Fourteen years later, on that same road where the whole incident went down, are two white crosses planted deep into the earth with flowers and hearts at the base. The sun was blocked out by the clouds, raindrops splashing against the asphalt rhythmically, the gentle tapping of the liquid balls hitting the ground. A lone woman, 21 years of age, stood, eyes low, a black umbrella over her head. Cinnamon curls lay limp and damp on her shoulders, her hand raised as her fingers ran through her wet hair. A car was parked a few yards away, the headlights still on, cutting through the fog and rain. The right car door pushed open, another woman stepping out. A polka dotted light blue and orange umbrella popped up over her head as she walked towards the other lady. "Opal..?" She mumbled upon reaching her, a gentle hand lifting and resting against her damp shoulder. Opaline turned her gaze towards her friend.
"Amelia." She cleared her throat, a familiar knot growing deep in her airway, and indication that she was about to cry. Sucking in a long breath, she let her shoulder slump as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a shining locket, a picture of her parents and her just two years before the accident inside. "I love you.." She mumbled into the locket, planting a gentle kiss on the chilled gold before placing it neatly between the two crosses. She crouched there, arms resting on her knees before her friend shook her from her trance.
"Opaline, the rain is getting harder.. We should go." Opaline nodded slowly, lifting herself up to her feet. With one last glance at the memorial of her parents, she turned and headed for the car. Crawling in, she closed her wet umbrella and squeezed out her hair, water droplets spilling from her locks. With a sigh, she buried her face into her hands, holding back a gentle sob. Amelia, after entering the car herself, looked over at her friend and laid a loving hand against Opaline's back. "I know it's hard... This is the first time you've been back here since the accident.." She mumbled softly, rubbing her back. Opaline lifted her head, breathing in sharply before looking out the window.
"I'm alright. I needed this.." She whispered, letting her head lean against the car window as she stared out towards the sky.
The next week was hectic.; college classes were preparing for the Finals, students studying harder than ever, and with jobs and families, a person couldn't squeeze everything in one week. Not for Opaline. Michigan state college wasn't all that hard for her. Getting an Art Degree would be as easy as breathing. Her art was phenomenal. The dorm that she and Amelia shared was cluttered with paints, canvases and everything in between. The two were artiholics. They would spend their free time doing nothing but eating Ramen and doing art. But on days like these, Opaline was drawing a blank on what she found entertaining. Sitting on the edge of her bed, a pen in hand, she tapped her chin, eyeing everything in the dorm. Sketching out every last detail, she finished just as Amelia stumbled through the door. "He-y ," she croaked, her dark, auburn hair seemed knotted and messy. Opaline eyed her, a suspicious smirk on her face.
"Hello, Amelia." She said in a motherly tone, crossing her arms in mock disappointment. Amelia must not have noticed, because in a matter of seconds, she was plopped down beside Opaline, giggles erupting from her gut.
"Listen, girlie." She hiccuped. "I just met the hottest dude-" Her sentence was cut off by a loud hiccup, but she seemed unfazed for she continued her story telling. "I invited him over for a drink, so unless you wanna be involved, I suggest you hightail it out of here by noon." She chuckled, elbowing Opaline in the side. With a long sigh, Opaline stood, her hand lifting as she casually ran it through her hair.
"I'll leave, but you better not do shit in my bed." She stated firmly. Amelia nodded, but Opaline doubted she understood a single word that was said. Shaking her head, she put down her sketch on her private desk before exiting the room, Amelia hooting and squealing with excitement as she continued to babble on about the man she met. Opaline rolled her eyes, walking herself down the corridor towards the stair case. Spotting five other students exiting the elevator that was located directly beside the entrance to the stairs, she grumbled, lifting her hood up over her head, fingers tugging at her sleeves to hide her hands. Opaline hated any type of interaction except for the relationship she had with Amelia. That girl was the only one who could really let Opaline open up. The students that exited looked at her as she gently pushed open the stairwell door.
"Hey, cutie," a young man said, his friends, both female and male, chuckling behind him. "Wanna come over for some fun?" He asked, suddenly approaching Opaline. His arms caged her in as she fell back against the door. She lowered her gaze, her sight locked on her black and white Converse shoes. "Yes or no, sweetheart?" He said finally, turning his head to look back at his posse. Opaline took the chance to kick out, her foot connecting with his groin. With a long groan, he bent down, his hands holding himself in agony.
"The hell!? What was that for?" One of his friends stepped forwards, arm prepared to swing, but as his fist started to move, a hand gripped his elbow, stopping him.
"Michael, let her go." Amelia spoke softly. Her hair was neatly groomed and makeup was displayed nicely against her pale skin. Michaels eyes shot towards Amelia, his muscles relaxing as he yanked his arm away.
"Whatever, Amelia." He breathed, a gentle huff escaping him as he looked over to Opaline. "Sorry." He mumbled before returning his gaze to Amelia. "You ready for tonight?" He smirked at her, which earned him a smile back.
"Sure as hell." Amelia replied, hands on her hips. Opaline gazed at her roommate with an intent stare.
"HE'S the one you're bringing over?" She hissed lowly, edging her way to the stairwell door. Amelia nodded, sighing lightly.
"Yeah.. Surprise." She said softly, arms crossing over her chest. Michael snorted, rubbing his nose with his thumb.
"I'm not that bad. You just fucked with my friend, so I was gonna fuck with you." He stated before turning back towards his now balanced friend. "Anyway. Cya later, Amelia." He said, helping his injured friend down the hall to the dorm a few doors down. Opaline shot a hateful glare at Amelia before pushing through the doors, going down the stairs two steps at a time before she reached the bottom. Lifting a hand to whip her hair from her face, she walked into the main lobby.
"Time for some food." She said to herself, rubbing her hands together as she headed for the front doors of the apartment building.
