Too Good For You

fourty nine

Sada Mandir Anthony

"Hey Tori I got the apples you wanted from the farmers market." I stumble into the house and slide my shoes off. "And I managed to talk this guy into giving me a box of oranges for $2! He said that I could be lawyer by how hard I talked him down." I giggle and throw my shoes into the closet making them thud against the wall.

"Oh and I checked the mail so you didn't have to but it's nothing but bills." I drop the stack of envelopes on the end table and hike the box up on my hip. I look into the living room seeing Tori and a girl sitting on the couch. "Oh you have company— sorry, nice to meet you." I wave at the brunette and go to the kitchen.

Wait a fucking minute.

I scrunch my face up and then sniff the air. I smell a very familiar scent. Velvet Wood.

Anybody could be wearing it? Right? I mean the girl didn't even look like her. Did she? I wasn't really paying much attention but I'd know if it was her. I'd know if she was sitting on my couch right now. But would I? Fuck, just go check.

I set the boxes on the counter and walk back into the living room slowly. Her deep blue eyes meet mine instantly and we both sit there looking shocked. I feel as if there was a ball of pressure sitting on my chest right now. The hairs on my neck stand up and my mouth dries up of all moisture that was once there.

I have to say something. But I can't get any fucking words out— my tongue is glued to roof of my mouth. Breathe. I inhale deeply and part my lips to say something.

Her lips twitch into a smirk at my puzzlement but behind her cocky smile was nervous body language. Her fingers rubbed together and her leg slightly bounced to a nervous rhythm. I can't take my eyes off of her and she can't take her eyes off of me. Wow, I can't believe how enamored I still am by her.

"You're hair is brown." I point out the obvious, not knowing what else to say.

"It is." The air around us got thicker as we both continue to stare at each other. My eyes pleading for her not to be angry with me and apologizing over and over again. "Your locs are gone." She points out.

"They are." I smile and touch my soft curls. We both look awkwardly at one another before I decide to speak up.

"Well, I'll go. Nice seeing you again, Billie." I shyly wave before making a beeline to my room and slamming the door. I pace my room nervously and mentally curse myself for not saying anything else. So many things I could've said.

You look beautiful.

I've missed you.

Have you missed me too?

How are you?

Are you angry with me? Please don't be.

I'm sorry for leaving you...

I hope you're happy.

I'm proud of you.

I wrote you a letter. Will you read it?

"Fucking idiot. You had one fucking job and you ruined it! I ruined my own life I mean look at how beautiful she is." I put my hands on my head and pace the floor. I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths to steady my beating heart.

I exhale, open my eyes and then fish my phone out of my pocket. I go to my message thread with my friends and send a mass text.

the niggas and tori

me
IM GONNA BEAT YOUR ASS TORI

nya
what happened?????

kev
oop 🌚