Blue Skies: Sean & Kaycee | Short Stories

Buried Alive | Part 5

So.....hello again? It's been quite a while since I've posted anything, as my life has been quite hectic the past couple of months. But this quarantine has certainly given me time to write again. I first wanted to update Buried Alive before starting another short 2-part story I've been contemplating for a while, so look for that soon :)

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy wherever you are in the world!

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Kaycee didn't want to be here.

She was sitting on Bailey's bed, watching her friend apply a thick line of eyeliner as she racked her brain for a legitimate excuse to leave. Kaycee glanced around the room for some sort of inspiration, her eyes sweeping over the trendy wallpaper and eclectic collection of bohemian furniture; it was like an Anthropology Instagram post come to life. A collection of Polaroids were pinned haphazardly over her mint green record player, twinkly lights criss-crossing the room over a pile of cozy floor pillows, and a window sill overflowing with crystals and plants whose vines were slowly creeping down to the floor.

Kaycee was still taken aback that Bailey was now living in her own house, paying utilities and complaining about renters' insurance. In her mind it was such an alien concept that her childhood friends were all grown up, off dealing with their own adult responsibilities and problems. It was a constant reminder that so much had changed since Kaycee left, making her feel off-kilter; like she had come back to a completely different world.

Kaycee shifted on the bed, shooting a glance to where Bailey sat at her vanity, her nose smudging the glass as she leaned forward to apply her mascara

"Hey," Kaycee started in an off-handed tone. "So, I actually really need to finish sorting my boxes to figure out what I need to buy before classes start..."

Her words trailed off as she met Bailey's narrowed eyes in the mirror. Her friend spun around, slamming her mascara on the wood surface before pointing at Kaycee.

"You are not going anywhere, missy," she said with a voice that challenged Kaycee to say otherwise. "I know what you're trying to do."

Kaycee groaned, flopping back onto the pillows and pouting at the ceiling.

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this. This was such a bad idea."

Bailey sighed, turning to check her makeup in the mirror—good enough, she thought—before moving to sit next to Kaycee on the edge of her bed. She rested her freshly manicured hand on Kaycee's shoulder.

"I know this is stressful," she said, her eyes sympathetic. "But I think the longer you put this off the worse it will be for both of you."

Kaycee pursed her lips, knowing but hating the fact Bailey was right.

"Come on," Bailey said suddenly. "Let's get you ready. Can't have you making bad impressions."

She tugged on Kaycee's arm, pulling her friend up and pushing her towards the overflowing closet.

Kaycee let herself be bundled into a pair of Bailey's old high-waisted leggings ("I think these were from Gap Kids...so they should fit you," she said, ignoring Kaycee's rude gesture) along with an off-the-shoulder sweater that was cropped at her midriff. Bailey took a straightener to Kaycee's long hair and—after much pleading— convinced her to put on some mascara and lip gloss.

"There," Bailey said with a satisfied smile as she stepped back to review her work. "You look amazing."

Kaycee glanced shyly in the mirror. She still looked thin, but the outfit helped her delicate frame look almost normal, and the touch of makeup added color to her face. She nearly looked like the 19 years she was. Kaycee blinked as she realized that meant Sean was now 20...almost 21. How much Sean had changed since she'd last seen him? she thought. She brushed her hair behind her shoulders, leaving it to cascade behind her like a shiny cape, and tried not to wonder what Sean would think about her new appearance.