“No, you’re my precious firecracker that I love so much.”
“I feel like I should be offended. We both know I’m your favorite.”
“You’re my favorite daughter.” She nods.
I smile until I fully register what she just said. “Hey, wait.”
“Go get settled. I’m going to wash the horse smell off.”
I groan, and stomp away dramatically because if there’s something about me, it’s that I will never go anywhere quietly. I look at my suitcase still up at the top of the stairs and narrow my eyes at it.
“Yeah, I’ll deal with that later,” I say to myself.
When I get downstairs I go to my room, the light pink walls remain from when I helped my dad paint them when I was younger. My mom upgraded my bed to a king; the bedding looks new. The duvet looks soft over the white sheets. I can’t help but flop down onto the bed and pull out my phone to text the group chat with my two close friends here.
Sutton moved to Amity a couple years ago and ended up marrying one of Parker’s coworkers, Jameson. They’re all cute and shit. She’s pregnant with their first child, andeven though I’ve been hounding her to tell me what she’s having, all she says is “human.”
My other friend, Bailey, I met through Sutton. She’s a lot quieter and is about to move in with her boyfriend who was her neighbor. Even though they claimed they couldn’t stand each other. Clearly that’s not the case because I can’t stand Parker and you won’t catch me getting back together with him. Ever.
Lily: Hey bitches! Guess who’s back!
Sutton: Yay! When can we see you?
Lily: Whenever you want, I don’t start my job training for a few more days.
Sutton: I’m sort out of a job at the moment so I’m open too…
Bailey: If either of you want to help out at the Roasted Bean, I won’t say no.
I chuckle, thinking about how much I would likely annoy Bailey if I did take her up on that and help out at the coffee stand she owns.
Sutton: I couldn’t be around all that coffee and not drink it all. I’m “not allowed.” *Eye roll emoji*
Lily: Technically you can have one cup.
Sutton: Oooh I forgot we have a doctor in the group now.
Lily: Ha ha. I’m a nurse, but it is me and I’m smarter than a doctor.
Bailey: I’m sure it’ll give you more crazy stories to tell.
Lily: Nope, can’t share anything because HIPPA. Sorry, ladies, my gossiping days are over.
The bubbles pop up and then go away. Then my screen is flooded with laughing emojis from them both because I know I’ve never been good at holding my tongue.
There are footsteps and a voice I immediately recognize as my brother, but then I realize he’s not alone. And I unfortunately recognize the other voice as well.
My phone dings, and I look down to see a very ill-timed question.
Sutton: Have you seen Parker yet? Or talked to him?
Lily: Unfortunately, yes, but against my will on both.
I hear a small thunk against my door, and narrow my eyes at it. But then I hear them talking about playing some video game. I laugh when Parker scolds Ethan for cussing, then stifle it because I can’t laugh at anything he does.
Laughter makes me weak for him, and I can’t be. He doesn’t get to have me again. I’m with Aaron. I love him; he’ll be here in just a few days. All I have to do is avoid Parker for a couple days. Then stay strong with any other interactions we have from here on out. No big deal.
He’s just my first love, my first kiss, the first man I ever slept with. He’s only the man I thought I would have forever with. I can totally do this.