Last Summer 🔪Scream 1996

Ch. 19: Stress Eating at Milly's

We walk through the door, Billy's arm draped over my shoulder as Stu and Sophia walk behind us. We head towards the table where Tiffany and Joseph are sitting, chatting away in an intimate embrace. They pull away when she spots me, a smile forming on her lips.

"Hey!"

"Hey! How does it feel to be free?"

"Not completely free yet....but amazing otherwise!"

We share a quick hug as I pull away from Billy, squeezing her tight before sitting down across from her. Before Sophia can sit down, both boys sit down on either side of me after greeting Joseph. She smirks at me before sitting between Stu and Tiffany, pushing her hair back before grabbing the menu.

I do the same, looking over it even though I have the menu memorized by this point. I lick my lips at the croissant options, sweet and savory. I also debate on the Eggs Sardou, chicken and waffles, grillades and grits, or the banana foster French toast. Billy leans over my right shoulder, looking at the list as I hum in indecisiveness.

"Oh my...is that who I think it is?"

We all turn around, a smiling Milly walking up to the table. She's looking at Sophia, happiness shining in her eyes. Sophia stands, allowing Milly to pull her into a tight hug. When they pull away, Milly holds Soph at arms length as she looks her over.

"Look at you! Have you gotten taller?"

"Please...I haven't grown an inch since I was fifteen..."

Milly hugs her again before stepping away and looking at everyone else at the table. She smiles at all three boys politely before settling in on Tiff and I.

"Why is this the first time I'm seeing you both? You're usually here every other day..." she scolds us in her thick accent, resting her hands on her hips. "I was starting to feel neglected..."

"I'm sorry, Milly...I've been busy tutoring...and then I was on lock down for a week..."

"What did you do to get that punishment?"

"Went to a party..."

"That's it?"

"I drank and smoked a little..."

"Girl...when I was your age, I was out every night...drinking and smoking with any who wanted to..."

"Someone called my mom...I don't know who. Just that it was a male...."

"Sounds like someone got jealous..."

I shrug as I look back at the menu, still trying to figure out what I want. Tiffany smiles as she looks up at Milly,  handing her the menu. Joseph has his arm resting on the back her cheer, still looking over the menu as Stu and Billy do the same.

"Hey Milly..."

"Tiffany...what's your excuse?"

"Uhm..." she glances at Joseph, clearing her throat before looking back up at Milly with a small, nervous smile. "I-I've been busy..."

"Hmhm..." Milly pushes her lips before pulling out a not pad and pen. "What will y'all be having?"

"Uh...May I have the biscuits and gravy, please?"

"Uh-hu..."

"Thank you, ma'am..."

"Where are ya from?"

Milly asks as she writes down his order, not looking up as Joseph looks at her with a smile.

"Sulfur, Oklahoma. Ma'am..."