Shattered

Chapter 5

The past few days had been boring and a repeating routine, work, small talks with Valerie at work, and afternoons by the river. Each moment of calmness seemed to bring the loneliness that followed me like a shadow.

I haven't seen painter boy since after the crafts fair. Ive seen him once since, he smiled but I didn't return his gesture. I felt guilty for not returning a smile, but I couldn't feel the energy to force a smile.

Tonight, as I curled up with a bowl of popcorn, my phone rang. An unknown number.

I hesitated before answering.

'Hello?'

'Oh, she picked up!' Valerie's voice cut through the static of my thoughts. 'We're hanging out at my place. You should come if you want.'

The invitation was a welcome distraction from the silence that had become my companion. I felt relief at the thought of leaving my apartment, even if just for a while.

'Yeah, sure,' I replied, trying to inject some enthusiasm into my voice. 'Text me your address. I'll be there soon.'

I get ready and head out to her apartment. I knock on her door and she opens it, "oh hey you made it!" Valerie greeted me.
Valerie gestured me to come inside, her house is a big family home that gives a cozy vibe, reminding me of my parents and how much I miss them.

"Make yourself comfortable," Valerie said, gesturing for me to sit. She walked towards the kitchen, calling from over her shoulder. "Want something to drink? I've got soda, a couple beers, water..."

I settle onto the couch, my body relaxing in the cushioned seats. "I'll take a beer." I reply quietly.

"Here you go," Valerie sat down next to me, hand extended to offer her the beer.

Sam walks down the stairs. She let out a soft exhaled
"Hey, sorry it took me so long, I was-" Sam paused as her gaze flickered between us. She eyed the beers suspiciously. "...are y'all already drinking?"

Valerie shrugged casually, her own beer already half empty.
"Yeah."
Sam huffed, rolling her eyes. She settled into a seat on the other side of me, crossing her legs.
"And why didn't I get invited?" She whined.

"Because," Valerie said, raising her drink to her lips. "I went to the kitchen to get the first round, and you were being a lazy little bum upstairs-"

"Hey, I wasn't being a bum!" Sam whined."I got caught up looking for something, sue me!"
Valerie smirked at Sam. She knew she was getting under her skin.
"That still sounds like you being a lazy bum-"
"Oh, shut it." Sam playfully said at her side. She turned her attention to me. A teasing smirk spread across Sam's face as she eyed the bottle and played with her wavy blonde hair.
"You're a beer girl, huh?"

I looked up at Sam and took another sip, holding it in my mouth for a moment before swallowing. "What about it?"

I shrugged. I set my beer down on the table next to me, before leaning back against the couch cushions. I met their gazes evenly, no hint of shame or guilt visible on my features.
"I'm not a big drinker. I just wanted something stronger than soda, tonight."

"So what makes tonight different? What's got you reaching for the stronger stuff?" Sam leaned forward intently, her eyebrows raising.

I paused for a moment, contemplating my answer. It was a simple question, and yet I still felt hesitant to answer. How do I explain it? That I just need something to distract myself?
"...I just wanted a change of pace. That's all."

Valerie eyed me carefully.

"Elora... Can I ask you something personal?" Valerie asked.

My gaze on Valerie, an eyebrow raised. I can see that there is seriousness in her tone. I hesitated for a moment before answering. "...yeah, go ahead."