She's A Badass (#Wattys2024)

4.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the neighborhood, Mia and I left the comic book store and started walking home. The tension from earlier was easing, and I could tell Mia felt more relaxed. We chatted about school, the latest comics, and the upcoming weekend.

"So, are you ready for our movie night tomorrow?" I asked, nudging her playfully.

Mia rolled her eyes but smiled. "I'm only watching it because of you. You know I don't watch horror movies."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 isn't a horror movie, Mia. It's not that scary, I promise."

Mia looked skeptical. "You say that now, but I've heard there are some creepy parts. Plus, Voldemort gives me the chills."

"Okay, fair enough," I conceded. "But trust me, it's more about the adventure and the friendship. Besides, you'll have me there to protect you from any scary parts."

Mia giggled. "Alright, alright. I'll take your word for it. But if I have nightmares, you're to blame."

"I'll take full responsibility," I said with a mock serious tone, making us both laugh.

We continued walking, the conversation turning to lighter topics. It was moments like these that made me grateful for Mia's friendship. She always had a way of making things feel normal, even when the rest of the world seemed chaotic.

As we approached our street, I noticed the familiar sight of the D'Amico family car parked a few houses down. My mind wandered back to Chris and the bizarre history my mother had mentioned. I shook my head, trying to push those thoughts away. Tonight was about enjoying time with Mia.

When we reached Mia's house. "Thanks for walking me home," Mia said as we reached her door.

"Anytime," I replied. "See you tomorrow night. And don't worry, I'll bring the bravery along with the popcorn."

Mia laughed and waved as she went inside. I continued down the street to my house, feeling a little lighter. 

I arrived home to the sound of my parents' voices coming from the kitchen. The aroma of my mother's cooking wafted through the house, mingling with the low hum of their conversation. As I stepped inside, I caught snippets of their discussion.

"The D'Amico family is getting bolder," my father said, his tone tense. "It's only a matter of time before they cause more trouble."

My mother sighed. "I know, but what can we do? We have to be careful, especially with Britney around."

I acted like I didn't care, waving a casual hello as I walked past the kitchen. "Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad." I headed straight to my room, not wanting to get involved in another heavy conversation about the D'Amicos.

Once in my room, I grabbed a change of clothes and headed to the shower. The hot water was soothing.

After drying off and changing into something comfortable, I decided to head back downstairs. I moved quietly, not wanting to alert my parents to my presence just yet. As I crept towards the living room, I paused near the bathroom, listening to their conversation.

"...and what about Mindy?" my mother asked. "It's been so long since we've heard from her. Remember how she and Britney used to play dolls together? They were inseparable." My father replied, "Mindy's with her dad now, far away. It's probably for the best, considering everything that's happened."

I felt a pang of nostalgia at the mention of Mindy. She was my best friend growing up, and we spent countless hours playing together, sharing secrets and dreams. But after her father got out of prison, she moved away with her dad, and we lost touch.