City Girl

Rebel Yell

Chapter 6 - Rebel Yell

As I stood outside Grace's house, an odd sensation washed over me. It was as if I was revisiting a fragment of a life long past. I inserted the key into the lock and pushed the door open. A wave of incense lingered in the air, clinging to the furniture as if it had been trapped there for weeks.

Stepping inside, I was immediately engulfed by a flood of memories. Images of my friends and I filled my mind—the laughter we shared in Boston, the first time Monique and I crossed that intimate line. Each moment played back vividly, as if they had just occurred yesterday.

A tear slipped down my cheek; Trent and I should have been here together, enjoying a summer in this charming townhouse nestled in the heart of Boston.

Yet, the house felt hollow, despite its vibrant atmosphere and the eclectic decorations. As I ventured further in, my eyes landed on a note resting on the kitchen counter...

I picked it up, my heart racing as I unfolded the paper. It was from Monique, written in her familiar loopy handwriting. I missed her so much;

Mal,

Welcome to Graces house, I hope you and Trent had a wonderful train ride.

I paused, my heart aching at the mention of Trent's name. The note was a bittersweet reminder of the plans we had made together, the dreams we had shared for the summer. I continued to read, my eyes scanning the familiar loops of her handwriting.

I hope you find the house cozy. It's a great place to unwind and enjoy the city. I left you both some snacks in the pantry, and there are extra blankets in the closet if you need them.

Take care of each other, and remember to make unforgettable memories. Can't wait to hear all about your adventures!

Love,
Monique

P.S I've left numbers to all the places I'm staying at in India, and when I'll be there. So you better call me, because I will miss you!

I folded the note carefully, my emotions swirling like leaves in a gust of wind. The warmth of her words brought a smile to my face, but the ache of loss was ever-present. Monique's enthusiasm was contagious, and I could almost hear her voice urging me to embrace the summer, to find joy despite the heartache.

I felt an overwhelming wave of emotion wash over me, and I began to sob uncontrollably. Nothing was unfolding as I had hoped. I couldn't bring myself to call Monique; I didn't want to tarnish her getaway with my troubles. Instead, I curled up into a tight ball on the couch, trying to find some comfort in the familiar surroundings.

The cushions enveloped me, providing a temporary solace, but I felt so alone. The laughter and joy that once filled these rooms now felt like ghosts, haunting me with their absence. I closed my eyes, allowing the memories to wash over me—the laughter, the late-night passion, and the connection we all shared. I hated being like this.

At that moment, my phone buzzed to life, and I saw Meg's name flashing on the screen. I fumbled with the device, still grappling with how to navigate this confusing technology.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I was ready to talk to anyone. But then, I remembered how Meg always had a way of bringing light into dark moments. With a shaky breath, I swiped to answer.

"Hey, Mal! How's it going?" Meg's voice was collected and warm.

I took a moment to gather myself, forcing back the tears. "Hey, Meg. It's... it's okay. Just got to Grace's house."

"Ah, the infamous Grace's house!" she said, her voice cool and collected.

"You free?" I said sighing "I don't want to be alone right now"