Problem Solving

Hand Holding

Lizzy's POV

"Okay.." I pull into my drive and stop the engine. Ashley looks at me expectantly. "don't look at them, don't talk to them, don't make any noise around them. We go straight up to my room"

"Please, your parents can't be that bad.." she smiles

"I'd just rather they didn't talk to us. So come on" I get out of my car, she does too. I lock it and go to the door. She follows me there

"What're you waiting for?" She asks. I try to mentally prepare myself

"Nothing. Just follow me okay?"

"Whatever" she opens the door

"Don't do that" I whisper, she rolls her eyes at me. I say nothing and take her up to my room.

I think she's been here once before. Maybe twice. But certainly never more than that. And very certainly not with my parents in.

"What's the big deal?" She asks, before even closing the door. I shush her and pull the door shut.

"I.." I don't think she'll get it. "Privacy" I shrug a little, she nods a little

"You're weird, we don't even need privacy... in fact I don't know what you want me here for"

"Just to talk" I admit, sitting on my bed. She sits down too. I actually made my bed for her coming over, I knew she'd say something mean about it if I didn't. Which I'm fine with, but I just wanna talk real with her today if I can.

"Electra?" She asks, I nod a bit

"I guess" I avoid making eye contact with her. Too vulnerable. "it's felt so good lately. Healthy even.. like really healthy, and really good." I dare myself to look at her. She's smiling, not judging.

"Yeah that's because you aren't as scared as you once were... So what am I here for if it's all good?"

"I guess just to hear it outside of my head" I bring my feet up onto my bed and rest my chin on my knees. "wait actually.." I get up and go get my phone "she hasn't told any of her friends. What if she wants to talk to someone as well?" I ask, she raises her shoulders unhelpfully. "Right.." I mumble, going onto our messages.

'Me: hey baby'

'Marina: hey, why're you texting me?
                  you're meant to be having fun
                  with Ashley'

'Me: I know but I was thinking. Would
         you want to tell your friends about
         us?'

'Marina: Jess would get jealous and I
                   don't think Stella would care
                   overmuch lmao'
                   'I talk to Laf  about you
                though.'

'Me: good, as long as u aren't going
         crazy having no one to talk about
         it with'

"Can I use your lipstick?" Ashley asks, I look up from my phone. She's at my vanity going through my shit and I wanna tell her to stop, but I don't feel like being mean. Marina wouldn't want me to.

"Do you have to?" I ask, she nods. "Fine.."

'Marina: don't worry I'm okay lmao.
                   I miss you but I'm sane'

'Me: I miss you too. A lot. Come over
         later if you want. I'll pick u up'

'Marina: we're going to your place??'