———–

Simone slowly made her way to the kitchen, passing the music room door without pausing. She was hurt by Annabelle’s words, but she couldn’t really blame her. She knew she wasn’t going to be the one to make the first step though, she was the stubborn type. As she took two mugs out of the cupboard, she replaced one, thinking she didn’t want to be the one apologizing again, she hadn’t done anything wrong. Sipping her tea, she thought about calling the Senator. But to say what exactly? She had no idea and so, she dismissed the idea and just stared through the window, petting the cats she had sat next to.

Annabelle was getting more furious by the second in the room. <Why doesn’t she come to see if I’m alright?>. Trying to calm down, she only got more annoyed as her mind told her she was in the wrong. Guilt eating at her, she sat on the floor, trying to process everything.

<So my mom sends me to hell. Then she sends me a letter. I have my dad’s address, but I don’t write or call. Then my mom calls to make up with me. And then I yell at Simone. The only person who’s on my side. Great Anna. Really, great. Very nice way of showing just how mature you really are. Oh and fuck being an adult!

I’m fucking eighteen years old. Don’t need to be mature just yet. Huh… I do need to. And kinda want to. God I miss her. Why isn’t she coming to calm me down and tell me everything’s going to be fine? Oh yeah, I yelled at her. Fuck!…> As she struggled with her jumbled up thoughts, she heard the buzzing sound of the bell and then the sounds of Simone getting up to open the door.

"Collins! Hey, what are you doing here?" Simone asked.

"I’m I’m sorry. I just didn’t want to stay home. I, I wasn’t-Can I talk to you about something?"

"Sure, come in."

"Where’s Annabelle?" the shy girl asked, looking around as she sat down.

"Music room, angry."

"You-You didn’t fight right?" Collins asked, obviously worried.

Simone smiled warmly and changed the subject, offering Collins a tea "So, what is it?"