Beautiful Apparation (Tony Perry FF)

fourty-three

Lynn and Alexa invited me to their movie night. Deciding I've been way too distant from Lynn, I tag along. I promised Jaime I'd work on my issues, and this is a start. He texts me frequently, asking if I'm okay or if I needed anything. I'm grateful to have someone like him, and I wish I could tell him everything, but I can't. Going to Danielle isn't that helpful either, especially with Vic's unpredictable visits back home.

Being the third wheel can be a bummer but I'm not going to lie, I like it in a way. I feel like I am alone because Lynn and Alexa were too busy with each other. That's all I really wanted to be right now, alone.

After I pay for my popcorn I catch up with the girls who are currently taking selfies. God, they're so cute it makes me want to puke. I photobomb the photo.

"Cool you're here." Alexa smiles. "Let's go in before all the good seats are taken."

We do so and grab seats near the front. There's a railing in front of us so we can all put our feet up. I immediately feel relaxed. Just when I feel myself about to drift off, Lynn nudges me.

"So what have you been up to?"

This is the first time tonight she actually tried starting a conversation with me. I want to tell her about Jaime, but realize how much more I'd have to explain. I couldn't say we had sex and leave it there, I needed to tell her everything that happened before and after. The only people that know about the incident is Jaime himself and Danielle.

"Nothing much, I've been going to the dog park a lot lately." This is true.

It's sorta like a safe haven for me in a way. Ingrid is always there too. We've developed a pretty close bond since we first met. Not in a creepy way, but we have a lot in common. Me, having a lot in common with a thirteen year old!

"Surrounded by annoying owners and dog shit?" She giggles.

I shrug."It isn't that bad."

"Have you talked to Hannah lately?"

"No, I need to though."

Before she can most likely agree, the lights dim. The movie begins and I begin to pay attention. It's a comedy, so I'm hoping I can get a good laugh.

God knows I need it.

>>>

Lynn drops me off at my house. As soon as her car is out of sight, I go next door to Danielle. I knock on the door, hoping she's here. I need to vent some more.

The door opens to Vic.

"Hey."

"Hi," I greet. I'm surprised to see him. He's hardly home since he got back into the studio. "Is Danielle here?"

"Not yet, but why don't you come in?"

I go to refuse but he literally went outside and helped me inside as if I was an elder crossing the street. He closes the door behind us and I immediately feel uncomfortable. Being here when Danielle isn't doesn't feel right.

"So whatcha been up to lately?"

I scoff. "Don't act like you don't know." Yes, I'm still a little pissed that he told Jaime about me.

He face shows guilt. "Sorry, I didn't know it was going to get out of hand. I was worried, okay?"

"Thanks but that doesn't mean you get permission to intervene. I can handle myself."

"Never said you couldn't," He points out. "C'mon, I wanna show you something."

He walks out of the room and reluctantly, I follow him. We make it to the end of the hall where he pulls a key out of his pocket and unlocks the door in front of him. It opens, and he gestures for me to go inside first. I do so, taking every step down the stairs with caution.