven't really left the house much except for a couple of jobs. Maybe it's time to get outside.
I put on a gorgeous floral sundress that I found for a steal at a boutique. I was going to wear it for Maggie. Why was I going to try to look good for her? Duh, Aud, you loooove her. Shut up, me. I throw on some flip-flops and ride my bike down to the beach. The weather is perfect. I reach the boardwalk and receive a catcall. The dress is working for me! I'm looking at some scarves and trying on a pair of sunglasses when, in the mirror, I see her. My heart stops and I'm happy to be wearing my little disguise. Maggie is walking down the boardwalk with a girl. Is that her sister? Does she have a sister? She leans in for a kiss and they stop, kissing passionately. Right there. For everyone to see.
My stomach jumps into my throat and I turn to leave. The shop owner shouts at me, "Hey! That stuff's not free!"
Everyone in the vicinity stops and stares. Including Maggie and her friend. I turn bright red and place the merchandise on the counter. I get on my bike and clumsily ride a couple of feet before wiping out.
I look at my knees. All scraped up. Tears pool in my eyes and I look up to see Maggie rushing over.
She's kneeling in front of me, her hands on my shoulders, "Audrey! Are you alright?"
The sight of her brings more tears and they're streaming down my cheeks.
"Audrey, my goodness. You must be careful! Look at your knees!" She jumps and runs to the shop I almost accidentally stole from. She runs back with paper towels and begins dabbing at my knees.
"Does it hurt very much?" She looks at me with those eyes.
I shake my head, "No. I mean, yeah it does, but that's not why I'm crying,"
She stops, "Why then?"
"I'm too late!" I look up at her friend who doesn't look very pleased.
She looks back at her friend and back to me, "You hurt me. I get lonely." She looks down at my knees and dabs at them a couple more times.
"Maggie, I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry. What we had..."
"I know," she smiles at me, her eyes watery.
"Maggie?" Her friend says, impatiently.
She helps me up and I set my bike right. She walks over to her friend and comes back to me.
"Lily and I have dinner plans. I have to go. Will you make it home alright?"
I'm stunned. I thought she'd cast her friend off. I thought she would come home with me. I wipe my tears again, "I'll be fine," I smile.
She looks at me a moment before literally going off into the sunset with Lily.
I get home and pour a large glass of wine. I sit down on the couch and a moment later my phone lights up. I jump up and hope it's Maggie, but Regina's name displays proudly at the head of the text.
It says, "We need to talk."
I roll my eyes and call her.
"Audrey?" She answers.