I need you, I need you, I need you

chapter 78-left over records

January 22nd, 2020
Rachel's p/
School got cancelled because of a gas leak. We should be back tomorrow, but I'm still going to be productive. I have my outfit on, hair brushed, chores done, now it's time to go on a walk by myself. No Tyler, no Declan, just me and my wild thoughts.

Today's outfit is inspired by Mary's outfits. No specific one, just a mix of all her styles. White long sleeve cropped sweater, vintage blue/white leather men's jacket, dark blue flared jeans, and my black docs. I actually really like this outfit, but I'm just now realizing that it's nothing like Mary. What am I supposed to do? I have no money for authentic vintage clothing. But If I want to keep Tyler I have to change. No one should change but me.

It feels good to be walking down the streets of Maryland. My small town is definitely something eye catching. You rarely see anyone like me out and about. Old, filthy rich couples are either fishing or snobby teens are driving in their convertibles. There's really nothing to do here, but the people you meet along are the main characters of this life. This little life of mine.

Mary romanticizes her life. I heard her say that when she was on the phone with Darry last night. It's time that I do the same. The flowers smell like my grandmother's soft and shaky breath. She was always looking for her jewels and lace gloves, but obviously they were out of sight. Darrel and I played dress up in our father's office. Darrel spilled wine on the carpet but it was ok because the maid had the best cleaning tricks. My mother was picking fresh fruit from the garden for breakfast so she wasn't there to give us an ear full. Everything was so peaceful. But then I opened my eyes.

Mary's p/v
A good pair of jeans comes in handy when you're going thrifting with your friends. But sometimes a white slip dress is necessary to intimidate intimidating people. Are they overdressed, or me?

Since the weather is so fine today, I opted for a 1970s vintage long sleeve gunne sax prairie dress with gems along the square neckline, white lace socks, vintage dark brown mules, and my light brown 90s purse. Maybe I was a little dumb for wearing a dress if I'm going to try things on, but I can't pass up the opportunity to show off my gunne sax collection. I only have 2 dresses but my other one is long, this is a shorter length. Come Softly To Me by the Fleetwoods plays as I twirl around in my head.

"Audrey is right over there." Erica whispers in my ear. I look at the dressing rooms. Audrey is waiting in line with a black turtleneck in hand.
"And Heath is over here." Piper says. I turn around. Heath is looking through the men's pants.
"Let's invite them over!"
"We can invite Heath."
"We can invite neither of them. I want this day to be just for us two." I say.
"Audrey! Over here!" Erica yells. Audrey looks at her and then quickly looks away.
"Don't you-"
"Heath! This way!"
Heath looks at us. He puts back the pants on the hanger and starts coming our way.
"How do I look?"
I frown at Piper. No way this is actually happening.
"Hey guys. Come across anything good?"
"Not yet. You?" Piper answers.
"A pair of boots but they're not my size unfortunately."
"Should we creep on Audrey and scare her? I think she didn't hear me call out her name."
"No Erica, she definitely heard you."
"You're not her so you don't know for sure. What do you say, Heath? A little prank?"
"I'm good but you go right ahead."
"Aren't you obsessed with Audrey though? Plus, her scary boyfriend isn't with her right now. He can't hurt us."
"You think her boyfriend is violent?"
"My cat knows when a boy is violent so yeah."
Heath looks at Audrey. "Let's talk to her then."
"Not talk, scare!"

Heath starts walking over to Audrey with Erica right behind next to him. I look at Piper. She takes a deep breath and follows them. I guess I'll join too.
"Hey Audrey hey Audrey! Look at this sparkly purple top," Erica holds it up, "you would look amazing in it!"
Audrey sighs. "I love it, but my boyfriend would rip it right off."
Piper frowns. "You're not being serious, right?"
"I'm dead series. Speaking of being dead, that would literally be me if he catches me in anything that shows skin."
"Audrey, that's not ok. Your body is a piece of art work and you should be allowed to flaunt it however you want."
Audrey blushes. Heath always makes her blush.
"Thank you but I think I'll stick to my long sleeve tops."
"My cat and I believe that your boyfriend is ridiculous. No one can stop you from wearing what you want."
"I know, but you don't know him. None of you guys do so please can we move on?"
"No, we can't move on," Heath looks her in the eye, "your boyfriend is a little shit who is so insecure of himself. It's not your fault that you're smoking hot. Break up with that loser."
"For you? Or for me."
"Audrey-" I try to grab her hand but Audrey snatches it away from me.
"All of you have no idea what actually goes on in my life. My boyfriend is the most precious thing in my universe. He's picky about what I wear because he cares about my safety. No one gets a say in this but him. I'm going home, have fun butting into other people's businesses." Audrey drops the turtleneck on the ground and runs off.  Heath picks it up and brushes it against his face.
"It's dirty." Erica cringes.
"What do we do? Audrey is clearly brainwashed."
"No white guy is going to be her savior, Heath. All we can do is remind her that we're always here with her. We can't force her to do something she doesn't want to do. She will only ignore us even more."
"So you're saying we need to act like everything is ok? You're a real piece of shit, Mandy."
I clutch my fist. "Look, if we bother her with that stuff she's not going to want to be friends with us anymore. If she's not our friend then we won't know if she's seriously getting abused. I know Audrey is very private and quiet but she'll have to tell at least someone."
"I just want her to be alright." Heath whispers. That dude is madly in love with her. Piper looks so pissed off. Now that I think of it, she always looks uncomfortable whenever Heath and Audrey are together or when someone mentions Audrey. Does she like Heath? Does she like Audrey? She's dating Freddy so surely she's not into either of them...right?