BRUISES

| Twenty-Five |

Jules moved closer to my childhood home during high school. So picking her up then getting Em is relatively easy. Clarry said she'd meet us there once her mom went to bed and her brother can secretly drive her. I passed her house when I went to get Jules, then Rubies's, then Penny's.

Car pooling wasn't so hard because we were all able to walk to each other's houses. We all lived in a circle except for Vivi. She lived behind the high school area so she drove herself. She has to go home early anyways.

Jules and I are in the car as though nothing happened. She decides to play her music to get amped up while her 6-pack of alcohol is clinking between her feet. Em comes running out of her small one-floor home. Her mother left her father when she was a toddler. Her mother and children moved into a smaller home while her father still owns the same one.

I can resonate with Em on that part. Divorced parents—separation. The question of love, who to love and how to love. We never understand that growing up.

I thought I'd be awkward at first but she smiles in the backseat and places her backpack on the floor.

"I got alcohol in case anybody needs." She unzips her backpack and reveals hard liquor. I reverse out of her driveway and honk at her brother—who's head is buried in the popped hood of his car. I wonder how her little sister is. She must be a senior in high school now.

"I'm going to be a safe DD and not drink."

Jules widens her eyes, "At all?" She questions almost insultingly.

I turn at a green light and nod, "Not even a lick."

"Party pooper." Em mutters in the back and when I look through the mirror, she is grinning.

"Safe than sorry. Too many risk-taking drivers on these roads."

"You're right." She agrees after.

We arrive to Ian's house a little after the time of the party. There is a thump of music in the backyard so we follow the concrete path to the side gate. Opening it, there are some bodies hanging around with alcoholic beverages in their hands.

I wave my way through and Em and Jules greets them. Ian lives in the center of our circle. He actually lives near my ex-boyfriend but I don't believe he will be here. Em goes to the white cooler against the house and dumps her bottles in there.

Since we all have reunited, she's been better. Different to say. I like it and I hope it stays that way. Approaching her, I graze my hand along her arm.

"Hey," I begin while she turns around and grins. "I'm sorry about what I said to you in Rubies room." I apologize, the weight on my shoulders slowly lifting.

"No it's okay. We all weren't in our right minds but thank you."

"I know the truth." I tell her and she tilts her head to the side. "I just need the right time to tell Jules."

She gazes down at the ground and the music, the voices, everything around us dims down. "And Penny."

"Yes, I know. Rubies told me and now I am the only person who can fix this."

Em sighs, "I've been stubborn too. I should apologize to Penny for being distant with her."

"Take your time."

She winks playfully, "You too. I don't think Jules is in a rush." I look over my shoulder and Jules is already hands on with an old classmate. We both laugh until I clear my throat and run my hand through my hair.

"She's also going through a lot. I went to a group counseling with her and realize that she—we both aren't in our right minds."

Surprisingly she leans forward and pulls me into a hug. I'm caught off guard and am doused in her sweet vanilla shampoo and powder deodorant scent. Her body is warm and welcoming. I take it for granted.