Odessa

chapter 41 - the entire galaxy

The streets are wet and filled with energy as I walk, my boots stomping in puddles as I march to my destination.

It's what I needed today. I needed a destination.

I stop at a corner store, spending some extra cash on as many different snacks I can get my hands on.

Leon Dante has an ingredients household.

I'm lying, but he definitely seems like the type, and that makes me smile as I walk down through central park, a woman walking a rat sized dog looking at me like I'm insane.

"Miss Sofiaaa!" Yas calls out and I smile as I see them, curled up on a bench together, staying warm. She looks good, I wouldn't even want to think what her hangover would have been like.

People who care for each other openly, I have a deep appreciation for. It takes a lot more out of a person to care, then to not. It takes effort.

"Hello my pretty angels." I say, giving them both a big hug.

"Don't you look cute and cozy." Emma says, rubbing the fabric of my sweater.

I messaged them after I had finished getting ready, asking if they wanted to smoke and the immediate answer was 'fuck yes'.

We agreed central park, then walk around, maybe shop, get some food, then head home. A perfect day, all in my control. Somewhat. 

"My guys almost here. We both brought cash so we can split it." Emma speaks, giving me a small smile.

I shake my head instantly, without a second thought, "No it's my treat. Seriously. I got us some snacks too." I throw my bag at Yas, whose curled back up on the bench.

She opens the pack, looking up at me with sparkles in her eyes, "Marry me."

"At this point, I'm down." We laugh, and I join them on the bench.

Soon, Emma gets a call and I hand her the cash, which she takes hesitantly. I hug onto Yasmine as we wait.

-

"The grass feels squishy." Emma says, making a snow-angel motion as we lie on the wet grass.

We didn't think about all the rain, but once we were down, we couldn't get back up.

"I feel squishy." Yas says, making me laugh. Making her laugh, making Emma cackle.

I'd never seen Emma so open before, I almost felt protective over her. There are always reasons people put their walls up, and letting them down creates this underlying sense of vulnerability that can't really be discussed. I know my walls are always up, but seeing hers falling, makes me feel like I can do the same.

"Guyssssss." Emma says with urgency, sitting up and looking at us.

We both do the same, looking at her seriously.

She immediately starts laughing. Then we immediately start laughing.

I haven't laughed like this since I was a kid. I missed it.

"Wait- wait wait." Yas stops us, catching her breath as she waits for us to catch ours, "What were you going to tell us?" She points at Emma.

Emma looks almost guilty, her eyes moving around like she's trying to look around her brain. "I... I have no fucking idea."

We laugh.

"Oh my god." Oh my god. Idea. I just had the best idea. "Idea. I have an idea."

"Tell us right now." Emma says, leaning in.