Monday, November 7, 2022

I toss my backpack onto the floor, and it lands with a thud. The sound echoes around the room leaving only silence in its wake.

 “Hello?” I shout, making my way through the house. Every room is empty, but once I make it to the kitchen I see a note on the fridge.

 Had to take Cory to a football scrimmage, so I’ll be tied up there for a while. Mom is at work. There’s food in the fridge if you’re hungry.

Dad.

 My stomach only sinks a little this time. Normally the sting of hurt—my parents are always caught up with my little brother, Cory, rather than me—stays longer, but today it dissipates quickly. I pull out my phone and call a number I haven’t dialed in a long time. Fiona. She picks up after four rings.

 “Audra, what’s up?” Her words carry a hint of confusion.

 “My parents aren’t here, and I’m lonely.” I can’t hide the trace of a whine in my voice. “Want to come over?”

 The line goes quiet for a few moments before I hear muffled voices. She must be asking her parents. Why did she hesitate?

 “Yeah, sure. I’ll be over in, like, ten minutes?”

 “Sounds good.”

 I smile to myself, bouncing a bit with excitement. It’s been a while since we’ve hung out, just me and her. Ever since she made the varsity soccer team and I only made JV… Whatever. Today will be fun.

 A few minutes later, the doorbell rings. I race over to the door and throw it open, a smile spreading across my face. Fiona stands there, her straight brown hair tossed cleanly over her grey sweater and her pale hands, down at her sides, adorned with gold rings.

 “You’re here!” I blurt, tossing my arms around her. She wraps her arms around me in return but pulls away quickly.

 “I’m here!” Fiona smiles, but her words are halting.

I welcome her into the house, letting her walk in front of me. Like a good host. She meanders into the kitchen, and I follow her awkwardly, neither of us saying a word.

“So, are you hungry?” I ask, acting as though the silence between us is normal.

 “Not really.”

 “You got here really fast.”

 “I do live just down the street.” The pathetic conversation stops there. “Want to watch a show or something?”

“Sure.” I’m grateful for the opportunity to fill the space between us.