bare [h.s.]

Friend

"I'm surprised you let me in,"
I admit, taking a seat on the
leather couch beside her.

"Me too," Ally shrugs, resting
her bare feet on the glass coffee table. "But I did anyway."

"Thanks," I roll my eyes,
nervously picking
at my fingernails.
The last time I spoke to her,
we were screaming
at one another in the middle
of a crowded hallway.
Hopefully this conversation
will go smoother.

"I'm kidding," She smiles, mumbling a faint 'sort of'
under her breath
that I pretend not to hear.
"I'm surprised that you called."

"I was seeking comfort in a friend,
I guess," I glance over at her,
but she only gives off
another shrug.

"Well, I'm glad you dressed up just to see me," She jokes, gesturing
at my fancy getup.

"That's a long story," I laugh,
pinching the dark material between my fingers.

"Good thing I enjoy long stories,"
She says evenly, focusing
every bit of attention on me.
I sadly smile up at her,
running one hand slowly
through my greasy hair.

"I missed you."
She scrunches her slim nose
at my attempt of a cute moment,
and I swat my hand at her.

"Get on with the story, Adams.
You're boring the hell out of me,"
She groans, resting her lanky
legs across my lap.
I draw in a deep breath
as if it is my last taste of cool air
and furrow my brows,
trying to clearly remember
the past weekend.

And as her playful grin promptly
shifts to a somber, unreadable
expression,
she excuses herself,
walks away with a
faltering balance, and
leaves me alone
in her living room
with the terrible story
lingering in the atmosphere.