Companionship

Chapter 18

Marcy took a sip of her cocktail as she read over a passage in her book. She was studying for finals.

Timbaland and Keri Hilson played in the background of the library as she flipped through pages slowly, every so often highlighting paragraphs she didn't understand.

Ellen walked in. She carried her books and things so she could study herself. She sat at the table Marcy was at heavily. "Hi."

"Hey." Marcy mumbled.

"I hate this. And I have another year to go!"

Marcy sipped more.

"What's that?" Ellen set up.

"Fat Hooker."

Ellen's eyes widened in hurt. "Why are you calling me names?"

Marcy frowned as she looked at Ellen.

"That's the name of the drink, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"Oh. What's in it?"

"No strawberries, no cherries, no milk, no nuts, no peppermint so I don't care." Marcy refocused on her work.

Ellen pouted. "Can I have some?"

"Lookin to get lit?"

"I don't want you drunk."

"Too late."

"Will you cry again?"

"I'm not a weepy drunk."

"I know but Valentine's Day was scary."

Marcy snorted softly.

Ellen felt dismissed. "Am I bothering you?"

"Not at all."

"Are you sure?"

"Ellen." Marcy looked at her.

"You say I'll never know if I don't ask."

"Over and over?"

"Can't I be worried about my wife?"

Marcy immediately grew upset.

Ellen could see the fury in her fern eyes. "I'm sorry that I hurt you."

Marcy realized her anger was irrational. "You didn't. You keep getting caught in the crossfire of smoke that's not meant for you."

"What can I do?"

"To stop me from flying off the handle at you? That's not your problem. You did nothing wrong. I have to make that change."

Ellen felt better about that. "What can I do to make your life easier?"

"You're already doing it."

Ellen was confused. "But I haven't done anything and you're still so upset."

"You being you is doing a lot. I'm going to be upset for a while. It'll drive you crazy trying to tiptoe around me. Be you."

That sounded good but Ellen was very empathetic. "I hate that you're hurting."

Marcy swallowed thickly before picking up her glass.

Ellen also hated that she drank to cover up her pain.

M-A-P

Mercedes was getting white hair. She pulled out a strand and nearly screamed. This whole situation was stressing her out. Between the trials and holidays and birthdays and exams, she was at her wits end. Now this?!